Harassment prevention training will be required

The two host provinces for next month’s world junior hockey championship are requiring the sport’s governing body to oversee anti-harassment and sexual assault prevention training for all staff and players ahead of the tournament.

Hosts Nova Scotia and New Brunswick also want Hockey Canada to sign an anti-harassment policy, following accusations that the governing body hasn’t done enough over the years to address alleged sexual assault involving players.

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston says Hockey Canada is reviewing the conditions the host provinces imposed as part of a contribution agreement for the tournament, which begins Dec. 26. Nova Scotia is providing $2 million, and New

Brunswick will spend $1.25 million.

“We’ve signed something from our side and sent something to them and we’re just waiting for their response,” Houston said Thursday. “We’ve asked them to take specific steps and we expect them to take them. We’re expecting that everyone is on the same page on this.”

Hockey Canada has faced intense public pressure since May, when it was revealed that an undisclosed settlement had been paid to a woman who alleged in a $3.55-million lawsuit she was sexually assaulted by eight players — including members of the country’s world junior team — after a 2018 gala in London, Ont. Allegations of gang sexual assault involving the 2003 world junior team that competed in Halifax emerged in July.