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
Why drivers in Eastern Canada could see big gas price spikes, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?
As the United States sets its first national limits on toxic forever chemicals in drinking water, researchers say Canada is lagging when it comes to regulations.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
Some customers steaming after McDonald's ends free hot drink sticker program
It took years for Vinnie Deluca to collect more than 400 cards worth of free McDonald's McCafe coffee, a collection that now has "zero value" after the company discontinued the program.
Biden scores endorsements from Kennedy family, looking to shore up support against Trump and RFK Jr.
U.S. President Joe Biden will accept endorsements from at least 15 members of the Kennedy political family during a campaign stop in Philadelphia on Thursday as he aims to undermine Donald Trump and marginalize the candidacy of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Where did the gold go? Crime expert weighs in on unfolding Pearson airport heist investigation
Almost 7,000 bars of pure gold were stolen from Pearson International Airport exactly one year ago during an elaborate heist, but so far only a tiny fraction of that stolen loot has been found.
When new leaders took over in ancient Maya, they didn't just bury the former royals. They burned their bodies in public
New archeological investigations in Guatemala reveal that the ancient Maya people had a ritual of burning royal human remains as a public display of political regime change.
Party's over: Coyotes play final game as Arizona franchise before move to Salt Lake City
Mullett Arena buzzed like few times in the two years since the Arizona Coyotes moved in, the fans amped for one last desert hurrah.