Bell no longer a Calgary Stampede sponsor after nearly 20 years
Bell Canada, the parent company of CTV News, is no longer a sponsor of the Calgary Stampede.
The telecommunications company confirms the longstanding partnership between the two concluded at the end of last year.
"We wish the Calgary Stampede all the best as they continue to celebrate Western heritage," said Tianna Goguen, Bell media relations, in a statement sent to CTV News via email.
"We are grateful to have been part of such a renowned pillar in Canadian entertainment."
The Calgary Stampede confirms Bell's contract formally expired on Dec. 31, 2023.
"We are very proud of the work we have done in partnership with Bell and thank them for their nearly two decades of support," said Shannon Greer, Calgary Stampede communications and media relations manager, in an email to CTV News.
"While the sponsorship has concluded, we maintain a business relationship with Bell."
Bell's logo was removed from the Calgary Stampede's website as part of the announcement of this year’s Grandstand Show, which Bell previously supported.
"We are excited to welcome GMC, Wrangler, Rocky Mountain Equipment, and Lammle’s as sponsors of The Grandstand Show and look forward to showcasing their special connections to it when the show premiers in July," Greer said.
Bell did not respond to questions about why the sponsorship agreement wasn’t renewed.
Bell’s parent company, BCE Inc., announced a large restructuring in February with 4,800 layoffs and other cost-cutting measures.
The Stampede has come under increased scrutiny recently after admitting liability in a class action lawsuit involving a former employee who was convicted of sexually assaulting boys who were performing as part of the Young Canadians dance group.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
‘We made them safer and more fun’: Here’s what’s new about e-scooters
Electric scooters (e-scooters) have been gaining popularity in the capital and this season comes with some changes and updates.
The kids from 'Mrs. Doubtfire' are all SUPER grown up now, and we're not OK
The adorable trio of child actors from the 1993 classic comedy 'Mrs. Doubtfire,' which starred the late and great Robin Williams, are all grown up and looking back on their seminal time together.
Premier Legault reiterates that McGill pro-Palestinian camp must be dismantled
Quebec Premier François Legault reiterated that the pro-Palestinian encampment at McGill University must be dismantled while police remain 'on the lookout for new developments.'
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
The UN warns Sudan's warring parties that Darfur risks starvation and death if aid isn't allowed in
The United Nations food agency warned Sudan's warring parties Friday that there is a serious risk of widespread starvation and death in Darfur and elsewhere in Sudan if they don't allow humanitarian aid into the vast western region.
Two killed after collision with truck on Hwy. 417 near Limoges, Ont.
Ontario Provincial Police say two people were killed after a car and a transport truck collided in the westbound lanes of Highway 417 near Limoges, Ont. on Tuesday afternoon.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Hulk Hogan, hurricanes and a blockbuster recording: A week in review of the Trump hush money trial
Crucial witnesses took the stand in the second week of testimony in Donald Trump's hush money trial, including a California lawyer who negotiated deals at the center of the case and a longtime adviser to the former president.