Saskatoon MP praises organizations for standing up to Hockey Canada

After CEO Scott Smith and the entire board of directors at Hockey Canada submitted their resignations over the organization’s role in settling alleged sexual abuses, a Saskatoon MP is congratulating the groups that stood up to the national governing body.

Saskatoon-Grasswood MP Kevin Waugh, who sits on the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage which is investigating Hockey Canada’s actions, gave credit to those who stood up and called for change.

“We’re disappointed in Hockey Canada, and thank God that some of the federations in this country stood up to Hockey Canada and said ‘I’m not giving you the $3 per registration fee.’ And that’s where it’s gotta start,” Waugh told CKOM/CJME’s John Gormley on Wednesday.

After calling on Hockey Canada to make meaningful changes last week, Hockey Saskatchewan joined a number of other provincial governing bodies in saying it would consider withholding fees. On Tuesday, Hockey Saskatchewan general manager Kelly McClintock said he feels the resignations were enough, and no longer plans to withhold fees.

Waugh said, more allegations against Hockey Canada and other governing bodies for sport will likely come to light during the investigation.

“There are more stories going to come out of this. This is a problem not only with hockey. It’s a problem in gymnastics. We’ve heard it in rugby. I’ve had several calls with other sport organizations,” Waugh said.

“Are we going to see a national inquiry into sexual abuse and harassment and sexual allegations? I think that’s where we’re headed.”

Waugh said some families may begin to stray away from the game due to the scandals at Hockey Canada.

“I think that hockey in this country could flip to a second sport, as people now are going more now to soccer or basketball,” he said.

No date has been set for the next committee hearing.