Former Hockey Canada boss apologizes for handling sexual assault complaints

OTTAWA-

Former Hockey Canada president and CEO Bob Nicholson says he’s « sorry » he doesn’t have written guidelines in place for how the national sports organization should handle claims for sexual assault while in office.

Testifying Tuesday before the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage on Parliament Hill, Nicholson said he was satisfied with the federation’s handling of claims throughout his tenure, which spanned from 1998 to 2014.

But he adds that these meetings should not have been held behind closed doors without minutes being taken.

Hockey Canada has been mired in controversy for months after the organization mishandled sexual assault allegations involving members of the 2018 World Junior Team. None of the allegations have been proven in court.

Hockey Canada’s senior vice-president of strategy Pat McLaughlin testified that the organization had paid $1.6 million to crisis management firm Navigator since July as it dealt with mounting scandals that have seen government and sponsorship funds suspended or cut entirely. McLaughlin said no public funds were used to pay Navigator.

McLaughlin added that lost corporate partnerships have cost the organization up to $24 million in funding.

This report from The Canadian Press was first published on November 15, 2022.