Scotiabank pauses Hockey Canada sponsorship amid scandal

The Bank of Nova Scotia is pausing its sponsorship deal with Hockey Canada in response to sexual assault allegations that have embroiled the national sports governing body in scandal.

In an open letter, Scotiabank chief executive Brian Porter described the country’s national sport as an activity that brings communities together and enshrines Canadian values.

“That is why, like so many of you, I was appalled by recent reports of alleged assault involving younger ambassadors of Canada’s game. The alleged behaviour in this current case is contrary to the beliefs and values that hockey is meant to embody, and those that we champion at Scotiabank,” Porter said.

In pausing its sponsorship, the bank will cancel all Scotiabank marketing and events at the upcoming world junior championship in August, Porter said. It will also redirect funds that were set for the world juniors to other programs, including the Hockey Canada Assist Fund for underserved youth and the women’s world championship.

“Today, we have made the decision to pause our sponsorship of Hockey Canada until we are confident the right steps are being taken to improve the culture within the sport — both on and off the ice.”

At the end of May, TSN broke the news that a woman in London, Ont., alleged eight players, including some from Canada’s world junior team, sexually assaulted her in June 2018 following a gala event. The woman reportedly filed a lawsuit in April this year, seeking $3.55 million in damages from Hockey Canada, the Canadian Hockey League and the eight unnamed players. Hockey Canada settled the lawsuit outside of court for an undisclosed amount.