TORONTO -- Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment says it will implement a mandatory vaccination policy for fans attending its events, whether indoors or outdoors.
The Toronto-based company announced its policy in a release Thursday, a day after the Ontario government revealed its vaccine certificate program that will require Ontarians to show proof of inoculation to access some non-essential services starting on Sept. 22.
MLSE said its vaccination policy for indoor and outdoor venues will take effect that day.
“As an organization, MLSE fully supports the mandatory vaccination policy being implemented by the province as we all work together to create a path forward that protects our communities and allows a return to full operations for all businesses,” said Michael Friisdahl, President and CEO of MLSE, in a statement. “Providing the safest environment within our venues and protecting our community from the transmission of COVID-19 are our highest priorities and ensuring all attendees and staff at our events are fully vaccinated is the ultimate safeguard in that goal.
"We strongly believe that this mandatory vaccine policy, along with the other enhanced measures we are adding, should allow us to safely resume hosting both indoor and outdoor events at full capacity in time for the start of the Maple Leafs and Raptors seasons this Fall.”
The company said proof of a negative COVID-19 test will not be accepted for admittance to MLSE venues or events, except for those with a verified medical exemption.
Children under 12, who are not eligible to receive vaccines, will be exempt.
MLSE owns the NHL's Maple Leafs, NBA's Raptors, CFL's Argonauts and Toronto FC of MLS, among other teams.
It also owns Scotiabank Arena, the home of the Leafs and Raptors, the Raptors' OVO practice facility and Maple Leaf Square, a development beside Scotiabank Arena that includes retail space and restaurants.
MLSE operates BMO Field, the home of the Argonauts and Toronto FC, and Ricoh Coliseum, the home of the American Hockey League's Toronto Marlies. Both facilities, located at Exhibition Place, are owned by the City of Toronto.
