Federal Hockey-Aid an affront to Canadian Farmers

January 20, 1999

OTTAWA- Today Jay Hill, MP Prince George-Peace River criticized the federal Liberal government for subsidizing NHL franchises while family farms are going bankrupt across the country.

"Minister Manley said this aid package would held put Canadian hockey teams on equal footing with those in the US. What about our farmers? I held a meeting last week in Farmington with over a hundred farmers. They are loosing their family farms and livelihoods because they are not on an equal footing with producers in the US and Europe. How can the government be so hypocritical when it comes to farmers?" stated Hill.

The Official Opposition does not want to see NHL teams leaving Canada, however doling out tax dollars is not the answer. The real solution for hockey clubs and indeed all businesses is for all levels of government to cut income taxes, payroll taxes and property taxes.

"Time and time again, this Liberal government shows its utter ignorance for the REAL problems in this country. Farmers are going broke. Our health-care system is in absolute tatters. They say there isn't enough money in the coffers to keep adequate numbers of RCMP officers on the payroll. But somehow, an extra $20-million is located to support professional hockey. What does that say about this government's priorities?" Hill asked.