“We need to do this in an equitable way that ensures the franchise in Merritt gets the same access to dollars as the franchise in Penticton”; Premier Horgan

Last week, the BC Hockey league was finally given the green light to return to action with a condensed regular season. The Merritt Centennials will be playing in the Chilliwack ‘pod’ starting in early April.

Despite games returning, no fans will be allowed in the building and as a result teams will continue to lose money. Junior Hockey teams require gate revenue to survive, and the BC Liberals have been pushing the Government to step up with funding to support the teams.

“For weeks now we have been asking the Premier to respond for a request for funding to support hockey teams in BC. In fact, we know that they will not survive,” began Shirley Bond, Leader of the Opposition. “The Premier had this to say, and I quote ‘We need to make sure we provide the resources to keep these organizations going until they can get back on their feet.”

Bond directed the question at Premier John Horgan during question period Wednesday in the Legislature.

“We’re working through the processes of government. First order of business was to get the kids back on the ice, second order of business is to make sure the franchises, that are not all for profit businesses, we need to make sure we find a program that will meet the need of all the franchises not just those who are businesses,” responded Horgan.

Teams like the Merritt Centennials, Powell River Kings, and Prince George Spruce Kings are non-profit organizations and are ineligible for a newly created grant program.

“Where exactly can (non-profits) apply for the money that the jobs minister touted yesterday,” added Bond.

“We want to make sure that all the franchises have access to the resources they will need. Those who are for profit business have programs that they should have already applied to and those who are not, will see what the balance is at the end of the day and make sure that they are kept whole as well,” said Horgan. “We understand the challenges, not everyone is the same. That’s why we need to do this in an equitable way that ensures the franchise in Merritt gets the same access to dollars as the franchise in Penticton.”