April 3, 2009
The NDP's continued opposition to the opening of the world-class Vancouver Convention Centre once again proves their only plans for B.C. would result in fewer jobs, a smaller economy, and less tourism in our province.
Today, British Columbians are celebrating a major milestone in B.C. history with the opening of the world-class convention centre that will expand our capacity to host international conferences while profiling B.C. wood and demonstrating cutting-edge green technology. Acknowledged by international associations as the world's best convention centre, this new facility already has 184 events booked that will generate $2 billion in economic activity -- already more than double what it cost to build this new facility. The construction of this project created 6,000 person-year of employment and once open will create thousands more jobs.
Meanwhile, the Carole James NDP have only criticized the project, even though it was her own NDP government in the 1990s who claimed this facility was desperately needed because BC was losing $100 million a year in economic activity. Unfortunately, all the NDP achieved was sinking $73 million into their proposal without a shovel ever going into the ground.
This reckless negativity even in the face of the facts and her own party's record is part of a troubling trend by the NDP to consistently undermine and threaten the brightest lights of our economy -- in this case, our tourism industry. On top of continually opposing the convention centre, the Carole James NDP also are on record:
- Opposing the 2010 Olympics and the $4 billion in economic activity and 244,000 jobs it is expected to generate.
- Voting against numerous tourism marketing measures since 2001 to bring 250,000 expected visitors to B.C. during the Games
- Planning to scrap the $365 million improvements to BC place including a new roof that will create 2,300 jobs during construction, and is allowing Vancouver to host the 2011 Grey Cup and a Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise
- Voting against essential infrastructure improvements such as the Port Mann Bridge, the Canada Line and regional airport expansions to bring tourists to our city and regions creating thousands of jobs for families
- Voting against a doubling of funding to Tourism BC and new investments in regional tourism programs
It's time for Carole James to set aside her reckless and irresponsible campaign against our tourism industry and the jobs and oppotunity it creates.
