I remember gathering with my family in our living room, the sound of the game echoing through the house, as we watched our favorite teams battle it out on the ice during the Stanley Cup playoffs. It was more than just a sport to us; it was a ritual, a way for us to connect with our national heritage and with each other. Unfortunately, this cherished tradition gone for many families across Canada.

In recent years, access to the Stanley Cup playoffs and the Stanley Cup Final has become increasingly restricted to those who can afford costly cable packages or streaming services. This shift has deprived countless Canadians of a tradition that had been freely available for generations, thanks to over the air television broadcasts. For a country where ice hockey is more than a game, it's a key part of our cultural fabric, this change is simply unacceptable.

Hockey is not just a sport in Canada; it’s a vital element of our national pride and cultural identity. According to a 2018 survey by Statistics Canada, over 50% of Canadians identify as hockey fans, and events like the Stanley Cup playoffs bring us together, fostering a sense of community and shared heritage. However, by restricting access, we are effectively excluding a significant portion of our population from experiencing this unity.

We understand the business needs of media companies, but the National Hockey League (NHL) has a responsibility to its fans and the communities that support it. We believe there is a feasible compromise where the NHL and broadcasters work in tandem with policy makers to ensure that these cherished games are accessible to everyone, irrespective of their financial situation. Models can be explored where a few games, including key matches in the playoffs, are made available on free to air television, similar to what happens with the Olympics.

Moreover, this is an opportunity for policymakers in the House of Commons to stand up for Canadian values, ensuring that we remain connected to our cultural traditions without financial barriers. We ask our leaders to engage in dialogue with all stakeholders to revisit broadcasting rights and make adjustments that honor our national sport and its fans.

Join us in calling on the House of Commons to advocate for free public access to these important games. Together, we can preserve our hockey heritage and ensure every Canadian can partake in the excitement and camaraderie of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Please sign this petition and help us bring our game back to the people.