TORONTO — Andrea Skinner has resigned as interim chair of Hockey Canada’s board of directors.
Skinner joined the board of directors in November 2020 as a volunteer, and assumed the function of chair in August after the resignation of former chair Michael Brind’Amour.
Hockey Canada has been below intense scrutiny since May, when it was once published an undisclosed agreement were paid to a lady who alleged in a lawsuit she was once sexually assaulted by way of 8 gamers — together with individuals of the rustic’s global junior workforce — after a 2018 gala in London, Ontario.
Allegations of gang sexual attack involving the 2003 global junior workforce emerged in July. None of the allegations were proved in court docket.
“I am grateful to the Members of Hockey Canada for electing me to the Board of Directors and providing me with the opportunity to make positive change for our game and for Hockey Canada,” Skinner stated in a observation launched by way of the group.
“I stepped into the position of Interim Chair of the Board two months ago for the same reason. Upon reflection, it is clear to me from recent events that it no longer makes sense for me to continue to volunteer my time as Interim Chair or as a Director of the organization.”
Skinner, a Toronto attorney, stated she has been “gratified” for the chance to paintings with other people within the group, “despite recent challenges.”
“I sincerely appreciate the support I have received from many Canadians, particularly women, who also seek to positively influence the game and sport,” Skinner stated.
Skinner vigorously defended the nationwide governing frame’s executives previous this week when she gave the impression by the use of video earlier than individuals of parliament along former chair Brind’Amour in a Canadian Heritage status committee assembly in Ottawa.
She had insisted hockey should not be made a “scapegoat” or “centerpiece” for poisonous tradition that exists somewhere else in society, and referenced politicians who’ve been accused of sexual misconduct.
Skinner and Brind’Amour have been puzzled why Hockey Canada president and leader govt officer Scott Smith had no longer been fired.
“Our board frankly does not share the view that senior leadership should be replaced on the basis of what we consider to be substantial misinformation and an unduly cynical attacks,” Skinner stated.
Canada’s sports activities minister Pascale St-Onge, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and sufferers rights recommend Sheldon Kennedy have stated present Hockey Canada management will have to surrender to permit for tradition alternate within the group and to regain public believe.
Provincial governing organizations for newbie hockey were withholding participant charges from Hockey Canada in keeping with its being below unbiased evaluate.