Kids Help Phone’s statement on safe sport

A message from Katherine Hay, President & CEO of Kids Help Phone.

On Friday July 22, 2022, Hockey Canada unilaterally announced that as part of its ‘safety, wellness and equity initiatives’ it would make donations to Kids Help Phone. Kids Help Phone had no knowledge of this intention, nor had we been contacted.

Following the Hockey Canada announcement, Kids Help Phone’s CEO, Katherine Hay, issued a statement to Hockey Canada that the use of our name in their press release was not appropriate, particularly without consent. 

While Hockey Canada has not responded to us directly as of July 27, we note that the Action Plan Hockey Canada announced on July 25 does not include any references to any support or service for youth. 

As the only national bilingual 24/7 youth e-mental health service in Canada, Kids Help Phone is always available to support young people, particularly during challenging and distressing times. We speak to youth in every province and territory every single day; and therefore, we know firsthand the impact harassment, bullying and abuse has on our youth. 

Harassment, bullying and abuse has no place in hockey at any level and our society – Hockey Canada has a responsibility to ensure that. Kids Help Phone remains available – and free – to any young person who needs us.    

—Katherine Hay, President & CEO, Kids Help Phone