Major Calgary Stampede sponsor will support financially but not take part in events
One of the Calgary Stampede's largest sponsors will continue with its financial support for the event this year, but won't be taking part when it comes to branding and hosting.
TC Energy called it a "difficult decision" but a prudent one.
"TC Energy has a long-standing relationship with the Calgary Stampede and while we will continue our financial support for certain Stampede events, we will not be participating in those events this year, from both a brand and a hosting perspective," said spokesperson Suzanne Wilton in a statement.
"This is a difficult decision for us but we believe it is the prudent one. Safety is our primary value and nothing is more important than the health, wellness and safety of our people and the communities where we live and work."
The statement added that "taking part in Stampede events could create unnecessary health and safety risks for our people and business partners."
"We have communicated directly with our employees about our expectations with respect to acceptance of invitations to attend hosted business events," said Wilton.
"We have not provided direction on what employees do on their personal time. Safety is a core value at TC Energy and it is our expectation we all abide by public health measures at all times."
The Stampede is slated for July 9-18 but the chuckwagons won't be running in the Rangleland Derby, and the Grandstand Show will be without headliner Paul Brandt. There will also not be a Stampede Parade this year.
Currently at Stage 1 of its reopening plan — which allows for outdoor dining and outdoor socializing in groups up to 10 people — Alberta could potentially move into Stage 2 next week, as more than 60 per cent of eligible lpeople have been vaccinated. That would see festivals and events allowed with up to 150 people in attendance.
All health measures will be lifted two weeks after the provinces reaches 70 per cent vaccination, Premier Jason Kenney announced last week, which will be Stage 3.
Several other major events in Alberta, including K-Days in Edmonton, the Ponoka Stampde, Edmonton Folk Fest and the Country Thunder music festival have announced cancellations for 2021.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.