Ottawa freezing Hockey Canada funding amid firestorm over alleged sex assaults

The Canadian government is freezing federal funding to Hockey Canada as the organization remains embroiled in a firestorm of scrutiny over its handling of sexual assault allegations.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday called the organization’s handling of the allegations “unacceptable,” while Sports Minister Pascale St-Onge said Hockey Canada will be “held accountable.” Read more: Hockey Canada’s handling of sexual assault allegations ‘unacceptable,’ says Trudeau TSN first reported news of the funding freeze on Wednesday morning.

Global News has confirmed the decision with the office of St-Onge. The full details and conditions of the funding freeze are not yet verified, but a spokesperson for the minister said a statement will be coming shortly. Read more: Hockey Canada says players were not required to cooperate in 2018 sex assault probe According to the TSN report, St-Onge said in an interview that millions of dollars in federal funding to Hockey Canada is being cut off until the organization signs up with newly created Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner — which was created to ensure independent investigation of abuse allegations.

She also was quoted as saying in that interview that Hockey Canada must meet additional requirements before funding will be restored.