B.C. Hockey 'closely monitoring' after Quebec and Ontario associations cut funds to Hockey Canada

Leaders at B.C. Hockey aren't saying if they will follow in the footsteps of other provincial associations in cutting funds to Hockey Canada.

Both Hockey Québec and the Ontario Hockey Federation announced Tuesday they will no longer collect player fees on behalf of the national federation in the wake of revelations about a second multi-million dollar slush fund to deal with sexual abuse allegations and a widely-panned appearance by Hockey Canada interim board chair Andrea Skinner in front of a parliamentary committee.

On Tuesday, federal Minister of Sport Pascale St-Onge called on regional federations under Hockey Canada — which include B.C. Hockey — to put pressure on the national federation to change.

In a statement, B.C. Hockey said it is "...closely monitoring the decision and input of other Hockey Canada members, including those of Hockey Québec today. B.C. Hockey is committed to playing a role in accountability for positive change in hockey for our participant members."

B.C.'s minister of sport said she would support B.C. Hockey in matching the actions of its counterparts in Ontario and Quebec.

"I need to begin by saying how extremely disappointed I am in Hockey Canada, as are all British Columbians and all Canadians. It's extremely important that everyone feel safe when they play a sport, especially our kids," said Lisa Beare.

"Withholding funding for Hockey Canada is a B.C. Hockey decision. But if they want to make that decision, I fully support them." 

I asked <a href="https://twitter.com/BCHockey_Source?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCHockey_Source</a> for an interview about <a href="https://twitter.com/HockeyCanada?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HockeyCanada</a> in light of action taken by PSOs in Quebec and Ontario. Here is