Hockey Canada denies using public funds in lawsuit settlement

Hockey Canada insists it didn't draw from taxpayer money to settle a sexual assault lawsuit in May.

"We can say definitively that no government funds were used in the recent settlement of the lawsuit," the organization said in a statement Tuesday.

In April, a woman said eight CHL players sexually assaulted her in June 2018 after a Hockey Canada event in London, Ontario.

On Monday, a Canadian government subcommittee asked Hockey Canada executives to testify regarding the out-of-court settlement, the amount for which is unknown. The plaintiff asked the judge to award $3.55 million.

Hockey Canada said Tuesday it "welcomes the opportunity" to appear before the committee.

NDP MP Peter Julian told TSN's Rick Westhead on Monday that CEO Scott Smith, former CEO Tom Renney, and foundation chair David Andrews are among those requested to testify June 20. The hearing will be webcast, and any executives who decline to take part will be issued a summons to do so, the lawmaker added.

Canada's sports minister, Pascale St-Onge, has also ordered an audit of the entity's financial activity to determine whether it used government funds in the settlement.

The NHL is investigating the matter as well and pledged to punish anyone involved if necessary.

Taxpayers partially fund Hockey Canada, giving the government jurisdiction over the federation.