Statement made on 10 March 2010 by Senator Tommy Banks (retired)
Hon. Tommy Banks:
Honourable senators, my question is to the Leader of the Government in the Senate.
A few months ago, before prorogation, I mentioned the Arctic Winter Games to the leader. These games are taking place in Grande Prairie. They began last week and they conclude on Saturday.
There are 1,100 Canadian athletes participating in the Arctic Winter Games; 236 Canadian athletes participated at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
The Province of Alberta and the City of Grande Prairie and its surrounding municipal district have provided the several millions of dollars for the games. The Arctic Winter Games began in 1970.
In the first year, the federal government contributed $400,000 to the games. Year after year, each government has contributed $400,000 to the games. However, things do not cost the same today as they did in the 1970s.
I asked the leader before the prorogation whether it is possible that the federal government could even modestly increase its contribution from $400,000. I asked for an increase to take into account the financial realities of our time.
Has the minister had an opportunity to address that issue with the responsible ministers in her cabinet?
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