Ending racial discrimination in our game

Today, March 21, is the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, a significant day that aims to raise awareness about the injustices, biases and prejudices stemming from racial discrimination, pervasive across various facets of life, including sports.

From a hockey perspective, today is an opportunity for members of the Hockey Canada family to reflect on the fact that while some progress has been made, the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of colour) community continues to face racism and discrimination in hockey.

It is also a time for everyone involved in the game – players, coaches, officials, administrators, volunteers, fans and parents – to re-commit and advance their efforts to combat and eliminate all forms of racial discrimination and systemic racism to ensure a safe, more inclusive and welcoming hockey environment for everyone.

To reflect on the progress that has been made and what needs to be done moving forward, Hockey Canada spoke to Bob Dawson, the first Black player in the Atlantic university hockey with Saint Mary’s University. We also sat down with Irfan Chaudhry, the organization’s vice-president of diversity and inclusion, about the steps Hockey Canada has taken to address racial discrimination in our game.

Q: Why is it crucial to address, and eliminate all forms of racial discrimination?

BD: The failure for stakeholders in the game to address and eliminate all forms of racial discrimination can, among other things, lead to or result in:

– Unhealthy or toxic hockey environments in which increasing tensions affect the players, coaches, parents and team officials. Such situations, if not addressed and resolved effectively, could tarnish a team’s or league’s image.

– Increased player suspensions and or fines, possible grievances, human rights complaints or lawsuits which might reflect negatively on a hockey association or league.

– Difficulties in local hockey associations attracting, recruiting and retaining members of racialized groups, as players, coaches, board or committee members, and volunteers.

Q: What impact does racial discrimination have on the mental health and well-being of players from minority backgrounds in hockey?

BD: The impact can have serious consequences. It can and does, in some…