ASSISTANCE TO THE WORLD POLICE AND FIRE GAMES AXED BY CONSERVATIVES

BURNABY-Peter Julian (MP Burnaby-New Westminster) and Bill Siksay (MP Burnaby-Douglas) are strongly critical of the federal Conservative government’s decision to not provide any funding to the 2009 World Police and Fire Games to be held in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. The Conservative decision was communicated to event organizers only days ago.

“The federal government provided $1.6 million to Quebec City in 2005 to organize their World Police and Fire Games. The fact that Stephen Harper is not willing to give one cent to the Lower Mainland for the same event is a slap in the face to Firefighters, Police Officers and all British Columbians”, said Julian.

The World Police and Fire Games (WPFG) are a biennial athletic event open to active and retired law enforcement and fire service personnel throughout the world. The Games provide an opportunity for these men and women to showcase their athletic abilities in over 65 sporting events. Since 1985, these events have been held in Melbourne, Australia; Stockholm, Sweden; Barcelona, Spain; New York City, Calgary and Quebec City.

“At least 16 communities in the Lower Mainland will be positively affected from hosting these events” said Siksay. “This snub from the Prime Minister is truly a disservice to the communities and its organizations.”

Burnaby Mayor Derek Corrigan will be traveling to Adelaide, Australia next week to retrieve the flag for the 2009 Games. It is unfortunate that Mayor Corrigan’s trip will follow on the heels of such a discouraging announcement.

Peter Julian and Bill Siksay believe that the Conservative government should do more to support the men and women who provide such important services to our communities. Given the international and national scope of these Games, there should be no hesitation in providing financial support for this event. “$1.6 million to Quebec City in 2005 and $0.00 to the Lower Mainland in 2009 is not something we are willing to settle for. Our Canadian police officers, firefighters and corrections officers deserve more than that,” stated both Siksay and Julian.

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For more information please contact:
Peter Julian’s office: 604-775-5707
Bill Siksay’s office: 604-291-8863
www.2009wpfg.ca