Calgary/CMEDIA: Hockey Canada board Chair Michael Brind’Amour reportedly told the board Friday evening he was stepping down immediately, Hockey Canada said Saturday in a statement.
“My final term ends in November 2022, and I know that there is no need to wait for a new era. Immediate action is essential to address the important challenges facing our organization and our sport,” Brind’Amour stated in a Hockey Canada news release.
Being under intense scrutiny for its handling of sexual assault allegations against members of previous en’s junior teams, the Hockey Canada board of directors and members will determine in a meeting in the coming days to take the next step of appointing an interim chair.
“I have listened carefully and intently to the comments of Canadians about the culture of our sport and our organization, and about our actions and leadership,” Brind’Amour said in the statement. “I understand that the actions we have taken in recent weeks are part of the solution.
“My final term ends in November 2022, and I know that there is no need to wait for a new era. Immediate action is essential to address the important challenges facing our organization and our sport, which our Action Plan works to accomplish.
“I would not be able to see this renewal through.”
Brind’Amour was elected board chair in 2018.
The announcement follows Hockey Canada’s appointment of former Canadian Supreme Court judge, Thomas Cromwell, to review the governance of the country’s governing body of hockey.
Interim recommendations are expected to be provided by the reviewbefore Hockey Canada’s annual general meeting in November.
In response to an alleged sexual assault and subsequent out-of-court settlement, the federal government in June froze the organization’s access to public funds.
Led by Hockey Quebec, the 10 provincial and three territorial associations said that they want more information on the handling of sexual assault allegations involving members of that men’s junior team from a 2018 Hockey Canada gala event in London, Ont., and have threatened to withhold payment without answers.
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