François Legault justifies his decision to subsidize two Los Angeles Kings games by affirming that it is important to invest in leisure activities.
The Prime Minister made these remarks during a press conference Friday in a Seniors’ Home in Rivière-au-Renard, in Gaspésie.
He responded to a journalist that he had no intention of withdrawing the subsidy of 5 to 7 million dollars awarded for the Kings to come and play two preparatory games in Quebec next fall.
“It’s also important to invest in leisure, whether it’s sports or culture,” he defended.
A nod to the NHL
Mr. Legault said he hoped that the commissioner of the National Hockey League (NHL), Gary Bettman, would be present in Quebec during these two games so that he could appreciate the Videotron Center at its true value.
By way of argument, the Prime Minister also declared that the arrival of the Kings was important, “because the people of Quebec love hockey.”
“It is time for the National League to agree to give a franchise [à Québec]so to have the return of the Nordiques, then we see it as an opportunity to show this amphitheater,” he said.
Criticisms and negotiations
The Legault government has been criticized from all sides since it announced the subsidy on Tuesday. CAQ members even recognized this week that the timing had been poorly chosen, considering the current economic context.
However, those who make a link with negotiations in the public sector are engaging in “petty politics”, according to Mr. Legault.
“If we accepted the unions’ demands, it would cost $3.7 billion more. The ability of Quebec taxpayers to pay is limited. Then there is no question of increasing taxes. »
“When we talk about 5 to 7 million dollars, there is a whole difference, and then there are some who play petty politics by saying: “Why don’t you give that as a salary increase?” We are not talking about the same amounts,” he argued.