As countdown hits two-year mark, British Columbians deserve answers

Tomorrow marks the two-year countdown for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, and British Columbians are looking forward to hosting the world.

The games present great and unique opportunities for everyone in B.C., but British Columbians have some important questions that deserve answers from the Campbell government.

One: What’s with all the hidden costs?
Campbell has yet to come clean on the true costs to taxpayers. He insists the Olympic bill will be $600 million, even though that figure has been thoroughly discredited. The Auditor General projects the actual costs will be at least $2.5 billion. As municipal taxpayers keep getting hit with surprise bills of Olympic proportions, it’s time for Campbell to provide a real accounting that includes provincial, federal, municipal and crown corporation spending.

Two: When will Campbell come clean on the Con Centre?
Speaking of hidden costs, the Vancouver Convention Centre has become the largest boondoggle in B.C. history – with an overrun of almost $400 million and counting. Campbell has consistently tried to hide the true cost of his pet project.

Three: What about security?
Campbell claims the bill for security will be a bargain at $175 million. Unfortunately, everyone knows this is not sufficient. The RCMP says they will need much more. And Campbell’s figures don’t include the costs of Armed Forces personnel or increases in border security.

Four: What about Campbell’s housing promises?
Gordon Campbell promised that no one would be displaced by the Games. So far, that’s a total sham, with hundreds of SRO units lost since 2003.

Five: What about fairness for women ski-jumpers?
World-class ski-jump facilities have been built for the Olympics, but our world-class women ski-jumpers are being excluded from the Games. What is Campbell doing to fight for their inclusion?

Six: What about the rest of B.C.?
Campbell is using the Olympics to build many of his pet projects in Metro Vancouver. The rest of B.C. is helping to foot the bill, but so far they aren’t seeing much benefit.