The move comes as hockey officials in Canada grapple with how to deal with troubling allegations of abuse and mistreatment in the sport.

In a statement released Wednesday, Quebec’s Minister for Sport and Recreation, Luc Fortin, said the province would no longer participate in Hockey Canada-sanctioned events or activities.

“The recent events that have come to light in the world of hockey, and more specifically those involving Hockey Canada, have led us to question the organization’s ability to protect our Quebec athletes,” Fortin said.

The decision was made following a meeting between Fortin, Quebec Federation of Hockey president Richard Levesque and other officials. “We want to send a strong message that the safety and well-being of our athletes is our top priority,” Levesque said.

The move comes after former NHL player Theoren Fleury alleged in his autobiography that he was sexually abused by his former junior hockey coach, Graham James.

Last week, another former NHL player, Sheldon Kennedy, alleged he was sexually abused by his former junior hockey coach, then-Calgary Flames assistant coach Dave King. Those allegations have prompted calls for change within Hockey Canada, with some suggesting the organization did not do enough to protect players from abuse.

But while Quebec officials are backing away from Hockey Canada, they stopped short of saying they would sever all ties with the organization. “We’re not ruling out the possibility of working with Hockey Canada in the future, but we want to see some changes first,” Fortin said.

Fortin said the province would continue to work with Hockey Canada on the development of female hockey in Quebec.

Levesque said the decision to cut ties with Hockey Canada was not an easy one, but that it was necessary in light of the recent allegations. “We feel like we have no choice but to take this step,” he said. “Hockey Canada has failed to protect our athletes and that is something we cannot tolerate.”