Bob Mackin
The outgoing NDP government refused to release names of the businesspeople it hosted at a Vancouver Convention Centre economic promotion during the FIFA World Cup.
Under the freedom of information law, theBreaker obtained a copy of the guest list for B.C. Business House. An analysis shows there were 2,568 unnamed invitees from 795 distinct organizations, many of which were local small businesses in artificial intelligence or biotech.
Scene from B.C. Business House during the mining sector showcase. (BC Gov)
UBC topped list
An average 367 people attended themed events the day before each of the seven Vancouver-hosted World Cup matches: Agriculture and food (June 30), energy (June 17), life sciences (June 19), mining (June 23), technology (June 25), tourism (June 12) and trade and logistics (July 6).
The most entries from a single entity are from the University of B.C. (104), Ministry of Jobs and Economic Growth (72) and Simon Fraser University (53).
Rounding out the top 10: InBC Investment Corp (44), Consulate General of Mexico in Vancouver (44), City of Vancouver, Invest Vancouver and Vancouver International Airport (24 each) and Pacific Economic Development Canada (23).
Damage control
Facing criticism from taxpayers for the high cost of hosting FIFA — estimated as much as $729 million before the tournament — the NDP government rushed to spend $1.3 million on B.C. Business House. It hired the Pace Group for $250,000 to manage the program. Pace’s credits include the annual B.C. Cabinet and First Nations Leaders’ Gathering, B.C. pavilion at the annual Web Summit Vancouver and Robson Square 2010 Olympic Celebrations.
The B.C. government said the event was “designed to connect global investors, business leaders and partners with local experts and entrepreneurs” and it claimed to have attracted attendees from 25 countries.
Aussie, Aussie, Aussie
The list included 15 entries each for KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency) and the U.S. Consulate General in Vancouver.
Australia, whose team played at B.C. Place Stadium on June 7, was represented by the High Commission, Parliament of Australia, Parliament of Western Australia and Football Australia.
Plus B.C.-based diplomats Albania, Brazil, Finland, Guatemala, Iceland, Malaysia, Netherlands, Pakistan, Portugal, Tunisia, Turkey and Ukraine.
One consulate on the guest list stood out among the others: Afghanistan.
Global Affairs Canada has no diplomatic relations with Afghanistan.
“Canada does not recognize the Taliban as the Government of Afghanistan,” said the Global Affairs Canada website. “The Taliban remains listed as a terrorist entity under Canadian law.”
Deal or no deal?
Were any deals done at B.C. Business House? The NDP government was in a rush to publish news releases before then-Premier David Eby called a snap election on Sept. 22. On Sept. 9, Government Communications said a voluntary survey of attendees found 81.2% of respondents established “meaningful new business connections.”
The NDP government refused theBreaker’s request to attend B.C. Business House. Did you attend B.C. Business House? theBreaker wants to know. Email bob@theBreaker.news
