The chairman of Hockey Canada’s board of directors says he will not seek re-election.
Hugh L. Fraser has made the decision not to run for office this summer, motivated by a desire to pursue other projects related to safety in sport.
“This decision was not made easily, as I am extremely proud of the accomplishments of our transition board and am inspired by the plans for Hockey Canada’s future that will ensure it is a leader in sports safety, governance and equity, diversity and inclusion. between sports organizations in Canada and around the world,” he said in a statement.
The retired judge previously said he felt it was his duty to step in to help turn around Hockey Canada after widespread outrage over the national sport organization’s handling of sexual assaults and compensation paid to victims.
The changes to the statutes were recommended in a 221-page report led by former Supreme Court Justice Thomas Cromwell, which called for more oversight and accountability.
Cromwell’s report called for the transition board to have four objectives: respond, in collaboration with Hockey Canada members, to the governance changes recommended in its final report; address numerous public concerns regarding its senior management team; begin to repair broken relationships with stakeholders; and ensure operational stability.
Fraser said he believed those goals had been achieved.
A new Hockey Canada board of directors is expected to be elected Saturday.
“Members will elect a new board of directors in an election that will reflect several important rule changes recommended by Mr. Cromwell and lay the foundation for the next step in Hockey Canada’s journey,” Fraser said.
Fraser said he believes Hockey Canada has returned to a healthier financial position than when it started, thanks to the restoration of government funding and the return of corporate partners.
He is leaving the organization as the findings of an investigation report into sexual assault allegations involving members of the 2018 Canadian junior men’s hockey team are under appeal.
Hockey Canada said the on-camera call would begin “in the near future.”
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