Canucks owner denies abuse allegations heard in Vancouver family court
The owner of the Vancouver Canucks has responded to bombshell allegations that he abused his children, which were heard during a family court proceeding this week.
In a statement, a representative for Francesco Aquilini said the Canucks owner "categorically denies, and is outraged by" the allegations levelled against him at a child support hearing in downtown Vancouver Tuesday.
"Mr. Aquilini has met and will continue to meet any child support obligations required by the law, but he has concerns about the veracity of the information provided in support of financial demands," the statement said. "It is unfortunate that allegations without merit are brought forward for a collateral purpose."
The Canucks owner's ex-wife, Tali'ah Aquilini, has applied for continued child support for three of their adult children, who continue to live with her while in university.
"It’s really disappointing that I have to keep coming back to court in order to try to enforce Francesco’s obligation to pay child support for the children,” she told reporters outside B.C. Supreme Court on Tuesday.
Her lawyer, Claire E. Hunter, wrote in a statement to CTV News that Francesco Aquilini has had affidavits from her client and all four of their children for "many months."
"He has not given any evidence denying any of that affidavit evidence," Hunter wrote.
Tali’ah Aquilini is also asking that the judge allow her to redact information from receipts when she submits them, so her ex-husband cannot find out information about where the children are going to school.
The court heard claims that the children suffered abuse and that is why they don’t want their father to know which school they're attending.
The NHL released a statement Wednesday confirming the league is aware of the allegations and has been in touch with Aquilini and his lawyers.
"Clearly, the parties have been involved in a most contentious divorce," the league said. "We plan to continue to monitor the situation and, if necessary, will respond as we learn more as events unfold."
The Aquilinis divorced in 2013.
Georgialee Lang, a family lawyer who closely followed the couple’s divorce proceedings, said in cases where adult children are estranged from a parent, that parent can argue against making support payments.
"It doesn't mean that he automatically doesn't have the obligation to pay child support, but he has an argument to make to the court as to why he shouldn't,” Lang explained.
A judge will have to determine if their estrangement is legitimate and the abuse allegations are true, the lawyer said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Quebec judge orders bus driver to stand trial for 2023 daycare crash deaths
A judge has ordered a Quebec man to stand trial on charges of first-degree murder in the deaths of two children killed when a bus rammed into a Montreal-area daycare last year.
Trudeau's latest pre-budget pledge targets millennial moms, vowing $1B in loans for more child-care spaces
The federal government is launching a new loan program to help child-care providers in Canada expand their spaces, and will be extending further student loan forgiveness and training options for early childhood educators, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Thursday.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
Krispy Kreme doughnuts coming to McDonald's in U.S., but not Canada
Canadians will be missing out on a sweet new partnership between McDonald's and Krispy Kreme, which will see doughnuts available at McDonald's locations across the U.S. by the end of 2026.
BREAKING Calgary officer charged after allegedly assaulting handcuffed man
A Calgary police officer has been charged after allegedly assaulting a handcuffed man two years ago.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.
How do you navigate the social media minefield with your kids?
Growing fears about social media's harm have sparked lawsuits against social media companies from hundreds of school districts in the United States and now Canada. CTVNews.ca wants to know whether your children are addicted to social media or if you have concerns about their usage of platforms such as Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and X.