The Manitoba government announced on Friday, July 24, 2020, that they have established a volunteer CFL Hub City Committee to oversee plans and ensuring the province gets a good return on investment.
“A major event like being the CFL’s hub city will bring positive economic benefits to Winnipeg and help return more Manitobans to work in hard-hit areas like tourism and hospitality,” said Economic Development and Training Minister Ralph Eichler. “With public health and safety at its foundation, the committee will focus on engaging the community and ensuring Manitoba gets a good return on our investment.”
The committee will provide community oversight of the plans and focus on the economic return on investment of the province’s $2.5 million, foster community engagement, spirit and support and provide community oversight and support to the CFL and the Winnipeg Football Club to facilitate the effective delivery of the 60-game CFL season.
The volunteer committee is made up of academics, business leaders and former Blue Bombers. It will be chaired by Brock Bulbuck the executive chair of Boyd Group Services Inc.
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Also on the committee are David Asper, Barb Gamey, Obby Kahn, Dr. Peter MacDonald, James Murphy, Jennifer Nepinak, Hannah Pratt, Paul Robson and George Sigurdson.
The CFL shortened season is still up in the air pending an agreement with the CFL Players Association and the federal government for funding. The league announced earlier this week that should the season move forward Winnipeg has been selected as the hub city for the 2020 season.
The province expects the 15 week season to generate about $45 million in business sales, $4.5 million in direct tax and approximately $4 million in hotel stays, as well as support 600 jobs.
“We are excited for the return of CFL football to our city and the opportunity to support the shortened season and boost community pride,” said Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Cathy Cox. “The games will have a different look and feel without fans in the stands, but our priority is the health and safety of all Manitobans and all event participants, so we can continue to be one of Canada’s safest jurisdictions.”
© News4.ca 2020
