Canadian Olympic Committee severs ties with 2 senior executives

The Canadian Olympic Committee is quickly acting on its commitment to implement the recommendations made following an independent investigation into purported misconduct by former president Marcel Aubut. 

CBC News confirmed Monday that executive director of operations Judy Crute and chief of sport officer Caroline Assalian have been relieved of their duties. Robert Cousin, a human resources manager, was also let go.

Recently named COC president Tricia Smith announced last Wednesday that the organization has agreed to widespread changes meant to significantly "strengthen workplace policies, procedures, and governance" in the wake of the Aubut scandal.

Aubut, 68, resigned on Oct. 3, 2015, after women accused him of sexual harassment. He has not faced any criminal charges.

A report from employment law experts Rubin Thomlinson identified gaps in the area of human resources. 

It found a lack of clarity regarding roles between the COC board and Aubut, allowing the former president to wield considerable power, while also resulting in a "culture where people did not have confidence in their ability to act in a way that could affect change," said Smith. 

"Importantly, there was no effective mechanism for individuals to raise issues of concern, except through a formal complaint."

The recommendations include:

• Enhancements to harassment policies, including a "duty to report" provision and a mechanism for filing complaints that doesn't require reporting to the CEO or president.
• Education, including a mandatory training session for staff and board members on harassment policies and procedures.
• Strengthening record-keeping to document complaints and how they have been addressed.
• Ensuring a means by which individuals can lodge anonymous complaints.
• Providing an independent resource to whom individuals can express concerns, such as an ethics commissioner.
• Emphasizing respect and well-being as the COC's core values for employees.
• Ensuring employees are aware of a whistleblower's  policy, continually monitor employees' views and confirm enforcement of policies.

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