The B.C. Liberals spent nearly $2.4 million of taxpayer money on Olympic tickets, and Burnaby North MLA Richard Lee snapped up several of them to attend hockey, figure skating and victory ceremonies, say New Democrats.

A report released by the government last week revealed that Lee received $1,495 worth of tickets, including to a preliminary-round hockey game between Slovakia and Russia, figure skating events including Pairs Short Program and Ice Dance Compulsory Dance, and a victory ceremony. Jenny Kwan

“I wonder what sorts of conversations Mr. Lee was having in those luxury suites during the Olympics,” said Jenny Kwan , New Democrat MLA for Mt. Pleasant. “I think the people of the Burnaby North 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 Lee reveals many were actually from Vancouver or British Columbia.

“What benefit did the residents of the Burnaby North get as a result of Mr. Lee attending these Olympic events?” said Kwan.

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.

Jenny Kwan

Vancouver-Mount Pleasant

Jenny Kwan was first elected as the MLA for Vancouver - Mount Pleasant in 1996, becoming one of the first Chinese-Canadians to sit in BC's L