Trudeau calls for change within Hockey Canada due to “lost confidence in leadership”

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was asked yesterday for his stance on the ongoing scandals facing Hockey Canada and the organization's insistence that they retain their leadership group, including president Scott Smith. The PM didn't hold back, calling for a leadership change and stating that Canadians have lost faith in the organization in the wake of some horrific scandals.

“It's fairly clear that both the government and Canadians in general have lost confidence in the leadership at Hockey Canada. And the longer it takes for Hockey Canada to realize that, the more difficulties they’re going to face.”

Justin Trudeau

I'd argue that Hockey Canada already realizes this, but they're too busy trying to cover their asses or line up a sweet retirement pay check before making any real change. These men, including Smith, are hockey lifers and would have little future in the real world outside of the game. A barring from Hockey Canada would almost assuredly guarantee them a more difficult road in life ahead. But... why is that our problem? These men have not only been witness to allegations of sexual assault from their members for years now, but they've actively worked to suppress these allegations. They can live on the streets for all I care... but I digress...

The irony of Trudeau himself speaking about "lost confidence in leadership" is also not lost on me. Trudeau is a wildly divisive figure in Canada these days, mostly due to his government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Add in rising inflation, an insane housing market and growing concerns around climate change and Trudeau isn't exactly the world's most revered leader, either. To hear him call out leadership at Hockey Canada must be the peak of irony for a lot of Canadians.

As for Hockey Canada, I think we can all agree that change is needed. You simply cannot trust the current leadership group to make real, lasting change in the organization's operations. A full, top down review of leadership is needed and long overdue. If not, the same old 'boy will be boys' mentality will continue to run through Hockey Canada as it has for decades now.