Information for Respondents

Recieving a complaint

We understand that receiving a complaint against you can be an extremely stressful and traumatizing event. The ITP is available to the Respondents to explain the process and what to expect from a procedural perspective.

We would like to provide you with some information regarding the complaint process from the perspective of a respondent.

The complaint process is a robust process. It does not provide immediate results as it goes through multiple steps to ensure fairness and a fulsome investigation results in accurate and appropriate resolutions. While every effort is made for a timely resolution, the process can take time.

Anyone can submit a complaint.

The complainant does not have to be the victim of maltreatment – they can be a concerned party who has witnessed or been informed of maltreatment.

“Complainant: an individual or organization who submits a complaint.”

complaints can be submitted anonymously, however, anonymous complainants must remain available to the ITP throughout the duration of the complaint process.

Who can you submit a complaint about?

The subject of a complaint is called a “Respondent”.

“Respondent: the Organizational Participant or Member Participant who is the subject of a complaint.”

Organizational participants and member participants are defined within the Policy. These are individuals or persons subject to the policies or codes of conduct of Hockey Canada or a Member.
If you receive a decision listing you as the Respondent, the ITP has determined that you meet the definition of either organizational participant or member participant.

What is the complaint process for the respondent:

The Respondent will learn of complaints accepted by the ITP after the complainant has submitted a complaint to the ITP, the ITP has rendered a decision confirming it has jurisdiction and the complainant has reviewed that decision to confirm its accuracy.
The Respondent will be advised of the complaint via email from the ITP enclosing the jurisdiction decision.
The Respondent is permitted to retain legal counsel and if they choose to do so should immediately advise the ITP as the ITP will then only communicate with the legal counsel.
The Respondent can email the ITP to ask any questions regarding process.
The ITP can impose interim sanctions on the respondent such as a suspension or restriction. Interim sanctions are imposed sparingly and only if the allegations suggest that they are required in order to protect the complainant or others. Interim sanctions are not a predetermination that the allegations have merit.
The ITP will invite the Respondent to provide written comments why interim sanctions are unnecessary.
If the Respondent does not provide submissions, the interim suspensions can still be issued absent submissions.
The ITP will issue a procedural order and notice of suspension confirming whether a suspension has been imposed. The procedural order will reference the parties’ submissions and include a detailed explanation of why an interim sanction was or was not imposed. The notice of suspension will only identify the respondent and the nature and duration of suspension/restriction. The Parties will receive the procedural order. Hockey Canada, the Member, the investigator and the adjudicator will receive the notice of suspension.
Depending on the process, a mediator, investigator and/or adjudicator will be retained and the parties will be advised of the process.
The investigation report (if applicable) will be provided in whole or in part to the parties. The investigation report will not be provided to Hockey Canada or any Members unless they are the complainants.
The adjudication process will be communicated to all parties.
The adjudication decision will be released to the parties and, if sanctions are imposed, will be provided to Hockey Canada.