Good afternoon, and thank you, Madam Chair and members of this committee, for the invitation to testify today.
My name is Nick Bontis. I am a professor of strategy at the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University, where I have been teaching for 25 years.
Outside of my university duties, I have devoted most of my volunteer time to soccer. I was first elected to the board of directors of Canada Soccer in 2012 and most recently had the privilege to serve as president.
I stepped down last month as Canada Soccer was in advanced talks on a new collective bargaining agreement with the men's and women's national teams. I believe that this agreement will be a landmark achievement that sets Canada apart from virtually every other FIFA member association in the world. I advocated for pay equity publicly, from the first day I was elected president, and did so throughout my term.
Serving as a volunteer for Canada Soccer and witnessing the progress and achievements of Canada's national teams have given me some of the proudest moments of my life.
I've been playing soccer for 46 years and it has contributed so much to who I am today. It guided me during my younger years at the youth club level, and it allowed me to develop my leadership skills when I played at university and as an adult. Even in recent years, soccer is still a social pastime that keeps me fit with my fellow old-timers on the weekends.
My experience as a youth coach and...how sports helps and shapes how young people develop mirrors my passion as a lifelong educator in a safe environment.
With this in mind, I wanted to address Christine Sinclair's comments at this committee when she testified a few weeks ago. While I do not recall using the language she referenced, I don't dispute it, and my exact choice of words is not the point. What matters is that she felt that I treated her concerns disrespectfully. I feel terrible about making her feel this way, and I have since communicated with Christine and her agent to apologize personally. It was a mistake. I take responsibility for it, and I regret it.
Few people have done more for soccer or women's sport in this country than Christine. She has not only inspired millions of young soccer players around the world; she inspired me as a player, as a coach and as an administrator. Unlocking the full potential of players who want to follow in Christine's footsteps was a large part of why I got involved with Canada Soccer.
Before I conclude, I wanted to express my thanks to the chair and members of this committee for allowing me to delay my appearance until today. I think members of Parliament will have a special understanding for the circumstances that made it extremely difficult for me to testify last week.
As you may know from media reports, for the past 14 months I have been the target of sustained harassment by a disturbed individual who issued threats and abuse toward me, my wife and my three children. During that time I received over 280 emails; my wife was subjected to numerous abusive phone calls, and my children received unwanted messages and were subjected to social media abuse.
Ultimately, I worked with a panic button under my desk in my office here at McMaster. Plainclothes police officers were stationed in the atrium of my building, as the harasser continued to ignore warnings and the cease and desist order that was issued to him. The situation escalated and intensified significantly in recent months, to the point at which a judge issued a search warrant; law enforcement confirmed his online identity, and he was ultimately charged with criminal harassment. However, days before he was set to appear, I was notified by the primary investigator that he had succumbed to his mental illness by taking his own life.
The legal matter was scheduled to be heard in court today. Those of us who aren't used to being in the public glare read about this kind of situation, but nothing can prepare you for it. Every day I worried about the safety of my wife and kids. This may be something that politicians and their families can relate to, but I was not prepared for this. It was not in the job description.
I'm still processing these extremely distressing events. Unfortunately, the abuse continues by others. I appreciate the committee's patience in allowing me to defer my appearance until today. I want to thank Madam Chair for her compassion in my case.
As for today's hearing, I welcome the opportunity to talk about Canada Soccer. I believe the future of our sport has never been brighter, and there is so much to look forward to in the next few years. We have an amazing opportunity to unlock the potential of the millions of Canadians who love and support our game.
Thank you.