Soccer league looks at P.E.I.

Tourism Minister Matthew MacKay confirms Canadian Premier League request

As Canada continues to deal with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, a professional soccer league has asked about playing its season in P.E.I.

During Wednesday’s question period in the legislature, Montague-Kilmuir MLA Cory Deagle asked about what he said was a rumour that the Canadian Premier League was looking for a place to play this summer.

“Has P.E.I. been approached about this possible opportunity?”

Tourism Minister Matthew

MacKay responded that the league has been in contact with his department.

“They’re looking for a safe place to have their season for the summer and they’re wondering if P.E.I. had any interest at all,” MacKay said.

The Canadian Premier League has eight clubs across the country, including the Halifax Wanderers.

P.E.I. has so far remained relatively unscathed by the coronavirus pandemic and currently has no confirmed cases as the province continues to loosen public health restrictions.

Deagle asked if MacKay’s department has been in contact with the Chief Public Health Office about the league’s request.

MacKay said it has.

He also provided a few more details about the league’s proposal which would involve 300 players who would self-isolate for 14 days before arriving and a further 14 days once in P.E.I.

“For the economy, it’s great. It would provide 16,000 room nights, but that’s not what this is all about,” he said.

MacKay said the health and safety of Islanders is the most important thing right now.

“It’s not something that we’re going to rush to at this point, and once again, health and safety’s got to come first.”