Jun 28, 2022

Scotiabank pauses Hockey Canada sponsorship amid sexual assault scandal Back to video Bank of Nova Scotia chief executive Brian Porter was the first to act, releasing an open letter early on June 28 that described hockey as an activity that brings communities together and enshrines Canadian values. “That is why, like so many of you, I was appalled by recent reports of alleged assault involving younger ambassadors of Canada’s game. The alleged behaviour in this current case is contrary to the beliefs and values that hockey is meant to embody, and those that we champion at Scotiabank,” Porter said. Porter said the bank will cancel all marketing and events at the upcoming World Junior championship in Edmonton, and redirect that money to other programs, including the Hockey Canada Assist Fund for underserved youth and the women’s world championship. Advertisement 3 Article content “Today, we have made the decision to pause our sponsorship of Hockey Canada until we are confident the right steps are being taken to improve the culture within the sport — both on and off the ice,” Porter said. Other sponsors of Hockey Canada followed Bank of Nova Scotia’s lead. Canadian Tire, a retailer that identifies as a seller of skates and sticks, said it was “immediately withdrawing” as a sponsor of the junior tournament, scheduled to be played Aug. 9-20, and that it was “re-evaluating” its relationship with Hockey Canada. “We are deeply disappointed in Hockey Canada’s lack of transparency and accountability around the assault allegations,” Stephanie Nadalin, vice-president of communications, said in an email. “We are calling on Hockey Canada to do better and live up to their commitment to change the systemic culture of silence in our nation’s sport, and push to make it more inclusive and safe for all.” Advertisement 4 Article content Telus, one of the country’s Big Three telecommunications companies, said it would continue to support women’s events and youth hockey, but that it was “pausing its sponsorship activation” with Hockey Canada and the junior tournament, and will instead spend that money on Canadian organizations that support women affected by sexual violence. “We are appalled by the recent reports of assault involving members of the 2018 World Junior Championship team,” Telus spokesperson Liz Sauvé said in an email. “Our values and our commitment to creating globally recognized respectful and safe workplaces extends to all of our partners, and we are engaged with Hockey Canada to understand what specific changes are being made within their organization to drive positive cultural change and create a safe, inclusive hockey experience for all.” Advertisement 5 Article content Imperial Oil Ltd., which owns Esso gasoline stations, said the company is “concerned” by the recent allegations, but stopped short of cutting ties. “We are paying close attention to this issue as it develops and have communicated our expectations to Hockey Canada that concrete steps must be taken immediately to address safety issues and ensure swift culture change,” Keri Scobie said in an email. “At the same time, our organization remains committed to supporting Canada’s hockey community and grassroots youth programs across the country, as we have done for more than 40 years.” At the end of May, TSN broke the news that a woman in London, Ont., alleged that eight players, including some from Canada’s world junior team, sexually assaulted her in June 2018 following a gala event. The woman reportedly filed a lawsuit in April this year, seeking $3.55 million in damages from Hockey Canada, the Canadian Hockey League and the eight unnamed players. Hockey Canada settled the lawsuit outside of court for an undisclosed amount. Advertisement 6