Thank you, Madam Chair, members of the committee, members of the public and players.
I recognize that this committee, and indeed all Canadians, have serious questions about Hockey Canada's handling of a sexual assault allegation in 2018, as well as the organization's ongoing efforts to improve safety in and around the game.
I hope my testimony today will help provide additional answers on these questions.
As you know, I served as the chair of Hockey Canada's board of directors from November 2018 until I stepped down last August.
Like many Canadians, I have spent much of my life in and around the sport of field hockey. I have been a volunteer in the sport for over 30 years, with particular involvement with minor field hockey associations.
I am a father and grandfather with two grandsons who play minor field hockey. And like the members of this committee, I am committed to ensuring that all Canadians can safely enjoy our national sport.
During my tenure as Chair, we have worked hard to bring forward new ideas and perspectives, with a focus on inclusion, including the advancement of women's sport, and sports safety.
While I am proud of this work, I know there is still much to do for Hockey Canada, and much work that should have been done earlier.
That is why, two months ago, I made the decision to step down from my role at Hockey Canada, so that the new leadership could take the immediate steps necessary to address the significant challenges facing Hockey Canada and our sport as a whole.
At the same time, I recognize that this committee has questions about certain decisions that were made during my tenure as president, including those surrounding the 2018 sexual assault allegations involving Canada's National Junior Team.
I strongly believe that Hockey Canada took appropriate action by reporting this incident to the police, Sport Canada and launching an independent investigation. While I understand the frustration of Canadians with the suspension of the investigation in 2020, which has recently resumed, I want to reiterate that I was never made aware of the identity of the individuals involved.
I hope that the recent changes made by Hockey Canada, including the reopening of the investigation and the mandatory involvement of the players, will help provide the answers that so many Canadians are looking for.
I also want to talk about the Board's decision earlier this year to authorize a settlement with the young woman at the centre of these allegations. While this decision was widely criticized, the Board made this decision because it felt it would be inappropriate to victimize the young woman in court.
I would like to conclude by noting that under new leadership and with a comprehensive action plan in place, I believe Hockey Canada is making real progress in improving the Canadian game for all participants.
Thank you.
I look forward to your questions.