Dispute Resolution
Hockey Canada / OHF / OMHA – Major Complaint Process
To ensure a safe environment for all participants, Hockey Canada has established an independent and confidential reporting mechanism for incidents involving maltreatment, sexual violence, harassment, abuse, or discrimination within Hockey Canada-sanctioned programming. This mechanism is led by Brian Ward and Erin Durant and replaces the Ontario Minor Hockey Association’s (OMHA) previous Code of Conduct Complaint process as of October 24, 2022.
If you believe you are a victim of such misconduct, please contact Hockey Canada’s Independent Third Party at [email protected] for review.
PHA Dispute Resolution Process
The hockey environment can be emotionally charged, leading to differing opinions and potential disputes. It is advisable to address concerns promptly and through the appropriate channels. The PHA has established a formal process to handle disputes effectively:
Step 1: Initial Discussion
Whenever possible, concerns should first be addressed directly with the individual(s) involved. Open communication can often lead to a quick and amicable resolution.
Step 2: Formal Complaint Submission
If the issue remains unresolved, a formal complaint should be submitted using the appropriate form: (Please note forms are unavailable at the moment as they are being updated to reflect current policies and guidelines)
Completed forms must be signed, dated, and emailed to both [email protected] and [email protected].
Please Note: The PHA does not accept anonymous complaints. All complaints must include the complainant's name and contact information to be considered for review.
Step 3: Risk Management / Dispute Resolution Committee Review
The Risk Management / Dispute Resolution (RM/DR) Committee is responsible for investigating all formal complaints. The committee comprises:
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President (Chair): Mike Lain
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Vice President Operations: Nick Kewley
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Vice President Business: Kevin Garbutt
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Vice President Rep Hockey: Mark MacDonell
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Vice President House League: Karen Woodman
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Past President: Mike Heffernan
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Rep Director: Jeff Tysick
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House League Director: Martin Vanden Anker
In cases where a conflict of interest is identified, the affected committee member will be replaced by another board member or an impartial third party for the duration of the investigation.
The committee may resolve issues through informal discussions, mediation, or, when necessary, formal disciplinary action. All decisions made by the RM/DR Committee are binding at the PHA level. Further recourse can be sought through the OMHA Appeals Process.
Privacy and Confidentiality
The PHA is committed to respecting the privacy of all players, parents, and volunteers involved in the dispute resolution process. All information related to complaints is handled with the utmost confidentiality and in accordance with applicable privacy laws. Information will only be disclosed as necessary to conduct a thorough investigation or as required by law.
For more information on our policies and procedures, please refer to the following documents:
If you have any questions or require further assistance, please contact us at [email protected]