MP plans to call former Hockey Canada board member to testify about gifts, perks

TSN Senior Correspondent

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A member of the parliamentary committee investigating Hockey Canada says he plans to ask a former board member to testify about the organization, which the former board member has described to the MP as one where senior staff and board members receive gifts and other perks with little oversight or transparency.

NDP MP Peter Julian said the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage will likely convene more hearings to scrutinize Hockey Canada after parliament resumes on Sept. 19. 

The former board member – in addition to potentially several of Hockey Canada's eight current board members – will probably be asked to testify at that time, Julian said in an interview with TSN. It’s unclear whether the former board member would testify in public or during a private “in camera” session.

“This is not about dragging Hockey Canada through the muck,” Julian said. “It’s about accountability and transparency. We’ve had a lot of stonewalling by Hockey Canada, and we haven’t gotten the answers Canadians are asking for. We are hearing from minor hockey associations and parents who are concerned about the use of their registration fees for purposes that have nothing to do with effective management of hockey. 

“The allegations I’ve heard about high-priced wine, gold rings, and luxury accommodation are concerning. This whistleblower is providing important information. The committee needs to hear from them, and Hockey Canada has to come clean with what it’s been doing with registration fees and why they have not invested in stopping sexual assaults.”

A Hockey Canada spokeswoman acknowledged in a statement provided to TSN that recent events have called the public’s trust of the organization into