Hockey Quebec Withholds Funds From Hockey Canada, Tim Hortons Pulls Sponsorship

Hockey Quebec says it has lost confidence in Hockey Canada and will not transfer funds to the national organization, while a well-known Canadian brand extended its sponsorship boycott.

Hockey Quebec confirmed to The Canadian Press that its board of directors adopted a motion Tuesday night stating it does not believe Hockey Canada’s current structure can change hockey culture. The resolution was first reported by La Presse.

The provincial hockey body also decided to keep the portion of registration fees normally handed over to the national organization, which amounts to $3 per sign-up.

Also, Tim Hortons announced Wednesday it won’t sponsor any Hockey Canada men’s programming this season, including the world junior men’s championship in Halifax and Moncton.

The company, which first suspended its sponsorship in June, says it will continue to fund national women’s and para hockey programs, as well as youth hockey.

Media reports said Scotiabank followed suit Wednesday night, announcing in a statement that it will extend its pause of sponsoring the organization through the 2022-2023 season, including the world junior tournament.

“In our open letter in June, we publicly called on Hockey Canada to hold the game to a higher standard and we are disappointed with the lack of progress to date,” the bank said.

“From Hockey Canada, we expect a tangible commitment to transparency with Canadians, strong leadership, accountability with their stakeholders and the hockey community, and improved safety both on and off the ice. Our position hasn’t wavered: the time for change is long overdue.”

The Ontario Hockey Federation, the largest of Canada’s 13 provincial and territorial hockey associations, has asked Hockey Canada a second time to not collect the $3 participant assessment fee from its members for the 2022-23 season.

OHF executive director Phillip McKee told CP his federation made the same request in July to Hockey Canada’s former board chair Michael Brind’Amour.

“It is our understanding now that this request was never directed to the board before his departure,” the OHF said in a statement.

Brind’Amour resigned from his position Aug. 6. Andrea Skinner took over as interim board chair.

The Canadian Press reached out to provincial hockey associations in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba for reaction to Hockey Quebec’s resolution. B.C. Hockey said it would “continue to monitor” the situation, while Hockey Saskatchewan responded with a “no comment” reply.  Hockey Alberta and Hockey Manitoba did not respond.

Hockey Canada continues to vigorously defend its leadership amid criticism over the handling of alleged sexual assaults and the way money was paid out in lawsuits.

Two recent allegations involve players from the 2018 and 2003 Canadian junior men’s teams. Those allegations have not been tested in court.

Revelations also included Hockey Canada’s admission that it drew on minor hockey registration fees to pay for uninsured liabilities, including sexual abuse claims.