Bob Mackin
The same day that Premier David Eby began the NDP re-election campaign last September, he secretly signed an agreement to give the Musqueam Indian Band, Squamish Nation and Tsleil-Waututh Nation at least $600,000, an undefined quantity of FIFA World Cup 26 match tickets and passes, and a pavilion at the PNE’s FIFA Fan Festival.
The memorandum of understanding was not revealed publicly until June 27 and quietly published a month later on a government website without notification.
Premier David Eby (left) on June 27 at the Musqueam soccer pitch with Squamish Nation spokesperson Wilson Williams and Musqueam Chief Wayne Sparrow. (BC Gov/YouTube)
Besides the money, tickets and pavilion, the agreement states that, subject to FIFA-dictated limitations, the MST Nations wish to collaborate with the governments and FIFA on planning, staging and hosting the World Cup and receive benefits and opportunities in return.
The agreement does not require the MST Nations to pay any costs toward the event. It states Eby, Sim and chiefs are part of a leadership committee to oversee a technical committee involving tribal staff and executive directors from the two governments.
The technical table may establish a working group to lobby the federal government and FIFA for “investments and resources.”
The MOU is not legally binding, except for section 14, the clause to keep information confidential, “whether or not marked confidential.”
Mark your calendar, watch the costs rise
B.C. Place Stadium is hosting seven World Cup matches from June 13-July 7, 2026. The fan festival at the PNE is daily from June 11-July 19, 2026.
Hosting World Cup matches in Vancouver is costing taxpayers $624 million under the most-recent estimate.
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