Ontario Says No More—led by SOAR Initiative Canada—is calling on the  National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA) to implement a formal, comprehensive, league-specific policy that addresses sexual violence, domestic violence, and child abuse.

Right now, the NHL remains the only major league organization with no such league-specific policy in existence. That must change.

We, the undersigned, are calling for the immediate development and implementation of a proactive, survivor-centered framework that includes:

• Independent reporting and investigation processes—separate from legal proceedings—to ensure survivors are safe and supported.
• Trauma-informed support services for survivors and their families, with access to the resources they need to heal.
• Mandatory training for all players, coaches, staff, and league officials on abuse prevention, consent, and bystander intervention.
• Transparency and accountability through regular public reporting on abuse cases, investigations, and outcomes.
• Creation of a Joint Policy Committee, composed of six members—three representatives appointed by the NHLPA and three by the NHL Commissioner’s Office, and supported by a non-voting, independent expert in the fields of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse, jointly selected by both parties.

To the fans, players, coaches, staff and all concerned citizens, we need your voice:

• Stand with Ontario Says No More and SOAR Initiative Canada in demanding a policy that puts survivor safety first.
• Hold the NHL and NHLPA accountable for addressing abuse with transparency and urgency.
• Speak out against the culture of silence, and help change the way we talk about abuse in sport.

Vague codes of conduct and case-by-case punishments are insufficient. A dedicated policy is essential to ensure safety, prevent further harm, and begin transforming a culture that has allowed abuse to go unchecked for too long. The time for change is NOW.

Sign the petition and join the movement! 

Are you an organization working in the gender-based violence space? Our open letter is now open for signatories, here.