VICTORIA, B.C.: A new Angus Reid poll shows Metro Vancouver residents have delivered a clear verdict on the NDP government’s handling of the FIFA World Cup: the costs aren’t worth it, the disruptions are too much, and few trust government to tell them the final bill.
The poll comes less than two weeks after the NDP government revealed public costs for hosting World Cup matches in Vancouver could reach as much as $913 million.
“British Columbians are being told to celebrate while the bill keeps growing,” said Peter Milobar, Conservative Critic for Finance. “The NDP promised economic benefits. Instead, people are seeing road closures, disruptions, security costs approaching a quarter of a billion dollars, and local businesses warning about lost revenue. It’s no wonder the public isn’t buying what this government is selling.”
“The BC Conservatives support welcoming the world to British Columbia and showcasing our province on the international stage,” he added. “The question is whether the NDP government has managed the event responsibly and transparently on behalf of taxpayers.”
Milobar said the poll exposes a growing disconnect between the NDP government and ordinary British Columbians.
“While families are struggling to afford groceries, housing, and everyday essentials, the NDP government somehow always finds hundreds of millions of dollars for prestige projects and political photo opportunities.” said Milobar.
“The Premier and his ministers will be enjoying VIP suites and caviar, while small businesses will be counting lost customers, and taxpayers will be left counting the cost.”
The poll found nearly three-quarters of Metro Vancouver residents believe hosting the World Cup is not worth the public cost, while a majority say they do not trust government to be transparent about the final bill.
“If the NDP showed half as much urgency on affordability, healthcare, housing, and public safety as they’ve shown on FIFA, British Columbia would be in a much better place today,” said Milobar.
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