Beyond The Commons

 Beyond The Commons

Aaron Wherry covers all the goings-on in and around Parliament Hill. Follow Aaron on Twitter: @aaronwherry

Categories: Beyond The Commons, Capital Read

Call this number now

by Aaron Wherry on Thursday, September 9, 2010 6:44pm - 0 Comments

If you or your town would like to host a large stadium, arena or field suitable for hosting professional sports activities, but don’t have the money to build one yourself, federal government operators are standing by to hear your request.

“In terms of financing major sports facilities, there are demands here, there are demands in Quebec City, I am aware of demands elsewhere,” Harper told reporters Thursday in Saskatoon … ”In terms of financing these things going forward, we’re going to have to respect the precedents we have had in the past and be sure any treatment we’re prepared to make to one city we’re prepared to make to all,” said Harper.

Tags: , , , , , ,
Bookmark and Share
  • Mark R

    Simply not fair. There are lots of small and medium sized cities that need money for rinks and entertainment facilities. Why should only pro sports cities get funds.
    I'm sure there are many cities across the country that would like a major junior team in their city. Or have a larger facility to attract major concert names.

    • shouldIsellyourwheat

      The Economic Action Plan built many arenas in communities across the land.

      • Mark R

        Yes and the EAP could of been used for pro-sports arenas too. Why didn't Quebec?
        This is beyond the EAP. This is new funding. There are many more arenas to build.

        • burlivespipe

          Harper's mind is quickly calculating the GPS locations of new signs around pro sports franchises…

  • shouldIsellyourwheat

    Rogers/Macleans has a conflict of interest. Videotron is a competitor of Rogers.

    Rogers is also one of the biggest corporate welfare bums in the country.
    1) Macleans and other magaizines. multimillions of direct subsidies on a yearly basis.
    2) Rogers is part of the government regulated WIRELESS oligopoly where they are protected from competition and allowed to make obscene profits (Canada has some of the highest wireless rates in the world) using the public's spectrum.
    3) Rogers is part of the government regulated CABLE oligopoly where they are protected from competition and allow to make obscene profits.

    Shouldn't you Maclean's guys disclose that you are amongst the biggest corporate welfare recipients in the country?

    • bennji

      I love the game of folllow the money…….

      Who owns Videotron……Quebecor

      Who is the president of Quebecor ……. Pierre Karl Peledau

      Who owns Sun Media – who is pushing for a special CRTC license for Sun Media Inc., who recently hired Kory Kory Teneycke (formal communications director for PM Harper),,,,,,,,Quebecor

      Who is the major financial backer for an NHL team to return to Quebec City, who recently met with NHL commish Bettman?………………M. Paledau.

      You are right – there are people who are in a MAJOR conflict of interest here……but, it sure and heck isn't Rogers

      • shouldIsellyourwheat

        Maclean's has been receiving over $1,5 million dollars per year in corporate welfare for many years in magazine subsidies. For all of Rogers magazines, they probably receive upwards of more than $3 million a year in direct corporate welfare.

        Not to mention the licenses the Roger's get to print money in government regulated and licensed business's of wireless and cable.

        Videotron is a competitor of Rogers. Rogers guys are complaining that their competitor is receiving corporate welfare, while they themselves are amongst the biggest corporate welfare bums.

        • burlivespipe

          Who had a secret hush-hush meeting with Rupert Murdoch — Harper, accompanied by Kory Technogeek. Who owns Faux, er Fox News, the model of Peladeau and Kory cobpipe's dream Canadian knockoff? Murdoch. Who hopes that a Faux, er Fox News North channel can benefit his party by broadcasting basement-made lies? Harper.

          • Blue

            Paranoid much. I suppose you`re going to tell me Linda McQuaig told you about this conspiracy meeting.

            Do you think she`s a credible source ?

          • brooster

            I believe the original source of the story was Bruce Cheadle of Canadian Press. One outlet that picked up his story is at http://news.ca.msn.com/money/article.aspx?cp-docu…

            How's his credibility with you?

          • tedbetts

            The meeting happened.

            SunTV is not Fox News North. It is Pravda: set up by the government to support the government.

          • Blue

            pravda means " truth " in the Polish Russian and Ukranian languages. The word was corrupted by the installation of the Newspaper of the same name by the Soviets.

            The closest we came to Pravda here was when we had a state-run media ( CBC ) turn a blind eye to Liberal shenannigans 10 years ago.

            Sun TV will be run by a private Corp.—no Gov`t money.

