A list of major corporate sponsors that have pulled support for Hockey Canada
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Hockey Canada is continuing to lose major sponsorships as the fallout from its mishandling of sexual assault allegations deepens.
The organization announced the departure of CEO Scott Smith, with the entire board agreeing to step down, on Tuesday, just a couple days after interim board chair Andrea Skinner submitted her resignation.
Here is a quick look at major corporate sponsors who have pulled support:
Bauer Hockey: The company has paused its role as the official equipment provider for Hockey Canada’s men’s teams and its sponsorship of men’s tournaments. The manufacturer said it will continue to supply equipment to the women’s programs. It also said that Hockey Canada can still buy products for the men’s programs, with profits being invested in hockey programs for girls, women and other underrepresented communities.
Nike: The company has suspended its partnership with Hockey Canada. The company said it is making the move because it is “deeply concerned” about the ongoing reports around the organization.
Canadian Tire: The retailer ended its partnership with Hockey Canada and after it said it could no longer move forward confidently as the organization “continues to resist meaningful change.” It said it will redirect money it spent on the Hockey Canada sponsorship to hockey-related organizations that “better align” with its values.
Telus: The telecommunications company has said that it will not be sponsoring men’s hockey programs for the 2022-2023 season including the upcoming World Juniors tournament. It said it is “deeply disheartened” by the lack of action and commitment from Hockey Canada.
Scotiabank: The bank has said it will continue to pause funding for the organization throughout the entire 2022-2023 season, including the World Juniors tournament. The bank first announced that it would pause funding in June.
Tim Hortons: The coffee shop chain pulled out of all men’s hockey programming for the 2022-2023 season including the men’s World Junior championships. It said it will continue to fund Canada’s women’s and para hockey teams, as well as youth hockey. Tim Hortons first suspended support in June.
Esso: The company said it would withdraw support for Hockey Canada’s men’s programs for the 2022-2023 season and World Junior championship until it sees “meaningful accountability, transparency and change.” The Imperial Oil brand said its support of women and youth programs is “unwavering.”
Sobeys: The grocer owned by Empire Company Ltd.said that it would not renew its sponsorship with Hockey Canada, which expired at the end of June. It said it would continue to support the Women’s National Hockey team and is looking into how to do that without any connection to Hockey Canada.
Recipe Unlimited: The company, which operates restaurants such as Swiss Chalet and the Keg, said it would cancel its partnership support of Hockey Canada, but will continue to support women’s related events for the remainder of the year.
Chevrolet Canada: The automaker said it is stepping back from its sponsorship of Hockey Canada. It said it was seeking “more clarity” on what specific steps the organization will take following the alleged incidents of abuse. The company first made the decision to pause its sponsorship activities in June.
Skip the Dishes: The food delivery app said it is cutting ties with Hockey Canada.
PepsiCo: The company has paused its relationship with Hockey Canada.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct.11, 2022.
Companies in this story: (TSX:CTC, TSX:T, TSX:BNS, TSX:QSR, TSX:IMO, TSX:EMP.A, TSX:RECP)
The Canadian Press