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.
Island taxpayer spending $1 million on Olympics
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