A third-party investigator hired by Hockey Canada to investigate an alleged gang sexual assault will testify before a House of Commons committee for the first time Tuesday.
Danielle Robitaille, a partner at the law firm Henein Hutchison LLP, will answer questions from the standing committee on Canadian Heritage about the firm’s inconclusive investigation into a controversy that has come under unprecedented public and political scrutiny the national organizing body for hockey in Canada.
In May 2022, Hockey Canada settled a $3.55 million lawsuit filed in April by a woman who alleges she was sexually assaulted by eight former Canadian Hockey League (CHL) players after a Hockey Canada Foundation event in London, Ont. in June 2018.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
Hockey Canada executives he previously told the commission that while players on the 2018 World Junior Hockey Team were encouraged to participate in third-party research, they were not required to do so. Executives also said the vast majority of players did not speak to investigators and that the investigation failed to identify players involved in the alleged group sexual assault.
Hockey Canada said last week it would stop using a fund maintained by membership fees to solve sexual assault processes.
The organization announced on Monday which will commit to a number of other changes, including improved training focusing on masculinity, consent and toxic behaviour, and a universal code of conduct to prevent and address abuse in sport.
London, Ontario, police announced last week that they will reopen their investigation into the alleged assault. Police had launched a criminal investigation in June 2018 which concluded eight months later without any charges.
Sports Minister Pascale St-Onge is also due to appear at the committee’s hearing.