Hockey N.S. suspends transfer of some fees to Hockey Canada amid growing scandal

Hockey Nova Scotia and the premier of Nova Scotia are calling for change to Hockey Canada’s senior leadership

CITYnews halifax \ Mark Hodgins

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The governing body for hockey in Nova Scotia is calling for change at Hockey Canada. 

Hockey Nova Scotia is suspending the transfer of participant assessment fees to the national body for the duration of the 2022/23 season, the provincial board announced after an emergency meeting on Thursday.

“Hockey Nova Scotia has lost confidence in Hockey Canada’s senior leadership,” a statement read. “Hockey families and non-hockey families alike agree: Change is needed at the highest levels of the game.”

The call follows similar moves by the sport’s governing bodies in Quebec and Ontario amid a growing scandal around Hockey Canada’s handling of sexual assault claims.

Premier slams Hockey Canada for “inadequate” response

Earlier on Thursday, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston issued a statement of his own, suggesting the 2023 World Junior Hockey Championship, set to be played in Halifax and Moncton this winter, might not happen if there’s no change in leadership at Hockey Canada.

“I said back in July that Hockey Canada has a lot of work to do,” Houston wrote. “Canadians have the right to expect action, answers and accountability from the organization.

“Before the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship goes forward, we need to see some meaningful changes that respect the concerns of Nova Scotians and Canadians.”

Several sponsors have announced withdrawal of financial support for Hockey Canada, including Scotiabank and Sobeys.