Victoria, B.C.: Conservative Finance Critic Peter Milobar says the NDP government’s proposed deal with the Vancouver Whitecaps raises serious concerns about financial accountability, precedent-setting, and the use of public assets, particularly as the government signals spending cuts while core public services remain under strain.

“Professional sports teams contribute to local economies, support jobs, and bring people together, and Conservatives support their presence in British Columbia,” said Milobar. “But support must be responsible, transparent, and fair to taxpayers.”

According to the Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth, the latest proposal would see BC Place, a publicly owned facility, operate at “net zero” by returning all profits generated from Whitecaps games to the team, while absorbing the full operating costs of hosting matches. The minister has acknowledged that BC Place currently generates between $1 million and $1.5 million annually from hosting the Whitecaps, revenue that would be forfeited under the proposed arrangement, even as operating costs remain with the Crown corporation.

“That means taxpayers take on all the risk while a privately-owned franchise keeps the revenue,” Milobar said. “That is not sound financial management.”

Milobar noted the proposal comes as the NDP government has acknowledged a challenging budget ahead, with spending reductions on the horizon and ongoing labour disputes involving frontline workers, including paramedics and teachers.

“At a time when British Columbians are being told money is tight, classrooms are overcrowded, healthcare is under severe strain, and workers are being asked to show restraint, the government needs to explain why public assets are being used to subsidize private interests,” he said. “This is about priorities.”

Milobar also warned the deal sets a troubling precedent.

“If this arrangement is justified for one professional sports team, what happens when others come forward asking for the same treatment?” he asked. “Is this now the government’s approach to managing public facilities, or will the government continue to pick winners and losers?”

“This deal reflects a pattern of financial incompetence,” Milobar said. “Once again, B.C. families are being asked to tighten their belts while bailing out billionaires. British Columbians deserve better fiscal management of their tax dollars, especially in uncertain economic times.”

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