SAVE THE PNE

We need your help to ensure this beloved cultural institution survives the COVID-19 pandemic

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.

The PNE has had little to no support through the pandemic. While there is hope we are nearing an end to the public health crisis, the PNE needs short-term, emergency financial relief to avoid financial ruin.

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 federal, provincial and local government leaders today. Tell them to Save the PNE!

First Name *

Last Name *

Email Address *

Postal Code *

We'll notify your MLA

Please enter a postal code to continue.

Your Letter *

I am writing to demand action to save the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE), a major cultural institution and multi-use facility that is on the brink of disaster due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

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 its adjoined Playland facility, employ more than 4,200 workers at peak season in the summertime, with many continuing 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. The PNE is reporting a multi-million dollar shortfall from revenue lost because of pandemic restrictions. 

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 to you and all levels of government to work collaboratively to save the PNE. Please ensure that the PNE receives the necessary financial support to maintain its staff, upkeep facilities and equipment, and be ready to re-open as soon as the public health measures allow.

Your signature will automatically be added to your letter.

Leave this field blank