Ottawa BlackJacks want 300 fully vaccinated healthcare workers in stands for home opener at TD Place
Ottawa's professional basketball team is hoping fans will be in the stands for the home opener next Thursday at TD Place.
The Ottawa BlackJacks have asked Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Lisa MacLeod for permission to host 300 fully vaccinated healthcare workers for three games, including the first game on June 24.
"If the NHL is allowed in the province of Ontario to have fully vaccinated healthcare workers, there's no reason why basketball in Ottawa should be given the same," said Michael Cvitkovic, President of the Ottawa BlackJacks.
The BlackJacks shared a letter on social media sent to Premier Ford on June 3. The letter notes Ontario allowed 550 fully vaccinated healthcare workers to attend a Toronto Maple Leafs game against Montreal on May 31.
"In consultation with Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group, the venue managers of the Arena at TD Place where the Ottawa BlackJacks play, based on the 10,000 seat basketball capacity of the venue and the precedent set in Toronto, we have estimated a safe capacity of 300 healthcare workers should be permitted to attend our home games slated for June 24, 28 and July 1, 2021 with complimentary admission," said the BlackJacks in the letter to the Premier.
The BlackJacks want to express their appreciation for the work of healthcare workers.
They’re the real heroes and so it’s an opportunity for out players and coaches to be able to say thank you, to be able to give back," said Cvitkov.
"To be able to have some people here, the acoustics are great, 300 people, vaccinated healthcare workers here at the Arena at TD place, it's still going to sound loud."
The team says Mayor Jim Watson has endorsed the plan, but they haven't received a response from the Ontario government.
The office of Health Minister Christine Elliott provided CTV News Ottawa with a copy of a letter the minister sent to the Ottawa BlackJacks president.
"Thank you for reaching out and offering your upcoming home games as opportunities to celebrate Ontario's healthcare workers," wrote Elliott.
"While we know now is not the time to begin reopening indoor sports venues, we will take your generous offer into consideration and we will follow up if an opportunity presents itself in the future."
Elliott's letter notes Ontario allowed 550 fully vaccinated healthcare workers to attend the Leafs-Canadiens Game, with "rigorous health and safety protocols" in place.
"This special exemption was made as a sign of our appreciation for their commitment to upholding the health and safety of Ontarians throughout the pandemic."
The Mayor's Office tells CTV News Ottawa that Watson sent a letter to the premier on June 3 in support of the proposal.
"I believe this is a safe and worthwhile initiative to replicate in Ottawa what was done in Toronto earlier this week. I’m certain this proposal would be a welcomed gesture of gratitude for our fully vaccinated healthcare workers in recognition of their efforts over the last 15 months," wrote Watson in the letter to Ford.
The Ottawa BlackJacks play in the Canada Elite Basketball League.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
New analysis of Beethoven's hair reveals possible cause of mysterious ailments, scientists say
High levels of lead detected in authenticated locks of Ludwig van Beethoven's hair suggest that the composer had lead poisoning, which may have contributed to ailments he endured over the course of his life, including deafness, according to new research.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.