Canadian Heritage committee  Thank you, Madam Chair. I am very happy to be here today with my colleagues for the study of this bill. As many of you know, although it bears repeating, I was also a news journalist from 1999 up until just last year, when I decided to serve my community in a different way. I worked in print newspapers like the Edmonton Journal and the Hamilton Spectator, and then later for broadcasters.

Canadian Heritage committee  On a point of order, Madam Chair, I think there is something wrong with the feed. I see that Dr. Geist is frozen, and I believe there's also an issue online. Maybe we can check with the clerk.

Canadian Heritage committee  Thank you, Chair, and through you I'd like to thank Mr. Lorenzetti for being here today. Mr. Lorenzetti, I apologize if some of these questions start to sound a bit repetitive, but I'm wondering if you can talk to us about this fund to be used in case something is not insurable.

Canadian Heritage committee  Why would an organization like Hockey Canada choose to use the reserve fund to settle a sexual assault claim without even waiting to see if their insurance coverage would cover it?

Canadian Heritage committee  Okay. I don't know if I have any other questions.

Canadian Heritage committee  No, I'm good, Hedy. Thanks very much.

Canadian Heritage committee  I appreciate that.

Canadian Heritage committee  Thank you. I understand that nine times the fund was used for sexual assault claims, or am I mistaken on that? I'm wondering if you agree that, by having a fund that allows potential perpetrators to escape any accountability, it perpetuates the problem. It's saying from the top that this is okay and, if you're accused of sexual assault, we'll get you out of it.

Canadian Heritage committee  Did you try to use your insurance policy for this 2018 incident in London?

Canadian Heritage committee  Why is that?

Canadian Heritage committee  Thank you, Chair. Mr. Smith is probably best to answer this question. A couple of people have remarked at the homogeny of the group at the end of this table. Do you think it would help Hockey Canada to have some women in leadership positions within the organization?

Canadian Heritage committee  Can you talk about the discrepancy in funding between women's hockey and men's hockey?

Canadian Heritage committee  Okay. I'm wondering if you've heard from hockey moms and dads who are concerned about this national equity fund and the fact that part of their—or maybe you can clarify—registration fees would have gone to this fund.

Canadian Heritage committee  Can you clarify this? As soon as you learned of the allegations, you froze the funding to Hockey Canada. I'm wondering what other power you have as minister to act against allegations of wrongdoing. What sort of levers can you pull to take action?

Canadian Heritage committee  Since the Hockey Canada allegations have come out, you've also heard from other sports organizations. Can you reflect on whether the culture problem is exclusive to hockey? Is it more widespread? Is hockey particularly different from other national sports?