What the Vancouver Sun wouldn't tell you.
Re: Federal government is turning its back on 2010 Olympics
(Vancouver Sun, July 6, 2009)
It is hard to know where to begin in responding to Miro Cernetig's inaccurate column on our Government's commitment to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Mr. Cernetig accuses our government of "penny pinching." The accusation falls flat when considering the facts – the government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper is contributing more than triple the amount of money that was committed by the previous Liberal government. We have committed every dollar necessary to cover the costs of security; we have provided record support for our athletes as they train for gold; we have provided hundreds of millions to cover the infrastructure costs of the games - including a $55 million top-up requested by VANOC; we've provided $20 million to ensure organizers have the funds to develop top-notch opening and closing ceremonies; $24.5 million to support the longest torch relay in Olympic history, one that will showcase our country and excite all Canadians for the Games.
Mr. Cernetig also cites "cuts to the Olympic marketing budget." There are no cuts. We have done the opposite and increased the marketing budget. Promoting Canada has been part of our 2010 planning from the start. Plans for a games-time event to showcase Canada to investors are currently being finalized and will be announced in the near future. A final decision on a Canada Pavilion has not been made as we are currently reviewing options.
Prime Minister Harper and our Government have been full, strong and proud partners of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games to ensure they will be a success for Vancouver, British Columbia, and indeed all Canadians.
James Moore, PC MP
Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
Port Moody-Westwood-Port Coquitlam
