Calgary Flames file lawsuit against insurers for $125M in losses due to COVID
The Calgary Flames organization has filed a lawsuit against its insurers alleging $125 million in losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The National Hockey League halted its season in March 2020 because of the virus, which resulted in the Flames playing a reduced number of games without fan attendance.
The statement of claim, filed March 10, alleges the Flames suffered “massive losses” without the ability to host fans, while racking up spending to ensure an eventual safe return to the stadium.
It says repairs and preventive measures included the installation of physical barriers, upgrading its air ventilation system and creating a COVID-19 screening application for non-player personnel.
“The presence of COVID-19 and the COVID-19 virus in the Saddledome during NHL games made the normal use of the Saddledome impossible for almost two years,” the claim states.
“The purpose of this arena is to allow thousands of fans to gather inside to watch events, consume food and beverages and vocally cheer on sporting or other events.”
The claim says the insurers have denied coverage to the Flames and not reimbursed any money due to the losses.
None of the allegations have been proven in court and statements of defence have yet to be filed.
The lawsuit says fan attendance is the “lifeblood” of the organization's revenue. In the year before COVID-19, it says hockey games and other live events brought more than $187 million to the Flames.
The organization alleges in the document that its insurers decided COVID-19 does not cause physical loss or damage. It says it bought a best-in-class, “all risks” business interruption insurance policy to cover “all risks of direct physical loss or damage.”
“These covered perils include known and unknown risks, including noxious substances that render arenas unusable,” says the lawsuit.
“COVID-19 and the COVID-19 virus were precisely among the perils and risks covered.”
Named in the suit are Westport Insurance Corporation, Royal and Sun Alliance, Liberty Mutual, Aviva, Northbridge General and Can-Sure Underwriting.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 22, 2022
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.