(Quebec) Sentenced to pay $600,000 to a former business partner in a civil dispute, two-time Olympic medalist Susan Auch was fired from her position as general manager of Speed Skating Canada (PVC) on Thursday.
Posted at 11:54 a.m.
SSC’s Board of Directors made the announcement to its member Provincial and Territorial Federations in a late evening email.
“The Board has determined that it is in Speed Skating Canada’s best interests that Susan Auch no longer serve the organization as Executive Director,” said the eight-member Board chaired by Blair R. Carbert. We would like to thank Susan for her many contributions to SSC and wish her the best in her future endeavours. We are working on a transition plan and will communicate, to all stakeholders and as soon as possible, any material progress on this subject. »
Mr. Carbert had however given a full vote of confidence to the highest leader of the Canadian federation three weeks ago. The Press had then questioned him on the consequences of the judgment rendered on May 26 by the Court of King’s Bench of Manitoba, the equivalent of the Superior Court in Quebec.
“We are aware of the decision and what it says,” said Mr. Carbert, himself a lawyer in Calgary. We looked into whether this had an impact on Speed Skating Canada. We will continue to be alert, monitoring and assessing the situation as it develops. But based on our experience with her and the work she does for Speed Skating Canada, she still has our trust. »
Obviously, the publication of the article on September 23 shook things up.
“Recent events have led us to better understand the extent of our community’s passion and commitment to SSC’s values,” the board wrote in Thursday’s email. In the process, we were reminded that all members of our community should be held to the same values and standards as our athletes, volunteers, employees and any other organizational stakeholder, on and off the rink. This is the only way we can keep moving forward; key to the growing success of our sport and the well-being of our athletes and our community. »
In a very harsh judgment, Judge Jeffrey Harris concluded that Auch had engaged in “conduct amounting to fraud” in its business dealings.
The case involved a proposed limestone quarry in the Rural Municipality of Rosser, northwest of Winnipeg, in 2012. After the conditional purchase of land for $8 million by Auch and two associates , the transaction fell through three years later after many twists and turns.
The seller, Heather Anne Stewart, filed a $600,000 civil suit against Auch and a business she owns over a loan that was to be used to convince the municipality of Rossland to license the quarry.
The judge wrote that Auch’s denials “are not credible and are, moreover, dishonest”.
He added that a company founded by Auch and other partners had been used “to facilitate inappropriate and even fraudulent conduct which caused loss to Stewart.” Auch, as brain of Holdings [son entreprise], directed the disbursement of funds for purposes for which the monies were not intended. This is inappropriate conduct akin to fraud. »
Auch, who is not the subject of any criminal charges, had categorically denied the conclusions of the judgment when contacted by The Press. She had preferred to refrain from commenting since she was appealing her case.
His appeal was accepted and the original judgment stayed, Auch reported in an email to The Press Wednesday. A hearing date has been set for January 27 by the Manitoba Court of Appeal.
In an interview last month, the chairman of the board refused to indicate whether the DG had been asked to step down while an appeal was heard, saying that the situation was “a private matter with an employee”.
“I don’t know if I’ve ever met anyone else who is dedicated and committed to the sport of speed skating like Susan,” said Mr. Carbert. The Board will continue to fulfill its responsibilities to the organization. »
A SSC board member since 2008, Auch, a two-time Olympic medalist in long track speed skating, became vice-president in 2014 and president two years later. In 2017, she went straight from president to interim CEO of SSC, an unusual move. The position was given to him permanently a few months later.
Under his leadership, SSC’s finances have improved and on-ice performance has improved. His management of personnel, however, has made many unhappy until recently.
Originally from Winnipeg, Susan Auch took part in four editions of the Olympic Games (OG) in speed skating from 1992 to 2002, winning two silver medals in the 500m. Among other things, she is a member of the Speed Skating Canada Hall of Fame and the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame. The Winnipeg Outer Oval was named in his honour.
“This process has highlighted our need to be more attentive, to be more welcoming to receive information and to be better at what we do, concluded the Board of SSC in its communication. In this sense, we will take steps to ensure that we are. This Council enters the 2026 Olympic cycle committed to facilitating a safe and inclusive environment where all can actively participate in our great sport. »