Canadian Tire Permanently Cuts Ties with Hockey Canada
Canadian Tire -- a corporation worth over $9 billion (CAD) -- made public their intentions to drop altogether their financial partnership with Hockey Canada, per TSN's Rick Westhead. The decision follows a disastrous pairing of testimonies -- given yesterday from former chair Michael Brind'Amour and interim chair Andrea Skinner -- amidst at least three larger scandals plaguing the organization.
According to Westhead, Canadian Tire has pledged to redirect any funds withheld towards Sheldon Kennedy's Respect Group, whose mission is 'empowering people to recognize and prevent bullying, abuse, harassment, + discrimination through interactive, online certification,' directly from the group's Twitter page.
This is notable because other sponsors are temporarily halting funding while this mess is sorted out. Canadian Tire, however, permanently cut all corporate ties with Hockey Canada, which sends quite the message.
"After careful consideration, Canadian Tire Corporation has made the decision to end its partnership with Hockey Canada. In our view, Hockey Canada continues to resist meaningful change and we can no longer confidently move forward together. CTC is proud of our commitment to sport and will continue to invest in our beloved national game by re-directing support to hockey-related organizations that better align with our values. The Respect Group, which is focused on preventing bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination, is one of many organizations where funds will be diverted. We are committed to supporting hockey and sport that is inclusive and safe for all Canadians."
The walls are caving in around Hockey Canada and its executive board, and they continue to do themselves no favors by digging in their heels and doubling down. Their sponsors are falling left and right, federal provinces are withholding funds, and Hockey Canada is flanked on all sides by parents, players, and victims alike.
Hockey Canada will have to change course and concede that new leadership is needed, or else the organization could crumble under the pressure.
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