New Brunswick includes a “good conduct” clause in its funding agreement with Hockey Canada

The New Brunswick government has included a “good conduct” clause in a funding agreement with Hockey Canada ahead of the 2023 world junior hockey championship.

Moncton, NB and Halifax will host the international tournament from December 26th to January 5th.

A document signed by the New Brunswick Regional Development Corporation earlier this month says all Hockey Canada representatives “must be of good character and not engage in unethical conduct” during the event.

This includes illegal conduct or acts, and permitting unethical, illegal conduct or conduct by anyone under Hockey Canada’s jurisdiction or protection.

New Brunswick has committed $1.25 million to the event, but the regional development corporation’s agreement says the government can “require that any unused portion of the funding be returned” if unethical or illegal activity occurs.

The contract Hockey Canada signed with Edmonton to host last year’s tournament did not include a “good character” clause, which was postponed due to COVID-19.

Hockey Canada has been embroiled in controversy for months after it was revealed in May that it settled a lawsuit with a woman who claimed she was sexually abused by several members of the 2018 junior teams.

The national sports organization’s executives later revealed that they had paid $8.9 million in sexual abuse settlements since 1989, excluding the 2018 settlement.

Two police investigations are currently underway involving members of two different Canadian men’s junior teams.

Police in London, Ont., have reopened an investigation into the 2018 team. Halifax Regional Police are investigating allegations that members of the 2003 team assaulted a woman and filmed the attack during that year’s tournament.

None of the accusations have been proven in court and no charges have been filed.

Hockey Canada elected a new board of directors on Saturday and is still searching for a new CEO. The previous board resigned and CEO Scott Smith was fired following the controversy.

Another condition in New Brunswick’s contract with Hockey Canada says the sports organization must take steps to establish standards, policies and procedures to prevent harassment, discrimination, racism and sexual violence during the event.

All Hockey Canada athletes, coaches, team personnel and volunteers must complete mandatory sexual assault and consent training.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on December 22, 2022.

The Canadian Press