Statement from Sukh Dhaliwal, MP for Newton-North Delta on World Police and Fire Games Funding

OTTAWA—  I was greatly relieved to hear that the government finally relented and announced today they would provide $2.3 million in funding for the World Police and Fire Games.  The games, the second largest sporting event of its kind in the world, will bring in as much as $50 million for the British Columbian economy and give the province’s tourism industry a much needed boost in the wake of the current economic downturn.

Though it unfortunately took repeated calls for action in both the House of Commons and in the media for the government to respond, I felt, as Opposition Critic for Western Economic Diversification, that this issue was too important for my community, for British Columbia and indeed for Canadians across this country. Not calling the government to account was simply not an option.

I greatly look forward to attending the games this summer and wish to thank all those concerned citizens, from communities across the country, for joining me in raising their voices about this issue. I also congratulate those who will be competing, from police stations and fire departments from coast to coast, in this year’s games.

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