Following the recent series of scandals and setbacks experienced by Hockey Canada, the organization is now under the leadership of a new chair, Goldbloom. His time on the transitionary board provided him with insight into the challenges faced by the organization, motivating him to continue the work of rebuilding public trust and confidence.
Goldbloom’s initial experience highlighted the severity of Hockey Canada’s situation, acknowledging that the sport was truly in jeopardy. The exposure of a sexual assault scandal involving eight players in 2018 had significant repercussions for the organization, resulting in a loss of funding and a damaged reputation. By implementing recommendations from a report by former Supreme Court judge Thomas Cromwell, Hockey Canada is actively working towards restoring its governance, transparency, and oversight.
The new chair stresses the importance of honesty and transparency, expressing regret for the organization’s lack of forthrightness in its initial handling of the scandal. However, under his stewardship, Hockey Canada has succeeded in regaining the support of the government and corporate partners, positioning itself on the path to recovery and the restoration of confidence.
A top priority for Goldbloom was the appointment of a new president and CEO, leading to the selection of Katherine Henderson, an executive with a proven track record of transforming organizational culture. Emphasizing openness, transparency, and professionalism has been a guiding principle in the organization’s recent decisions and actions.
An important step in rebuilding the organization’s integrity is the open reporting of maltreatment in the sport, shedding light on the prevalence of bullying and harassment in younger age groups. Goldbloom recognizes the need for ongoing improvement and consistent efforts in addressing these issues.
Despite financial challenges and the obstacles presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, Goldbloom maintains an optimistic outlook and believes that Hockey Canada will overcome these challenges. The organization’s goal is to embody the values of Canadians, promoting inclusivity and high performance across all levels of the sport.
An unresolved issue that the new board is addressing is the 2018 incident, which continues to tarnish the organization’s reputation. Goldbloom expresses the organization’s desire for closure, acknowledging the impact that the ongoing issue has had on Hockey Canada’s public perception.
Looking towards the future, Goldbloom envisions Hockey Canada as a model sports organization that reflects the values of Canadians and champions inclusivity for all individuals, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or age.
In conclusion, while Hockey Canada has encountered its share of challenges, the new board chair, Goldbloom, is dedicated to rebuilding the organization’s reputation and reinstating public trust. With a focus on transparency and inclusivity, the future looks promising for Hockey Canada.