Taxpayer group wants to see the numbers behind Quebec's decision to replace Big O roof
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) is questioning the Quebec government's plans to spend $870 million for a new roof over Montreal's Olympic Stadium and is demanding more transparency from the province's tourism minister.
A spokesperson for the group says if the government wants the public to believe that spending $870 million of taxpayers money on an empty stadium will double its economic benefits and triple its revenues, it wants to see the numbers to back that up.
Quebec estimates a new roof for the stadium will generate economic benefits of $150 million a year, up from $68 million. The province also argues it makes more sense to spend $870 million to replace the roof, rather than to spend even more money -- $2 billion -- to demolish the stadium.
But recent media reports have called that $2 billion figure into question, with experts pointing to other major North American stadiums being torn down for a fraction of that amount.
In a press release issued Monday, the CTF pointed to the Robert Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington D.C. and the Yankee Stadium in New York City, that were each dismantled for less than $25 million dollars. The federation says if the estimated cost of demolishing the Big O is being called into question, then the government's estimated projections for the benefits of replacing the roof should be under scrutiny as well -- especially in the current economic context.
"I think in this current economy, following the recent announcement from the local government saying that we would be facing a bigger deficit than what was expected before, I think it's really a call from us and another citizen groups in Quebec that spending such an amount of money on a roof or a stadium that has no sports team whatsoever playing in it, this is really not what taxpayers want," said Nicolas Gagnon, Quebec director of the Canadian Taxpayers' Federation in an interview.
"They want relief, they want better management of public finances and when it comes to a stadium or to anything like that we would actually expect more involvement form the private sector to make this less of a burden for taxpayers."
CTV News reached out to Tourism Minister Caroline Proulx for comment on Monday. A spokesperson for her office said that she will likely be reacting to the criticism Tuesday in Quebec City as MNAs are back for a new week at the National Assembly.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW What a wildfire survivor says she regrets not grabbing before leaving home
Carol Christian had 15 minutes to evacuate her home during the Fort McMurray wildfires in 2016. She ended up losing the house and everything inside. Now, she wants to share the lessons she learned.
World No. 1 golfer charged with police officer assault before PGA Championship second round
World number one golfer Scottie Scheffler was arrested and charged with the assault of a police officer in what he called a 'chaotic situation' before being released in time to start his second round at the PGA Championship on Friday.
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
Australia's richest woman seeks removal of her portrait from exhibition
Art is subjective. And while many artists long to share their work with the world, there's no guarantee that the audience will understand it, or even like it.
An airplane passenger was spotted in an overhead bin. This was the reaction
Airplane overhead compartments. Home to luggage of all shapes and sizes, the odd coat or two, several duty-free bags, a fair bit of dust and… passengers?
WATCH Infectious disease expert warns measles 'a very real threat'
A Canadian epidemiologist is warning the measles presents a 'very real threat' to public health if Canada doesn't maintain a high vaccination rate.
Judge considers dismissing indictment against Alec Baldwin in fatal shooting of cinematographer
A New Mexico judge is considering Alec Baldwin's request to dismiss a grand jury indictment against him at a virtual court hearing Friday.
LIVE @ 11:30 MT Four 1970s homicides linked to serial killer, Alberta Mounties to reveal Friday
A dead serial sexual offender and killer has been linked to four homicides in the 1970s in Alberta, RCMP say.
With today's high rates, should you consider an interest-free halal mortgage?
A halal mortgage complies with the Islamic religious, or Shariah, law, which forbids the use of 'riba' (interest). Here's what mortgage experts say those considering 'no-interest' halal mortgages should know.