New Brunswick considers cutting ties with world junior hockey championship

New Brunswick's premier says the province is considering cutting ties with the world juniors tournament if Hockey Canada doesn't take stronger actions in response to a sexual assault scandal.

Moncton and Halifax are hosting the tournament organized by the International Ice Hockey Federation from Dec. 26, 2022, to Jan. 5, 2023. 

Blaine Higgs told reporters Friday at the legislature that the province has considered withdrawing its sponsorship of the event. He said a decision will need to be made by the end of the month.

"All considerations are part of the equation," Higgs said. "Let's hope it doesn't get that far." 

The governing body for hockey in Canada has been under fire since revelations it paid millions in cash settlements to complainants of sexual abuse allegations. 

Some of the allegations involve players from the 2018 and 2003 world juniors men's teams. Those allegations have not been tested in court.

The Globe and Mail newspaper reported Hockey Canada put player registration fees toward a second fund "for matters including but not limited to sexual abuse," earlier this week.

"We want to have a real good assurance that the situation has been dealt with appropriately, so you don't see these sort of allegations or instances occur, because they're just not acceptable," Higgs said. 

"We haven't received the confirmation yet that gives either my colleagues in Nova Scotia or myself that comfort."

Higgs said they need "concrete action" by Hockey Canada.

Asked what he'd need to see, he said "people-change, organizations have a different governance model."

"To date, we have not seen an appropriate action," Higgs said. 

He wouldn't go as far as saying the head of Hockey Canada should quit. 

Hockey Canada's board has backed