Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post - Bernier slams Harper's pledge to fund arenas; potential "caucus revolt"

RedHot25 · 09-10-2010, 06:08 PM

http://www.cbc.ca/politics/story/201...ervatives.html

Former cabinet minister Maxime Bernier has come out against Prime Minister Stephen Harper's willingness to use federal dollars to fund sports arenas and stadiums across the country.

The Quebec MP has joined other Conservatives, particularly in Western Canada, who are reportedly angry at the proposal. Sources have told CBC News that a caucus revolt could possibly be brewing, with MPs demanding the federal government keep out of the business of professional sports.

Writing on his blog, Bernier said that "the project is simply not profitable and will constitute a financial burden for taxpayers for decades to come, even in the best scenario. That’s why not a single private player has been found to invest in it.

Bernier said the government is carrying a $56-billion deficit and the priority should be getting back to balanced budgets and "avoid by all means getting involved in risky financial ventures."

...

Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach said he's no supporter of public money going toward building stadiums.
...

Harper's spokesman, Dimitri Soudas, told CBC-TV's Power & Politics
Thursday that the openness to fund sports arenas isn't about funding a professional team.

Soudas said in many cases, arenas and stadiums across Canada exist but need to be upgraded. The federal government helping in these cases is similar to helping improve roads and other community infrastructure projects.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/...rticle1702397/

Mr. Bernier has since taken to the local airwaves in his Beauce riding to pour cold water on the idea of the Tories showering taxpayer dollars on sports facilities while battling a $56-billion deficfit.

Meanwhile, La Presse’s Joël-Denis Bellavance suggests a backbench revolt could be brewing. One Conservative MP is reported as saying he fears alienating the party’s western base if the government starts throwing money at a rink to curry favour in Quebec.

All this while Prime Minister Stephen Harper appears to be opening the door to some form of funding. His comments Thursday, while touring in Saskatchewan, suggest he is receptive to helping out.

09-10-2010, 06:08 PM	#1
RedHot25 Franchise Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Probably stuck driving someone somewhere Exp:	Bernier slams Harper's pledge to fund arenas; potential "caucus revolt" http://www.cbc.ca/politics/story/201...ervatives.html Former cabinet minister Maxime Bernier has come out against Prime Minister Stephen Harper's willingness to use federal dollars to fund sports arenas and stadiums across the country. The Quebec MP has joined other Conservatives, particularly in Western Canada, who are reportedly angry at the proposal. Sources have told CBC News that a caucus revolt could possibly be brewing, with MPs demanding the federal government keep out of the business of professional sports. Writing on his blog, Bernier said that "the project is simply not profitable and will constitute a financial burden for taxpayers for decades to come, even in the best scenario. That’s why not a single private player has been found to invest in it. Bernier said the government is carrying a $56-billion deficit and the priority should be getting back to balanced budgets and "avoid by all means getting involved in risky financial ventures." ... Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach said he's no supporter of public money going toward building stadiums. ... Harper's spokesman, Dimitri Soudas, told CBC-TV's Power & Politics Thursday that the openness to fund sports arenas isn't about funding a professional team. Soudas said in many cases, arenas and stadiums across Canada exist but need to be upgraded. The federal government helping in these cases is similar to helping improve roads and other community infrastructure projects. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/...rticle1702397/ Mr. Bernier has since taken to the local airwaves in his Beauce riding to pour cold water on the idea of the Tories showering taxpayer dollars on sports facilities while battling a $56-billion deficfit. Meanwhile, La Presse’s Joël-Denis Bellavance suggests a backbench revolt could be brewing. One Conservative MP is reported as saying he fears alienating the party’s western base if the government starts throwing money at a rink to curry favour in Quebec. All this while Prime Minister Stephen Harper appears to be opening the door to some form of funding. His comments Thursday, while touring in Saskatchewan, suggest he is receptive to helping out.