          • tedbetts

            Pravda was set up by the state in order to support the state and spread it's message and attack its enemies.

            SunTV is being set up by a private interest with extremely close relations to the state and extremely big assistance by the state in order to support the state and spread it's message and attack its enemies.

            Pretty damn close.

            CBC was set up by the state but has never been set up to spread the message of the state or attack its enemies. You can ask Paul Martin all about that, or Chretien from 1999 on (ask him sometime what he thinks about APEC and pepperspray). Dion and Ignatieff could never hope to get the kind of fawning softball interviews Mansbridge gives with Harper.

            Saying the CBC is any friendlier to a Liberal government than a Conservative government misses the very point about why it is not like Pravda, the opposite in fact. In fact, their problem is more of a knee-jerk reaction to pretty much anything any government does.

            You could argue that the CBC is more liberal than conservative (though almost every single commenter they hire would prove that to be false), but saying they are more Liberal than Conservative is one of the biggest whiniest "it's not our fault, it's never our fault" BS that comes out of Conservative apologists.

          • brooster

            I'm with you on this one. On the evidence so far, SunTV looks to be a proxy for the PMO's communications arm. Kory is a sock puppet who is being used by Harper and Peladeau to advance their symbiotic agendas.

            I'm starting to sound paranoid…Blue, where are you?

      • Jan

        And now there's talk of Luc Lavoie – Peledau's right hand man – being appointed to the CRTC. It's like a B movie.

    • tedbetts

      $400 million dollars for a sports facility to support a pro team that doesn't exist vs. $1.5 from Heritage for a magazine that has been around nearly a hundred years (and is certainly as deserving as the dozens and dozens and dozens of religious, farmer and hunter magazines the government subsidizes).

      Yes, you are right. They are so much the same thing.

      The funding of Canadian magazines is a fair target, but it has very different issues.

      Especially stupid comment when so many non-Rogers media and politicians and pundits are criticizing this move by Harper. Especially incredibly stupid comment when members of Harper's own caucus, who don't wipe their noses without written permission from the PMO, are publicly speaking out against their own caucus members.

  • Patchouli

    Is that the sound of a public purse opening wide? And we're serious about the economy and tightening our belts at the same time, eh?

    That sounds like an election call to me.

    • Jan

      Actually, Harper just said that the stimulus cut off date that was written in stone – may have to be revisited. If you don't like Harper's position on something – just wait a week or two.

  • Orson Bean

    Maybe Harper said other things that are more committed in this regard, but when I look at the quote that Wherry provided, it seems to be to be a masterpiece of non-commitment. It's kind of a classic politician's statement — open to many interpretations, and utterly non-committal.

    • LaxAtlDfwYow

      I suggest it's more likely a carefully crafted dodge to allow him to room to fund the Quebec City project but then deny funding to others. If the Cons fund, they'll tie it to unique Quebec City factors: new NHL franchise and a winter Olympic bid. The latter has virtually no chance, but is enough to distinguish this deal from all others on the horizon. Presto.

      • burlivespipe

        I am pleased to announce, that with the cooperation and assistance of multiple levels of government, that I and my neighbourhood will host the 2042 Summer Games. There could be an NHL franchise in our future soon, too. Mr. Harper, please send check and stuffed shirt for photo ops — we'll provide GPS coordinates…

        • Reverend_Blair

          I could use some clean fill for my backyard. Sometimes the neighbours kids play catch out there, but lately it's been too wet. Suppose Harper could cough up some money for dirt?

  • LaxAtlDfwYow

    Hey PM Steve! Let's just cut out the middleman. No need to push tax money to arena projects and NHL bids. They just piss away money that could otherwise buy votes. Cut out the middleman: send all adult voters in the few additional ridings you need to win a cheque for, say, $10,000 and we'll get our votes "aligned". Nudge, nudge. Wink, wink.

    No need to mess with funding agreements, other levels of government or, heaven forbid, Bettman and PKP. Just send cash. Waddaya say PM Steve?

    • NorthernPoV

      send all adult voters in the few additional ridings you need to win a cheque for, say, $10,000 and we'll get our votes "aligned"

      funny, it would probably cost less and be more effective stimulus than some the sign-chicanery we've seen ;-)

      • danby

        $5 Tim Hortons gift certificates would probably do it.
        Roll up the rim to win!!!

