Pascale St-Onge, the minister who dares to denounce

Posted On: November 4, 2022

Politician Pascale St-Onge is guest of the week on the Woman of Hockey podcast, hosted by Isabelle Ethier.

As a woman of many talents and interests, she discusses her role as Secretary of Sports, the situation at Hockey Canada, the importance of women’s sports and the critical lack of funding.

Driven by a need to surpass herself and tell the real things, she even makes a confession to us. A great way to discover this determined and dedicated Quebecer. Watch the full episode in the video above. Or listen here:

The MNA for Brome-Missisquoi, herself a former athlete, wants to ensure athletes “have all the tools to fulfill their passion and achieve their dreams.”

“As a society, we need role models like this. Sport connects. Sport and culture are two often underestimated areas that occupy such an important place in our societies, she emphasizes. That “drives” me on in my work.”

“Above all, I want the athletes to be able to develop. I experienced it as an athlete: great sporting achievements shape us as people. It gives confidence and allows you to develop good discipline, knowing that you can excel even when the going gets tough. It saddens me to see so many athletes having negative experiences. I think of you every day when I make decisions.”

A strange paradox

One of her main concerns is gender inequality. “There’s a lot of inequality in the system,” she admits. Sponsors need to invest more in women’s sport. There is still a lot of educational work to be done.”

She cites the example of the players on the Canada women’s ice hockey team who “face adversity to practice their sport while representing us brilliantly on the international stage for so many years.”

However, she is happy about the growing enthusiasm.

“We need to make sport more accessible for girls and women in general. We have more and more models. In fact, more women than men won medals for Canada at the last Olympics. There is more and more enthusiasm, which gives courage for the future.

*** Please note this interview was conducted prior to the October 12th resignation of the Hockey Canada Board of Directors.

PODCAST SUMMARY:

We talk about hockey (01:43)
A recap of some hockey-related moments:

How did ice hockey come into your life?
What position would you take as a player?
What kind of player would you be?
If I gave you the opportunity to meet one personality, who would it be and why?
What fuels your passion?
How can we as a government apply pressure to bring about change at Hockey Canada?

Gunfight (13:22)
Section where Isabelle asks her guest several questions:

Hot dog subdued Where toasted?
Yoga or Pilates?
Excursion or relaxation?
Change the past or see the future?
Stanley Cup or Olympic Medal?
Condo or house?
boat or motorcycle?

Place for women (14:40)
Let’s address the issues and place of women in sport.

Who is the hockey woman who inspires you: the player, the sportswriter or the hockey woman?
As a sports manager, how can you make a difference in promoting sports for women?

The passport on the pallet (22:15)