The BC Lions and the CFL are facing a major obstacle because British Columbia hasn't approved the league's plans to return in 2021.
Although an earlier report indicated all six provinces have approved the plan, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says British Columbia is reviewing the proposal, but no decision has been made.
"The BC Lions have made a recent proposal for a return to play and the office of the B.C. provincial health officer is currently reviewing the submission and consulting with the federal government," Henry said, according to Justin Dunk of 3DownNation. "We will have more to say about what a return to play for the BC Lions may look like in the coming weeks ahead."
Provincial sports minister Melanie Mark also stressed that no proposal has been cleared.
“Ultimately, the provincial health officer will determine when the return to play plan meets the criteria that will ensure the safety of all players, staff, and British Columbians,” Mark said.
"We are also working with our colleagues across Canada to find a national consensus to incorporate the interprovincial travel a season would entail," Mark added.
After being forced to cancel the 2020 season due to COVID-19 and a lack of funding, the CFL is targeting an Aug. 5 start for the 2021 campaign. Commissioner Randy Ambrosie noted the league needs approval from all provinces and permission to host a "significant" number of fans.