        • NorthernPoV

          I always thought the (filed early or on-time) honest tax return should include a lottery with prizes ranging from:
          paying your income tax for a month or a year
          to perhaps some grand prizes of $100,000 and an annual $1M top prize.
          It would make tax time fun and get paid for via lower compliance enforcement …
          like a voluntary census eh?
          ;-)

        • Blacktop

          Not after the current Tim article in MacLeans's (Thanks Mcc I got my mag evemn if YOU PUT THE WRONG ADDRESS.

    • LynnTO

      A cheque for $10,000? That's a voter subsidy I can get behind.

  • D Mitchell

    So Aaron, was building BC Place, Commonwealth Stadium, GM Place, McMahon Stadium, Saddledome, Northlands, Credit Union Place, MTS Centre, Winnipeg Stadium, Ivor Wynne, Skydome, Stad Olympic all mistakes? Was building all the concert halls (where professional singers and actors perform) mistakes? All these places have pro, minor pro and amature users. So get the hell off your high horse you jackass.

    • brooster

      So, in your opinion, the federal government should be involved in financing these corporate playpens? I don't know the history of all the edifices you've listed, but one (SkyDome) was not just "a mistake"…it was an unmitigated disaster and a monstrous money pit for taxpayers in Ontario. It was gifted to Rogers for a fraction of its cost.

    • gottabesaid

      Here's the frustration… the Harper Conservatives were elected to do business differently, and not, say, try to buy votes like the Liberals did. And yet, here we are. I know there are people who will support this government no matter what it does, and can justify anything it does, but some of us are frustrated by governments who think our money is their re-election fund.

      • tedbetts

        Actually, in this they are doing something different. The Liberals refused to support pro hockey teams when Manley was Finance Minister under Chretien.

    • RunningGag

      Mistakes. Shouldn't have happened.

  • auntie_em_m

    Wow! a two horse comment from a two- legged jackass!

    I still have the picture in my head : smaller, short jackass struggling to get down off a big, high horse.

  • LaxAtlDfwYow

    So are we finally in sight of moral and intellectual rock bottom for this government?

    If they proceed with funding for this project, they are either too inept, stupid or lazy to develop real policies that might attract voters and votes. Fund this deal and prove definitively that this leader's CPC is without any substance whatsoever. It is an empty, vote-buying vessel.

    • Mike T.

      I think the census, the pro-rogues and the Afghan documents were the scummiest parts. Probably the entire fixed election dates thing, too.

  • NorthernPoV

    We have truly entered a "theater of the absurd" …
    in which the so-called-fiscally-responsible-party has morphed into a caricature of a snake oil salesman, traipsing about the land opening alternate sides of his jacket offering real and illusory gifts…
    meanwhile Dear Leader himself begins to eerily ape the behavior of North Korea's leadership:
    "Media barred from questioning PM
    Brad Bird, Oceanside Star
    Published: Thursday, September 09, 2010

    The Prime Minister of Canada blew into central Vancouver Island Wednesday afternoon to tout facilities being built with federal dollars and provide some photo ops for local media and MPs.

    "Did they tell you this is all oyster shells?" Stephen Harper said to the media, assembled behind a make-shift partition 10 metres away at the Deep Bay Field Research Station.

    He paused a moment, holding a crushed shell which made up the surface we walked on outside the $8.8-million structure, which should open by January.
    <SNIP>
    The dozen reporters present, surprised he'd even acknowledge them, said nothing.

    His security men, looking the part in dark suits (with bulges) and sunglasses, kept looking our way and beyond, into the trees.

    His handlers, who had been busy imposing the rules of the game ("I want you over there, sir, with the rest of the media"; "Remember, no questions. Do you have a problem with that?") kept poker faces also.

    The people with him, MP James Lunney (Nanaimo-Alberni), VIU president Dr. Ralph Nilson and project manager Brian Kingzett, stopped chatting with the Prime Minister and waited.

    Since nobody else said anything, Mr. Harper finished the thought himself. "It is," he said. Then he returned to face his hosts and continue his banter with them, just out of earshot.

    For the media it was an odd dance, since no talking with the PM was permitted, and he allowed but that single comment to acknowledge them, during the quarter-hour allowed. "

    • E_B_

      One wonders why the media even bothers to 'assemble'.

  • Stewart_Smith

    Why do these conservatives hate Madeyoulook so?

    • madeyoulook

      I've been calling them names since a budget or two.

      The bigger question: why do they hate their own alleged principles so? Harper didn't use to be so stupid. Then he became PM.

  • sourstud

    If this goes through, I will no longer see any reason to not replace this government with a Liberal minority. This would be the final straw for me.

