GMHL REMINDS EVERYONE OF MINISTER CLEMENTS LETTER TO HOCKEY CANADA!

GMHL STILL DEALING WITH HOCKEY CANADA ATTEMPTS TO INTIMIDATE

- ISSUES REMINDER TO ALL IN REGARDS TO CANADIAN GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO UNFAIR RULES AND PRACTICES

October 6, 2010

Shelburne,ON - The Greater Metro Jr. A Hockey League, as a result of additional recent reports of efforts on the part of sanctioned hockey organizations to intimidate minor hockey players, parents, officials, coaches and administrators, is providing a copy of the following letter issued by Federal Minister of Industry Tony Clement in June of 2009, which tells Hockey Canada, in no uncertain terms, that these tactics are unacceptable and there are limitations as to what policies they can employ in dealing with the GMHL.

Recent reports of an 8 year old player being threatened with suspension from local house league play for helping the Shelburne Red Wings is just the latest salvo thrown out by sanctioned hockey, and it's a sad state they're resorting to such tactics once again, similar to an situation in Elliot Lake not long ago as well.

As a friendly reminder to everyone, following is the letter from Minister Clement:

 

 

 

MINISTER CLEMENT SCORES A GOAL FOR MINOR HOCKEY!

 

 

Ottawa, ON, June 4, 2009- Tony Clement, Minister of Industry and Member of Parliament for Parry Sound - Muskoka, today celebrated a win for minor hockey players right across Canada.

Until recently young hockey players who participated in “outlaw” leagues, or leagues not sanctioned by Hockey Canada, were penalized from playing in a sanctioned leagues for up to two subsequent seasons. Local Members of Parliament and others found this rule unfair and complaints were sent to the Competition Bureau.

“In Canada, hockey is our birthright!” said Minister Clement. “Now, thanks to the individuals who put pressure on Hockey Canada, the obstacles faced by some of our young players are gone. We have restored the right of every Canadian to play hockey wherever and whenever they like. We have taken our local teams, like the South Muskoka Shield, out of the penalty box.”

The Competition Bureau received complaints about Hockey Canada sanctioning against so-called “outlaw” hockey leagues, and the players and arenas in which they play. The Bureau examined the bulletin and concluded that some aspects of the sanctions gave rise to issues under section 79 of the Competition Act, otherwise known as the abuse of dominance provision.

As a result of the dialogue initiated by the Bureau, Hockey Canada has eliminated three major sanctions:

1) Municipalities and arenas may now offer ice time to non-affiliated leagues without the fear of losing the business of Hockey Canada-sanctioned activities.

2) The suspension period for a player that participates in an “outlaw” league can no longer extend beyond the season in which that participation takes place.

3) The third sanction was changed to make it clear that a Hockey Canada team would not be in violation of the bulletin merely by playing in the same arena as an “outlaw” league.

“I’m thrilled about this historic decision,” said Minister Clement. “This just goes to show that the system works. Now it is time to get back to doing what we do extremely well here in Parry Sound-Muskoka: play hockey!”