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The Canadian national women’s hockey team is requesting “equal representation and a seat at the table” amid major leadership overhauls within Hockey Canada.
On Tuesday, Scott Smith stepped down as CEO of the sport’s governing body, and the entire board of directors agreed to step aside and refuse reelection so a new board could be put in place. Hockey Canada members will vote to have those appointments ratified no later than Dec. 17, 2022.
That news came down just days after interim board chair Andrea Skinner resigned. She had been on the job for only two months.
In a statement released Thursday, the women’s national team called the recent developments a “first step in what we hope represents the beginning of positive change” for hockey in Canada.
“We are confident that a Board that truly embodies the diversity of our country and one that will advocate and fight for a safe and protected environment for all participants and fans will be appointed.”
The statement also asked for a board that will “embody [the] commitment” that the women’s national team has continuously invested in developing all programs within Hockey Canada, including for Paralympics.
“We ask for equal representation with a seat at the table, as we continue to promote and grow the women’s game globally, so that we may bring our perspective and input to ensure that our sports’ national governing body evolves to one that truly represents all Canadians and safeguards its participants.”
Hockey Canada has faced intense — and increasing — scrutiny over recent months. TSN’s Rick Westhead first reported in May that Hockey Canada had paid an undisclosed settlement to a woman who brought a $3.55 million lawsuit against the over an alleged sexual assault by eight members of Canada’s World Junior team in 2018. Later in July, Hockey Canada revealed it had also paid out $7.6 million in nine settlements related to sexual abuse claims as far back as 1989.