Toronto’s CNE organizers worry safety inspectors’ strike could deter attendance
Global News
Darrell Brown, the CEO of the Canadian National Exhibition Association, said Monday there's a lot riding on this year's event, which is set to begin Friday and run until Sept. 5.
TORONTO — As the Canadian National Exhibition prepares to return to Toronto this week, organizers say they worry ongoing labour action could deter people from attending the fair and hamper its revival following a two-year hiatus laden with financial setbacks.
The cancellation of major in-person events during the COVID-19 pandemic cost the CNE millions in losses and raised concerns about the future of the fair founded in 1879, the association that runs the event has previously said.
The CNE’s return comes during a strike by safety inspectors represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, who walked off the job on July 21 after contract negotiations with the Technical Standards and Safety Authority broke down.
Darrell Brown, the CEO of the Canadian National Exhibition Association, said Monday there’s a lot riding on this year’s event, which is set to begin Friday and run until Sept. 5.
“We’re fine with picketing as long as it’s informational and there’s no barrier to entry,” he said. “That could have serious implications for us from an attendance and financial standpoint.”
The CNE missed out on more than $70 million in revenue and took a hit of more than $8 million after cancelling its 2020 and 2021 events, he said. The organization laid off more than 50 per cent of its full-time staff to manage the losses, and employees who did stay on took salary reductions, he added.
While the association managed to pull together enough funding for this year’s event, which has a budget of $37.5 million, its success could be critical to the financial viability of the CNE moving forward, he said.
During the labour action, OPSEU has voiced concerns about the thoroughness of the inspections conducted on the fair’s rides. Striking workers also held a demonstration at the fair site on Sunday and are set to return on opening day.
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