Hockey Canada's director and interim chair Andrea Skinner resigns, CEO Scott Smith under pressure
CTV
The director and interim chair of the board of Hockey Canada, Andrea Skinner, has resigned amid increasing backlash over the organization's handling of alleged sexual assaults, according to a release Saturday by the Hockey Canada Board of Directors.
The director and interim chair of the board of Hockey Canada, Andrea Skinner, has resigned amid increasing backlash over the organization's handling of alleged sexual assaults, according to a release Saturday by the Hockey Canada Board of Directors.
“I joined the Hockey Canada Board of Directors in November 2020 as a volunteer. It was my strong commitment to making the game more safe, accessible, inclusive and welcoming,” Skinner said in a statement.
“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 resigns days after a parliamentary committee hearing on Tuesday when she defended Hockey Canada's handling of allegations of sexual assault. She had only served as interim chair for about two months after former board chair Michael Brind'Amour stepped down Aug. 6.
Her resignation marks the organization's second major departure in recent months.
"I think it's interesting to note that Andrea Skinner's position was a volunteer one, and it does raise some interesting questions," TSN's Rick Westhead told CTV National News on Saturday.
Westhead notes Hockey Canada CEO Scott Smith has been under intense pressure to resign as well.
