Bernie prepares to bleed Canadian governments dry
Representatives of the federal, Quebec and municipal governments are to meet with Formula One president Bernie Ecclestone "as soon as possible," in an attempt to come to a "financially prudent decision" to guarantee the Grand Prix goes ahead next year.
This week, the Fédération internationale de l'automobile announced the Grand Prix race set for June 7, 2009, in Montreal was dropped from the calendar because of what is described as a contractual dispute between GPFI's executive director, Normand Legault, and Ecclestone that could involve between $10 million and $20 million.
Montreal Mayor Gérald Tremblay, federal Public Works Minister Michael Fortier and Quebec Tourism Minister Raymond Bachand held a meeting Thursday with the vice-president of Grand Prix Canada, Paul Wilson. They now hope to meet with Ecclestone to save the event.
"What we will be discussing is a business deal," Tremblay said. "If we do nothing, it is gone."
Bachand pointed out that 40 per cent of all Grand Prix visitors are tourists from outside Quebec.
Fortier, the federal minister responsible for Greater Montreal, said Grand Prix Canada has a five-year contract to stage the event in Montreal.
"There are three years left on it," he noted. "I believe on the basis of the contract we can move forward. It is a surprise to me that we've come to this situation. We will do whatever we can to see that the Grand Prix stays in Montreal." Canada.com