The Liberal government is freezing federal funding to Hockey Canada over the sports organization's handling of sexual assault allegations..Leader of the Opposition Candice Bergen said the Liberals knew government officials were made aware four years ago of reports of sexual assault by players at Hockey Canada and "they did nothing and no one was held accountable.".TSN first reported news of the funding freeze on Wednesday morning. According to TSN, "... the Canadian government is freezing Hockey Canada’s millions of dollars in federal funding until the organization signs up with a new federal agency that has the power to independently receive and investigate abuse complaints and issue sanctions for inappropriate behaviour.".In the House of Commons debate Tuesday, Bergen said the only thing the Liberals did was give Hockey Canada another $14 million.."For a prime minister who claims to be a feminist, there seems to be a pattern of covering up and rewarding bad behaviour. It seems women really do not matter to the prime minister," Bergen said..Now the Liberals will freeze that funding, according to media reports..Recently there were allegations involving members of the 2017-2018 National Junior Hockey Team, and there was a recent settlement reached with the plaintiff in that matter by Hockey Canada..Hockey Canada’s CEO Tom Renney said, "Hockey Canada is on a journey to change the culture of our sport and to make it safer and more inclusive."."We acknowledge that issues of maltreatment, including bullying, harassment, racism, homophobia, and sexual abuse, exist in hockey — as they do in other sports and in our society.".Renney said Hockey Canada has been working on this "since well before the London incident."."We recognize that as leaders we need to do more — and we are committed to doing just that," Renney said..Hockey Canada is aware of reports suggesting it failed to investigate the incident, attempted to cover it up, and generally swept this matter under the rug, Renney added.."Nothing could be further from the truth. Hockey Canada learned of this incident the day after it was alleged to have taken place," Renney said.."We immediately initiated a process to investigate, beginning by contacting police.We commissioned an independent investigation and appointed an independent adjudication panel of judges to review the findings of that investigation.".Renney said Hockey Canada also notified Sport Canada, as is their obligation as a federally funded National Sport Organization.."Our organization, leadership and staff have cooperated fully with law enforcement and the investigator throughout their processes, providing all access and information requested. We cannot speak to the investigation undertaken by the London Police," Renney said.
