SAVE THE PNE

The PNE is in trouble and needs your help

The Pacific National Exhibition might not recover from the pandemic. We need action now – or we will lose the PNE we all know and love.

As we near the end of the pandemic, we can now safely enjoy some limited events at the PNE. But with little to no support throughout the public health crisis, the PNE remains in trouble.

A year and half of lost revenues has left the PNE close to financial ruin. Without immediate, short-term assistance, it might not recover.

The PNE is a century old tradition that has brought countless memories and enjoyment for generations. It also pumps $200 million into the region’s economy and local businesses every year. And it creates thousands of high-skilled jobs and youth employment.

All of this is at risk if governments don’t step up now.

Let's make sure that the PNE is not left behind in the post-pandemic recovery. Send an email to urge our leaders to save the PNE!

This campaign is run by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and CUPE Local 1004, representing over 4,000 PNE workers whose jobs and livelihoods are at stake. To learn more about CUPE, visit www.cupe.ca.

Send a message to our leaders today. Tell them to Save the PNE!

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Your Letter *

I am writing because the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE)—a major cultural institution and multi-use facility—is on the brink of disaster due to the COVID-19 pandemic and needs your support now. 

The annual Fair is a beloved B.C. tradition going back more than 110 years. In recent years the PNE has expanded its year-round operations and built a range of new traditions including Halloween Fright Nights, winter holiday festivals, a farmers’ market, and ongoing music and cultural events. The PNE serves so many in our community and is an important piece of B.C.’s heritage and cultural fabric.

The PNE is also one of the most important regional employers. The PNE, and Playland at the PNE, employ more than 4,200 workers at peak season in the summer, with many continuing to work throughout the year. 

The future of the PNE, its workers and their families, as well as the countless businesses who have relied on the PNE Fair for generations, is in jeopardy. 

As we look towards the end of the pandemic and the easing of restrictions, the reopening schedule effectively means the PNE is closed for a second full season, expanding an already difficult financial situation. While it will take years for the PNE to fully recover from millions in lost revenues due to pandemic restrictions, it requires immediate assistance of $8 million to maintain operations and keep 4,000 British Columbians employed until normal operations can be restored. 

As we begin to look forward to a post-pandemic recovery, please don’t turn your back on the PNE. Doing so means creating more unemployment, depriving small business of much needed revenue, and ending a proud and valuable tradition that goes back more than a century. 

I am calling on you and all levels of government to work collaboratively to save the PNE. Please ensure that the PNE receives the financial assistance it needs to retain staff; maintain facilities and equipment; and upkeep basic operations until public health measures allow a full reopening.

Your signature will automatically be added to your letter.

Your message will be sent to the BC Premier, the Minister of Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture & Sport, the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Ministry of Labour and the Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation. Your message will also be sent to the federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, the federal Minister of Canadian Heritage, the federal Minister of Finance, the federal Minister of Employment of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, and all members of the Vancouver City Council. Copies will be sent to your local MLA and MP based on the postal code provided.

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