Thank you.
I'm Sandra Slater, president of WAIPU North America. We're here today to discuss athletes' rights in sports.
The year 2022 was the first year a female was drafted into the Canadian Hockey League, the CHL. We are also here to discuss female management entrance into a male-dominated sport.
As a female trying to break the glass ceiling, I have personally experienced disrespect bordering on abuse and discrimination by the CHL and previous executives of Hockey Canada—and I emphasize “previous”.
As we witnessed at the heritage committee, the hockey industry is dominated by an all-white male, 60-plus years of age, and a long history of not recognizing women's influence in sports. As part of our documentation, you will see a letter from the CHL showing lack of respect for female leadership. We are here today to create awareness in the hope of creating change for athletes and female recognition in management positions.
This experience is not limited to the hockey community. My personal feeling while addressing issues with the federal and provincial governments went unanswered as I am a woman and because Hockey Canada's executives challenged WAIPU's integrity after we notified the federal government of sexual abuses and hazing in correspondence dating back to 2018.
A prime example is that WAIPU contacted the Minister of Sport and requested an urgent meeting to discuss sexual and hazing abuses within the CHL. Nine months passed; we heard crickets.
Upon retaining a lobbyist, the CHL was able to meet with the minister within 30 days to discuss, of all things, additional funding for the CHL during COVID.
We also have submitted what we feel is a solution that would not only educate athletes about various forms of abuse but also be used as a reporting tool.
Now you'll hear from my co-worker.