Madam Chair, members of the committee, good afternoon.
I want to begin by acknowledging the athletes and safety in sport activists who are here today.
Just over a month ago, I appeared before the committee to express my deep indignation and help shed light on this sordid affair.
What we learned on May 26 was not only shocking, but also symptomatic of a deeper social issue. I'm talking about the culture of silence and the downplaying of sexual violence against women.
I still wholly share the anger felt by all Canadians, especially Canadian families, who rightfully want to see Hockey Canada held to account in order to bring about real change. I have to tell you, our confidence in Hockey Canada and its leadership is at an all-time low.
Since Hockey Canada officials appeared before the committee on June 20, we have learned of more troubling allegations. An allegation of rape dating back to 2003 came to light, as did the existence of a dedicated fund to settle sexual misconduct cases.
Above all, these revelations illustrate a deeply entrenched toxic culture, one that allows individuals to act with impunity. What damning information is going to come out next week or next month? I don't know the answer to that, but I do know it's what everyone following this affair is wondering.
We are expecting a lot of Hockey Canada's leaders. They have a long road ahead to win back our trust. Simply put, they must get it right.
In the days after Hockey Canada's appearance before the committee, I made the decision to freeze the organization's funding and impose new conditions. They include having to participate in a financial audit to determine whether public funds were used for the out-of-court settlement, as well as disclosing the recommendations made by the law firm Henein Hutchison LLP and the action plan to implement those recommendations. Lastly, I directed the organization to speed up efforts to become a signatory to the program administered by the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner.
I did that because the testimony of the Hockey Canada officials was anything but reassuring. I realized that they failed to grasp how serious the situation was, and they needed to understand that this was a tipping point.
A few weeks ago, of course, Hockey Canada publicly committed to take action and, yesterday, released its action plan. That is clearly a step in the right direction. The organization's leadership has to do more than state its intentions, however. In the coming weeks and months, it must show that every effort is being made to bring about real culture change.
I hope what we are seeing is not an exercise in public relations meant to clean up the organization's image. That would be simply unacceptable.
Hockey Canada should not underestimate the work ahead. The organization's board and management leaders have a moral responsibility to reflect on the role they should play in what comes next. They must ask themselves if they are the right people to effect culture change.
Is this group of leaders adequately equipped to carry out a system-wide change? Is there enough diversity in decision-making roles to drive change? Are there enough women in significant leadership positions within Hockey Canada to provide needed perspectives on sexual violence and its impact?
Hockey Canada should be asked all of these questions. The nature of their answers will determine the credibility of the organization and the level of seriousness that they propose to take in their next steps.
Hockey Canada must also take the situation as an opportunity to make a fundamental shift on the underlying violence in the sport, including in issues such as racism, concussions and fighting on the ice. Canadians expect Hockey Canada to behave differently, and this requires leadership capable of doing so.
Hockey Canada, the whole country is watching.
The world junior hockey championship is taking place next month.
I have a message for those young players and the people around them: what allegedly happened in 2003 and 2018 no longer goes. I want to take this opportunity, here and now, to make that clear.
As Minister of Sport, I encourage you to push yourself and strive for excellence, not only on the ice, but also off the ice.
Young players from all over the country will be watching and looking to you as their inspiration in the game. Entire families and communities with a passion for hockey will be there to support and encourage you. Make them proud. Be the role models they deserve. Above all, give the public, and especially women, what they expect from you: respect.
Members of the committee and Madam Chair, thank you for your attention.