The National Organization announced the full resignation of its board of directors on Tuesday. The Halifax Regional Council confirmed its support for the IIHF World Junior Championship in Halifax and Moncton, following reports that the Hockey Canada board of directors will resign.

Speaking at a special council meeting on Tuesday evening, Mayor Mike Savage said the way Canadian hockey handled sexual assault allegations by players was "wrong," but considering the pending resignations, he feels optimistic about hosting the World Junior Championship in December.

Savage said, "We will move forward and ... keep this championship alive and do a great job with it, as we always do." Hockey Canada announced Tuesday morning that CEO Scott Smith and the entire board of directors will step down.

The national ice hockey body has undergone intense scrutiny in recent weeks due to its handling of sexual assault allegations. One incident alleges a gang sexual assault in Halifax in 2003, involving members of that year's Canadian World Junior team.

Savage said Halifax and the players in this year's championship should not be punished for what allegedly happened years ago. Savage told CBC News afterward, "It has been a long time now, and it would not be fair to impose that on the kids playing hockey today, and the citizens of Halifax were not at fault at that time."

Sean Cleary said the resignations at Hockey Canada must happen, and he is glad he can now fully support the championship. Cleary said, "I think the indication was that we are now where we wanted to be in terms of responsibility and accountability in Canadian hockey." Some board members expressed concerns that the sweeping leadership change in the national organization may not be enough.

Lisa Blackburn said Canadian hockey needs a "complete systemic change." Blackburn said, "These boys have learned from their actions, and they are now men, that it is okay to use women as they want and be supported." "These boys learned ... that it is okay to cover up this mistake and bury it from scrutiny." Blackburn said she would like to see the municipality take any action possible to ensure safety during the championship and future events.

City staff responded that they are in ongoing funding negotiations with Hockey Canada and will qualify their funding with commitments such as a code of conduct. These negotiations will be completed in the coming weeks. Reaction to the resignations New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs told reporters Tuesday that he agrees with Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston that this move by Hockey Canada "is a step in the right direction."

"But what does that mean? A change in guard, but what does that mean in terms of process and procedures, and what will they implement differently?" Higgs said. Houston said in a statement Tuesday that he is "pleased" to see changes in Hockey Canada and hopes it is the start of meaningful change.

Amy Walsh, Executive Director of Hockey Nova Scotia, said in a statement that the organization supports the announced leadership changes in Hockey Canada but said it will need to restore "public confidence." Walsh said, "We acknowledge serious issues in the game and a lot of work needs to be done to improve hockey culture."

Edited by: Yusra Bamatraf