Taxpayers Federation applauds stipulation in possible Calgary Olympic bid
Posted Mar 30, 2018 2:50 pm.
Last Updated Mar 30, 2018 3:22 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Thursday’s announcement that the federal and Alberta governments support the formation of a bid corporation to explore the idea of Calgary pursuing a 2026 Olympic bid came with a condition: that a plebiscite is held before it could move forward.
The Canadian Taxpayer’s Federation applauded Premier Rachel Notley’s decision.
Alberta Director Colin Craig says it’s important to poll public opinion.
“It’s not like a core government service like running a police department or fixing a road. This is something that’s very much a luxury option, and it’s important to ask taxpayers ‘do you want to spend extra money on this type of activity?'” said Craig, who adds they’ve been receiving complaints about the cost of the Games from around the province.
“There’s certainly an argument, too, that it would be a positive thing to host a province-wide referendum, but I don’t think that’s likely to happen.”
Although the plebiscite could cost upwards of $2 million, Craig says it’s money well spent.
“There is a cost to democracy. It’s important to involve the public in major decisions, not just simply during election time,” said Craig. “We think it’s important for taxpayers to have an opportunity to vote yes or no on an Olympic bid, so we’re pleased the Alberta government is making that a requirement of their funding.”
The Olympic bid itself is expected to cost around $30 million. The International Olympic Committee will invite bids beginning in January.
Last year, the Calgary Bid Exploration Committee concluded that hosting the 2026 Games would cost $4.6 billion.
