MLA Don McRae Gets $1,147 Worth Of Free Olympic Tickets
VICTORIA – The B.C. Liberals spent nearly $2.4 million of taxpayer money on Olympic tickets, and Comox Valley MLA Don McRae snapped up several of them to attend hockey, speed skating and victory ceremonies, say New Democrats.
Claire Trevena
A report released by the government last week revealed that McRae received $1,147 worth of tickets, including to a preliminary-round hockey game between Canada and Norway, short track speed skating events including the women’s 500 metre final, and a victory ceremony.
“I wonder what sorts of conversations Mr. McRae was having in those luxury suites during the Olympics,” said Claire Trevena , New Democrat MLA for North Island. “I think the people of the Comox Valley deserve to know what their elected representative accomplished for them that weekend.”
According to the report, the Olympic hosting program was designed “to target potential buyers, business partners, international investors and dignitaries who were in Vancouver and Whistler during the Games.” But a look at the guests in attendance with McRae reveals many were actually from Vancouver or British Columbia.
“What benefit did the residents of the Comox Valley get as a result of Mr. McRae attending these Olympic events?” said Trevena.
The report details the use of nearly $1 million worth of Olympics tickets purchased directly by the provincial government, but neglects to report on the additional $1.4 million of taxpayers’ money spent by various Crown corporations.
Carole James and New Democrats have been holding the B.C. Liberals accountable for breaking their word on the HST, and for backtracking on their election promises to protect health care, education, and other vital services.