  • Blacktop

    And me. I just noticed that one can't see past Iggy's warts.

  • john g

    I don't want a whole stadium…can I just have some money if I put a stimulus sign on my lawn?

    • madeyoulook

      And Kady O wants a pony. Where's the form to fill out for that? Do we call our MP or is there a network of federal offices already in place?

      • LaxAtlDfwYow

        Call any Parliamentary Secretary or, for expedited service, Rahim.

  • Loraine Lamontagne

    Quebec City has hopes of holding a winter olympiad some day. A large, modern arena would help them in their bid. I haven't heard of Saskatoon's desire to hold the olympics.

    Quebec City would sure be a wonderful place to hold the winter olympics. Unlike Calgary and Vancouver, the only snow concern would be what to do with an excess of it. For all those who write that Lillehammer was the last nice, 'real' winter olympics, Quebec City would charm them. I hear that holding the skiing competition seemed to be a problem but that Le Massif de Petite-Rivière-Saint-François would have that potential.

    • wmabey

      I agree that Québec City would be a wonderful place to hold the Olympics – except that Vancouver just hosted them, so that would mean 20+ years before there would be another Games in Canada. If they build the arena now for the 2034 Olympics, it would need to be refurbished before the Games.

    • Dave

      You host the Olympics, not an Olympiad.

    • Orson Bean

      Just for the record, the only reason there was a snow concern for the Vancouver Olympics was because of VANOC's decision to hold certain events at Cypress Mountain, rather than Whistler. Had those events at Cypress been held at Whistler, there would have been no problem whatsoever. Many people, myself included, are pissed blue at VANOC about that decision — for one thing, because your average foreign TV viewer (and potential tourist) had no clue that Cypress and Whistler are (very) different places.

  • Standing By

    I need one! And I have census data to prove it!

    Oh wait, no census data.

    I want one anyway. Me and others. Lots of us. In fact, all of us.

    I'm ready for my photo. Where do I pick up the cheque?

  • hosertohoosier

    If Harper wants to do this, he needs to frame the issue as one of increasing the number of Canadian hockey franchises, rather than restoring the Nordiques – a move that would only unleash bitter regional rivalries. Since the economic development case is weak here, why not instead organize a voluntary fund. Plenty of Canadians want to see more Canadian hockey franchises, and by using the power of the bully pulpit, Harper can help coordinate them. He can also use his clout to lean on Gary Bettman. From the standpoint of building successful franchises, this approach has much to recommend itself. It ensures that the cities that will get teams will be those with a devoted and well-organized fan-base, which may in turn make businesses less skittish about backing a stadium.

  • David_M.

    I'm sticking with Mr. Harper in self destruct mode scenario. I can't believe the PMO is unaware of the optics.

  • John D

    Federal spending is done by precedent now? If so, we're f***ed.

    • tedbetts

      Comment of the day!

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/Ottawa_Centrist Ottawa_Centrist

    I cannot afford Sens season tickets, but I bet Big Rich Uncle Government can… preferably 100-levels, around centre ice would be preferred. I will proudly wear an Economic Action Plan t-shirt.

    Also, Lansdowne Park could use a good $200-million to avoid the corporate welfare the city wants to dole out. Save us from ourselves!

  • john g

    I cannot afford Sens season tickets, but I bet Big Rich Uncle Government can… preferably 100-levels, around centre ice would be preferred. I will proudly wear an Economic Action Plan t-shirt.

    I love it. Signs and sentiments exactly like this are what started the Tea Party last year.

    • Joe You

      Actually corporate organizing by Fox news and fear of black people are what started the Tea Party…

      • tedbetts

        The multi-billionaire Koch brothers helped a heck of a lot too. So did Republican staffers (much of the same organizing committees that formed the rapid response "grassroots" protests against recounting ballots in Florida in 2000).

  • E_B_

    Gord Krantz, the mayor of Milton, has expressed an interest in the Hamilton Tigercats if Hamilton can't figure out where to put their new stadium.

    Perhaps Lisa Raitt could drop by the mayor's office with one of those nice giant cheques with the Conservative logo on it…

    • Dave

      What the hell's a Milton?

  • RunningGag

    Dear Minister Kenny,

    Since the Government has decided to give up on its fiscal conservatives principles anyway, I would like to get in on the looting of the Federal coffers. Please forward my request for funding to the appropriate department. I am completely willing to dot my lawn with Canada Action Plan signs, and I don't even need money for an entire arena (well, maybe a small one).

    Yours truly,

    Me.

Previous

Next

From Macleans