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
Trudeau acknowledges charges in Nijjar killing, calls for commitment to democracy
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has acknowledged the charges laid Friday in relation to the murder of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
Bodies recovered in Mexico likely 2 Australians, 1 American who went missing: officials
Three bodies recovered in an area of Baja California are likely to be those of the two Australians and an American who went missing last weekend during a camping and surfing trip, the state prosecutor’s office said Saturday.
Princess Anne lays wreath at B.C. veteran's cemetery; receives 21-gun salute
Princess Anne paid tribute to veterans buried at a cemetery in British Columbia today, laying a wreath to honour the more than 2,500 military personnel and family members buried there.
Mystik Dan wins the 150th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in a three-horse photo finish
Mystik Dan won the 150th Kentucky Derby in a photo finish, edging out Forever Young and Sierra Leone for the upset victory.
'I just can't believe that it took so long': Body found in wreckage 3 months after deadly fire
A man accused of arson in a January Old Strathcona apartment fire is expected to be charged with manslaughter after a body was discovered in the burned building late last month.
Quebec police hand out hundreds of tickets to Hells Angels and other bikers before 'first run' meeting
Quebec provincial police handed out hundreds of fines to Hells Angels members and other supporting motorcycle clubs who met for their 'first run' in a small town near Sherbrooke, Que.
Work stoppage possible as WestJet issues lockout notice to maintenance engineers' union
A lockout notice issued by WestJet to a union representing aircraft maintenance engineers could result in a work stoppage next week.
London Drugs begins 'gradual reopening' on 7th day after cyberattack
Almost a week after all London Drugs stores across Western Canada abruptly closed amid a cyberattack, they began a "gradual reopening" on Saturday.