(Calgary) Hockey Canada has hired human rights leader Irfan Chaudhry as the first vice-president, diversity and inclusion, in the organization’s history.

The national sport federation announced the news on Friday, saying in a statement that Chaudhry will be responsible for developing “the vision and strategy required to create and sustain a culture in hockey that values ​​fairness, diversity and ‘inclusion “.

Chaudhry was director of the office of human rights, diversity and equity at MacEwan University in Edmonton. He is also the founder of Grow the Game, an anti-racism resource center for the hockey community.

He was also a member since 2022 of Hockey Canada’s Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group.

His hiring comes after a turbulent year at Hockey Canada, which found itself in turmoil following revelations about its handling of sexual assault allegations and payments to silence victims.

Board members resigned on October 11, and Chairman and CEO Scott Smith was ousted from his role. A new council was elected on December 17.