Canadian Government wants certainty from CFL before giving assistance: report

While the CFL and the CFLPA are awaiting the confirmation of federal government funding before agreeing to an amended CBA for a shortened season, it now appears that the government wants confirmation of an agreement before agreeing to assistance.

According to a report from Dan Ralph of the Canadian Press, an anonymous source close to the private government negotiations say both federal and provincial governments want additional certainty before they agree to any funding within the $42.5 million dollar ask.

The federal government is looking to provide that request through a loan with the Business Development Bank of Canada, which due to its status as a crown corporation cannot be mandated to provide assistance. That means the six provinces with CFL franchises are likely needed to sign on as guarantors for the funding.

While Manitoba has already offered $2.5 million in support for Winnipeg to be a hub city host, other provinces have stated that they do not have CFL specific money available. For them to incur the risk of supporting the loan, they need the reassurance of an amended CBA to all but guarantee a season.

This news comes as frustrations continue to rise amongst the players and CFLPA President Solomon Elimimian openly criticized the idea that the outlook between the two sides is optimistic.

The CFL is now embroiled in a nightmarish case of catch-22, where they need government support to come to an agreement with the players but that support will not be provided unless the players have already agreed.