Hockey Canada will no longer use investment fund to settle alleged sexual assault claims

TSN Senior Correspondent

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Hockey Canada said Wednesday it will stop using a little-known investment fund to settle alleged sexual assault claims, a day after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau criticized the organization for using player registration fees to maintain the fund without disclosing it to parents or players.

The fund, known as the National Equity Fund, has allowed Hockey Canada to settle a number of claims without oversight and the involvement of its insurance company.

“Hockey Canada recognizes we have significant work to do to rebuild trust with Canadians,” the organization said in a statement. “We know we need to hold ourselves accountable. That is why we are beginning a full governance review of our organization that will be overseen by an independent third party. This will include the National Equity Fund.

“While we respect that process, we also recognize some actions cannot wait. Effective immediately, the National Equity Fund will no longer be used to settle sexual assault claims.”

The Globe and Mail reported Tuesday that the National Equity Fund’s assets have exceeded $15 million in recent years. While the fund has earned more than $1 million in interest and investment income, Hockey Canada has not disclosed where the money comes from, and what it is used for, The Globe reported.

“I think right now it’s hard for anyone in Canada to have faith or trust in anyone at Hockey Canada,” Trudeau said on Tuesday. “A few years ago, I had my son in hockey, and when I think about the culture that is apparently permeating the highest orders of that organization, I can understand why so many parents, so many Canadians who take such pride in our national winter sport, are absolutely disgusted by what’s