May 14th, 2021

NDP asks Ford to save CNE for future years

TORONTO – Spadina–Fort York MPP Chris Glover released the following statement calling on the Ford government to save the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) for future years. The CNE has been cancelled for summer 2021, due to COVID-19, and as a result is facing permanent closure due to the financial impacts of the pandemic:

"The CNE is a much-loved Toronto institution that holds special significance for many Ontarians young and old, a venerated end-of-summer tradition for families and people of all ages that attracts over 1.5 million visitors annually and provides 4700 jobs, primarily to youth, with 20 per cent of summer jobs going to youth with special needs. It’s a major economic driver that generates $128 million in economic activity for Ontario each year.

Doug Ford cannot sit by and allow thousands of jobs to be lost.

After 142 years, the CNE, which operates as a non-profit, is at dire risk of closing its gates forever, and in urgent need of financial support from multiple levels of government.

The Ford government must not turn its back on this cherished summer tradition. The NDP is calling on this government to step in and provide the financial support needed to re-open the gates of Toronto's beloved CNE in summer 2022 and beyond."