Moe says Roughriders haven’t asked for financial support

Worried about its future after COVID-19, the Canadian Football League has asked the Canadian government for financial assistance.

So far, the Saskatchewan Roughriders have yet to approach the Saskatchewan government for similar help.

Premier Scott Moe said Thursday the province has had discussions with the Roughriders about a number of topics, but not about funding.

“There has been no ask of the provincial government at this time,” Moe said during a media conference. “But as you know, the provincial government — as well as the municipal government — has participated with this organization in previous years not only in hosting Grey Cup celebrations but in the construction of our stadium here in Regina.”

As part of the agreement to build Mosaic Stadium, the Saskatchewan government put up a grant of $80 million over four years and also gave the project a $100-million loan that is to be repaid over 30 years.

This year, the province has given funding to the 2020 Grey Cup Festival, with Tourism Saskatchewan putting up $3 million. Saskatchewan is to play host to the CFL’s championship game in November.

On Tuesday, it was reported the CFL had asked the federal government for up to $150 million in financial aid.

That includes $30 million immediately to offset the impact COVID-19 has had on the CFL’s business to date, assistance in case the 2020 regular season is shortened, and up to another $120 million if the 2020 campaign is wiped out.

The league already has delayed the start of training camps, which were to open in May.

The start of the regular season also has been pushed back into early July, but some provinces have said they won’t be allowing large gatherings until the end of August — if at all in 2020 — due to physical distancing requirements.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has confirmed the government is in discussions with the CFL about the financial package.

Moe wouldn’t disclose the nature of his government’s talks with the Roughriders, but said the province “would be supportive of the CFL” in general and the Roughriders in particular.

“Not only are they a strong organization both on and off the field but they need a strong league to participate in,” Moe said. “We are going to be talking to other provinces that have CFL teams as well as we will be talking with the federal government.

“The CFL is in a challenging position,” the premier added, “and this is a question for all Canadians.”