The Canadian Olympic Committee has agreed to widespread changes meant to significantly "strengthen workplace policies, procedures, and governance" in the wake of the Marcel Aubut scandal, president Tricia Smith announced Wednesday.
The board has voted to implement all of the recommendations made by employment lawyer Christine Thomlinson.
"It is clear that we could have done more. To our employees and anyone else who was affected, I'm truly sorry. We let you down. We must hold ourselves to a higher standard, and we will," said Smith.
Aubut resigned as COC president 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 systems.
The COC Board says it has approved the hiring of senior and designated human resources leadership to ensure a safe and healthy environment for employees is provided.
"The report is extensive, thorough, professional, and frankly tough," Smith said in a news release. "It includes the results of more than 100 interviews with COC staff, former staff, and other individuals taken over a three-month period. I reviewed the report with the Board on Friday. I recommended, and the board unanimously agreed, to accept and implement all of the recommendations.
Chris Overholt will remain as the organization's chief executive officer and will be supported in implementing the changes by a working group be led by Smith.
A formal complaint alleging sexual harassment against Aubut was filed to the COC by a female employee on Sept. 25, 2015.
One week later, two other women came forward with allegations and the investigation was expanded. The formal complaint was later withdrawn, but third-party investigations continued based on the other complaints.
Smith, a four-time Olympian, was elected the COC's new president on Nov. 22, nearly two months after Aubut's resignation.
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