St-Hubert, Desjardins won't cut ties with Montreal Canadiens amid Logan Mailloux draft controversy
Groupe St-Hubert says it will "continue its longstanding association" with the Montreal Canadiens despite the controversy surrounding the team's decision to draft Logan Mailloux, who pleaded guilty to sexual crimes in Sweden.
"We appreciate that [Canadiens owner] Mr. Molson took responsibility for the decision and apologized for it," Josée Vaillancourt, director of communications, told CTV News. "We continue to disapprove [of] any acts of abuse and reprehensible behaviour, regardless of a person’s status in society.”
Groupe St-Hubert says it is "confident" that the Canadiens will put its action plan in place "and we hope that this will lead to positive results."
On Thursday, Desjardins Group said it is maintaining its relationship with the team after publicly questioning the Habs' decision to draft 18-year-old Logan Mailloux.
Desjardins said in a statement it is satisfied with the sincerity of Molson's apology.
A 'MISTAKE'
Wednesday, Montreal Canadiens owner Geoff Molson addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the team's decision to draft defenceman Mailloux.
"I understand that you expect more from us and we let you down," he said. "The Montreal Canadiens are more than a hockey team. Logan's actions do not reflect the values of our organization and I apologize for the pain this selection has caused."
The 18-year-old was fined by a Swedish court for "offensive photography that violates privacy" and "defamation."
The crime, to which he has admitted, involved taking a photo during a sexual encounter with a woman last year, without her knowledge, and sharing it "with teammates without her consent to impress them." He was a minor at the time.
Molson states over the next few months, the Habs plan to raise awareness and educate young men and young women about the importance of consent.
"Shame on me for not considering the victim and shame on me for not considering the number of people who were affected by my decision," Molson said. "We will support and oversee Logan's commitment to becoming a better person."
In Canada, a person can face imprisonment of up to five years for knowingly sharing intimate images without consent.
As a result, Mailloux will not be participating in upcoming training camps this fall.
"Being a player in the NHL is a privilege that is earned, not a right that is granted," Molson said, offering his sympathies to the victim and her family. "As the year progresses, we will reassess Logan's readiness to be part of our organization."
Other sponsors, including Jean Coutu Group, have come out to say they are reviewing their relationship with the team.
Tuesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his concerns about the pick, saying he was "deeply disappointed."
Mailloux was in Sweden, on loan from the Ontario Hockey League's London Knights, at the time of the incident.
With files from The Canadian Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.