Island taxpayers will be spending at least $1 million on the 2010 Olympics, double what was originally announced by the province.
During question period in the legislature on Nov.17, Sports Minister Carolyn Bertram said the province will be spending $500,000 to be a contributing partner to the Winter Olympics.
But in a separate payment, the province will also be spending an additional $500,000 on Atlantic Canada House, a joint project between ACOA and all four Atlantic provinces.
Deputy Tourism Minister Melissa MacEachern confirmed her department will be spending money on Atlantic Canada House which is separate from the money spent on becoming a contributing partner.
“Half a million goes to Atlantic House with four other provinces and ACOA’s matching funding…and then there is the sponsorship at the Olympics itself.”
Initial reports from the legislature linked the Olympic partnership and Atlantic Canada House as being one in the same and led Islanders to believe their total contribution would be $500,000.
Opposition MLA Jim Bagnall said it is wreckless for the province to be spending so much money on the Olympics during the recession.
“This government is going to bankrupt the province if it continues at this rate.”
He said the province would be better off if it spent the money at home on Island athletes rather than sending it to 2010 Olympics.
“Putting that money into a party and a reception out in Vancouver is a travesty as far as spending for this province.”
The Contributing Province/Territory Program (CPTP) was created after the Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC) identified a need to allow the provinces and territories to contribute to the Olympics.
All 13 jurisdictions across the country are participating partners with VANOC and as such they receive marketing rights to use some Olympic branding in their advertising, namely the Olympic rings.
P.E.I. will also have its own dedicated day during the Olympics which will be called Prince Edward Island Day.
P.E.I.’s share of the CPTP program is $500,000.
Atlantic Canada House is a partnership between the four Atlantic provinces and ACOA.It will be open in Vancouver from Feb. 13 till Feb. 28 and will showcase Island culture and culinary.
Atlantic Canada House will also have a performance stage for local talent to perform their music to a worldwide audience.
P.E.I.’s contribution to Atlantic Canada House is $500,000.
Premier Robert Ghiz was in meetings all day yesterday and could not be reached for comment.
I doubt anyone will care but I thought I would share this lyric which just showed up in my email inbox.
1. We’re from Hong Kong but we thought PEI was great
Put down all our savings so that we could immigrate
Now we have to question if we stay or we move on
The people here are friendly but the PNP’s all wrongChorus:
And it’s PNP, when will I have my family here
PNP, just promises ‘n’ pain
PNP, they said “Your money’s safe”
But we wonder if we’ll ever see a dollar of it again.2. The MLAs have looked at the auditor’s report
The Nominees for Nepotism want to keep it short
The ‘backroom boys and girls’ just whisper on the phone
And keep the PNP out of the Speech from the Throne.3. So when the truth comes out about our own PNP-gate
Perhaps the bureaucrats won’t escape their own true fate
They’ll find their favour tied with their defeated MLA
And a party built on ethics will emerge to save the day!Ch2:
And it’s PNP, handing out the big cheques,
PNP, trying to keep it quiet,
PNP, the Patronage ‘N’ Privilege
Is causing indigestion in the public diet…
And just might be the cause for a people’s riot!
Bell launched their new network today, bringing with it a new veriety of popular mobile phones. I’ve wanted an iPhone since its launch in the United States so I thought maybe I could now find a good deal, seeing how we have three national carries competing for iPhone business.
No such luck. Bell, Telus and Rogers are all selling the phone for the same price and contact terms. Service plans are also the same.
When I visited Bell’s web site I was greeted by a pop-up window asking me if I wanted to chat with a sales representives. I said yes. Here is the chat transcript.
It’s funny.
Sandy: Hello and welcome to Bell’s chat service. How may I provide you with excellent service today?
Andrew: I am thinking about getting an iPhone. Why should I choose Bell over Rogers or Telus? There does not appear to be a financial incentive.
Sandy: Sure, I can definitely help you with your request.
Sandy: Bell provides good signal and services.
Andrew: Bell’s new network is also Telus’ network. So, again, why should I choose one or the other?
Andrew: Hello?
Sandy: I am sorry for the delay.
Andrew: It’s ok.
Sandy: I am sorry, all the Iphones are same.
Sandy: There is no such difference between the providers.
Andrew: So I should just choose Rogers or Telus?
Sandy: It is your wish to choose the providers.
Sandy: As I know, Bell provides wonderful Iphones.
Sandy: Which will be more useful for your needs.
Andrew: They’re all the same, though, right?
Andrew: The iPhones, that is.
Sandy: Yes, you are right.
Andrew: Do you think Bell could offer me a better rate than Telus or Rogers? Even $5 cheaper?
Andrew: For the plan, not the phone.
Sandy: Please click here to view the data plans for Iphones./
Andrew: Is that a coupon link?
Sandy: It is link for data plans for iphones which Bell provides.
Andrew: Bell provides the same rates as Telus and Rogers. Can you offer me a cheaper plan?
Sandy: Do you have any services with Bell?
Andrew: No, I am with Koodo right now.
Sandy: Welcome to Bell.
Sandy: I am sorry, this is the only plans Bell provides for Iphones,
Sandy: It is not my fault, however Bell provides those plans.
Andrew: I know it is not your fault. I was just hoping someone in sales could maybe offer me incentive to sign a three-year contract.
Sandy: I am sorry, I would love to help you in this regard, however I don’t have authority to provide you any incentives.
Andrew: It’s OK.
Andrew: Thank you for your time.
Sandy: You are most welcome Andrew.
Sandy: Thank you for choosing bell.ca. Have a nice day.
Andrew: You too. Bye.
Sandy: Bye. Take Care.
