Toronto lawyer Andrea Skinner has been named interim chair of Hockey Canada’s board of directors.
Skinner becomes the first woman to hold this position in the organization’s history. She takes over from Michael Brind’Amour, whose resignation was announced on Saturday morning.
Hockey Canada has been in hot water since this spring, when it was revealed the organization had settled out of court a lawsuit alleging sexual assault by eight players after a 2018 organization gala in London, Utah. Ontario.
After flimsy presentations to a parliamentary committee, several politicians have called for the resignation of Hockey Canada executives in recent weeks.
The federal government has also frozen funding for Hockey Canada until the organization meets certain conditions, including creating a plan to change its internal culture.
Hockey Canada announced last week the appointment of Justice Thomas Cromwell to review the governance of the organization.
As recommended
Skinner’s nomination was recommended by all 13 provincial, regional and territorial associations and federations. She will serve until the current board’s term ends in November.
“Since 1914, Hockey Canada has been the organization Canadians rely on to lead, develop and promote meaningful hockey experiences. Recent events have shaken that bond of trust,” Hockey Canada wrote in a statement.
“This is an important issue in the eyes of our Board of Directors, made up of volunteers who have spared no effort since their election in November 2020 to carry out our mission. »
“In our recently launched action plan, we are particularly committed to raising expectations of all hockey stakeholders and promoting positive behavior, from local programs to national teams,” pleads the organization.
Skinner was first elected to the board in November 2020. She played women’s hockey for four years at Cornell University.
“Our Board of Directors has heard from Canadians,” Skinner said in the release. We are working to make significant constructive changes to the culture of hockey. »
“I sincerely believe that the organization is making strides to promote real change, from local programs to national high performance teams. »