Evidence of meeting #38 for Canadian Heritage in the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was players.
A video is available from Parliament.
4:15 p.m.
Chief Executive Officer, Hockey Canada
Within hours of learning of that alleged incident, we contacted the London Police Service.
4:15 p.m.
President and Chief Operating Officer, Hockey Canada
If I may, Madam Chair, I believe it was between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. the evening of.
4:15 p.m.
Conservative
John Nater Conservative Perth—Wellington, ON
Thank you for that clarification.
When did you notify the board of directors of Hockey Canada about the allegation?
4:15 p.m.
Chief Executive Officer, Hockey Canada
We spoke to the chair of the board of Hockey Canada—I don't have it right in front of me, and I apologize for that—I would say, within a week to 10 days after that.
4:15 p.m.
Conservative
John Nater Conservative Perth—Wellington, ON
When did Hockey Canada engage legal counsel on this matter?
4:15 p.m.
Chief Executive Officer, Hockey Canada
We engaged legal counsel when we were served the settlement claim, which was, I believe, May 3.
4:15 p.m.
Conservative
John Nater Conservative Perth—Wellington, ON
After you were informed of this incident on the day after, when was the first time you had conversations with the players about this allegation?
4:15 p.m.
Chief Executive Officer, Hockey Canada
When we heard of the allegation, we communicated with the players that we had engaged an independent investigation firm. We told them that it was their choice to participate and that we would recommend doing so, but that it was their decision to make.
4:15 p.m.
Conservative
John Nater Conservative Perth—Wellington, ON
The firm in question is Henein Hutchison. Am I correct?
4:15 p.m.
President and Chief Operating Officer, Hockey Canada
A representative of Hockey Canada had conversations with Henein Hutchison on June 19, and I believe we engaged them within 24 hours.
4:15 p.m.
Conservative
4:15 p.m.
Chief Executive Officer, Hockey Canada
I'm not sure of the exact number, but I know they tried to communicate with every player. I don't know the number for sure, and I apologize for that.
4:15 p.m.
Conservative
John Nater Conservative Perth—Wellington, ON
Henein Hutchison has drafted a report. Hockey Canada is in possession of that report. Has that been shared with anyone outside of Hockey Canada?
4:15 p.m.
President and Chief Operating Officer, Hockey Canada
Henein Hutchison provided us interim advice on the actions we could take in the environment that occurred that evening. They provided advice to us on how we could improve our code of conduct and how we could ensure more responsible service of alcohol. We took that advice immediately on receipt of that in the fall of 2018 and worked on those recommendations. Henein Hutchison was never able to conclude its final report.
4:15 p.m.
Conservative
John Nater Conservative Perth—Wellington, ON
Would you be willing to share that interim advice with this committee?
4:15 p.m.
President and Chief Operating Officer, Hockey Canada
That advice is a matter that's under privilege. Given the fact there are other investigations going on, the advice of our counsel is not to waive that privilege.
4:15 p.m.
Conservative
John Nater Conservative Perth—Wellington, ON
Are you aware that, should this committee compel that evidence, you would be required to hand it over? Are you aware of that?
4:15 p.m.
President and Chief Operating Officer, Hockey Canada
I would seek advice from our counsel on that, but I appreciate your view.
4:15 p.m.
Conservative
John Nater Conservative Perth—Wellington, ON
How much has Hockey Canada spent on legal fees between June of 2018 and today on this matter?
4:20 p.m.
President and Chief Operating Officer, Hockey Canada
I don't have in front of me the total amount we've spent on this.
4:20 p.m.
Conservative
John Nater Conservative Perth—Wellington, ON
Would you be willing to provide that information to this committee at a future date, by email, after this committee meeting finishes?
4:20 p.m.
President and Chief Operating Officer, Hockey Canada
I would as a follow-up, and possibly that is something that could be clarified through the audit that's been commissioned by the Minister of Sport.