N.S., N.B. premiers to ‘monitor’ Hockey Canada controversy ahead of 2023 world juniors

The premiers of N.S. and N.B. say they will be watching the Hockey Canada situation closely ahead of the 2023 world juniors to be hosted by Halifax and Moncton.

As Halifax and Moncton prepare to host the 2023 world junior ice hockey championship, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick’s premiers say they are monitoring the situation around Hockey Canada and will “act accordingly,” as the sport’s national body finds itself embroiled in a controversy over its handling of a 2018 sexual assault allegation.

“Any allegation of sexual assault is serious, and disturbing. Creating a safe culture in sport is a priority in Nova Scotia, and we have no tolerance for assault and abuse anywhere in the sport system — or in society,” Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston said in a statement Thursday.

“Hockey Canada has a lot of work to do. Canadians deserve action, answers and accountability from the organization. The work required to earn back the trust of Canadians needs to be transformational, and the culture in sport must continue to evolve.”

In May, it was announced that Halifax and Moncton would host the 2023 world juniors following a successful bid from the two cities. The tournament is scheduled to be played from Dec. 26, 2022 to Jan. 5, 2023, with games to be held at the Scotiabank Centre in Halifax and the Avenir Centre in Moncton.

In his statement, Houston said the championship is still scheduled to take place, but said he will keep an eye on it.

“We have a commitment to host the 2023 world junior championship, and we will continue to monitor the situation closely and act accordingly,” he said.

New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs made a similar statement Thursday, saying “allegations of sexual assault are disturbing and must be taken seriously.”

“Our government believes the safety and well-being of everyone are paramount and non-negotiable,” he said.