Major change is coming to the Canadian curling world. Beginning next year, not all provinces will be guaranteed a spot in the Tim Horton’s Brier or the Scotties Tournament of Hearts.
“Every sport is performance based,” says Al Cameron of the Canadian Curling Association. “There is only ten teams competing in the Olympic curling competition. Not every country on earth can compete in the Olympics.”
The new rule will mean the two teams in last place will play the Northwest Territories and Yukon in a preliminary round; similar rules will apply for the Scotties.
The change comes after Team Nova Scotia failed to win a single game at this year’s Brier.
“We're pretty bummed about our result. It's our second time in the Brier in three years. The win-loss column just wasn't in our favour,” says Team Nova Scotia second Mike Bardsley.
Because of the new rule, the team may not be able to play in the Brier next year.
“I think it's disappointing,” says Bardsley. “Is it truly a national championship if P.E.I. is not there? Is it a national championship if Nova Scotia is not there?”
However, the Canadian Curling Association says the 2015 Brier will be the first truly national championship. The reason for the change is to allow all provinces and territories the possibility to compete. Until now, Nunavut has not had that chance.
Curler Colten Steele has started a petition to get the curling association to reconsider.
“We certainly do respect their viewpoint, in the sense that they're trying to include everybody, we just don't necessarily agree with the way they're doing it,” says Steele.
“The Brier is a unique Canadian competition that lets you show your provincial colours,” says Bardsley.
The curling association maintains the goal is to include everyone, and if Team Nova Scotia plays well enough, they will play in next year’s Brier.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Kayla Hounsell
