Finance minister Colin Hansen said today the economic impact from the 2010 Winter Olympic Games will be “billions and billions” but declined to give a firm figure.
Yesterday the Tyee reported that the government had quietly downgraded its estimate of economic activity around the games from $10 billion to $4 billion. Today Hansen faced questions on the issue from New Democratic Party MLAs in the legislature and from reporters in the hallway.
There will be lots of direct spending by VANOC and corporate sponsors, Hansen told reporters, as well as ongoing impact from the high-profile event. “It's a big number regardless,” he said. “In the billions of dollars.”
In February's budget speech Hansen had pegged the figure at $10 billion, but today declined to offer a firm number. “It all depends on what aspect you want to look at and what parameters you want to put around that analysis.”
“I don't think that's good enough for a finance minister,” NDP finance critic Bruce Ralston said. “It's a big difference between a $10 billion economic impact and a $4 billion economic impact. We're three months away from the Games. Why can't the minister answer that question?”
Asked if Hansen misled British Columbians last February on the issue, Ralston said, “Certainly there was every motivation to exaggerate the impact of the Games going into the election.”
PricewaterhouseCoopers announced today that it will release its first reports tomorrow in a series aimed at assessing the social and economic impacts of the Games.
Andrew MacLeod is The Tyee’s Legislative Bureau Chief in Victoria. Reach him here.
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Ramona777
2 years ago
More Like Billions of Excuses
Does it really matter what Hansen says. As proven earlier this year, his numbers are bogus. What comes out of his mouth can't be trusted. Even if it's "billions and billions" who will benefit? Developers? Politicians? Sellers of luxury goods? You can bet the people who need legal aid or mental health services won't be the beneficiaries.
The Blackbird
2 years ago
Billions and billions
When, referring to the cosmos, Carl Sagan says there are "billions and billions" of stars in the heavens, I believe he is telling us the truth.
When the McDonald's sign says "billions and billions" served, I believe even they are telling us the truth.
When a BC Liberal says "billions and billions" of dollars will flow into our economy via the Olympics, all I hear is another lie.
bougie
2 years ago
Another day another lie!!
The question is now on where to spend these billions. Shall we start with the paramedics, health care in general or shall we give the liberals a bonus for their great governance?
Perhaps wait till after the Olym-pigs to see what really happens.
Skywalker
2 years ago
Fudgit Hansen or Fudge Hansen
I think that would be a good name for him. I like to be kind.
peetey
2 years ago
circus
not even my grandpappy on the farm believed the circus comes to town and leaves money!
Polakite
2 years ago
At this point...
Griping about the Olympics is like griping at the rain - nothing you can do, might make you feel good but nobody else.
DPL
2 years ago
Many of the senior staff in
Many of the senior staff in Finance will be walking around with bags over their heads as Hansen keeps making foolish comments. he hasn't a clue as to how this event will end up, and if the staff, who comes up with information on a daily basis keep passing him stuff he doesn't like, he simply won't admit what they are telling him. The man is a joke.
offended
2 years ago
Do you believe?
No.