Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberals are spending a third of a million on an artificial ice rink, despite Carney’s promise of a government-wide austerity drive to “spend less.”Records obtained by Blacklock’s Reporter show the sole-sourced contract is set to be signed on July 28.A contractors’ notice said a “refrigerated ice system for Rideau Hall” will be installed outside the Governor General’s official residence. The rink is nearly regulation NHL size, 170 by 67 feet, at a cost of $330,073 with federal tax.“The National Capital Commission has a requirement for cooling mats and all their components to provide a refrigerated ice surface,” said an advance contract award notice.“The requirements consist of the supply, installation, removal and storage preparation including training for in-house staff.”.The sole-sourced contract was awarded to Glace Concept Expertise Inc. of Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, QC. No reason for the project was given.The notice was issued to contractors Friday, one day after Carney announced an austerity drive to save billions in unnecessary spending.“I have a simple rule: spend less, invest more,” said Carney.“Let’s say you buy a home. The downpayment and mortgage cost a lot up front, but your home builds value over time. That’s an investment. Now you still have other bills like heat and electricity. You need them but they don’t make you better off in the long run. Those are operational expenses.”“I will balance our operational budget in three years.”“We will spend what we need to with the money we already have.” He targeted “long term savings” of $25 billion over three years but provided no details..The new Rideau Hall rink follows a public outcry over the 2017 installation of a temporary $8.2 million rink on the Parliament Hill lawn. Costs included a Zamboni and $2 million for security.Then-Treasury Board President Scott Brison called the expense a “once in a lifetime opportunity” for taxpayers.“This is actually something that you can participate in, get good physical activity and enjoy one of Canada’s great recreational activities,” Brison testified at 2017 hearings of the Commons Government Operations Committee.“You know, there’s ringette, there’s sledge hockey,” said Brison.“All Canadians can come to the national capital region and reserve their ticket for this once in a lifetime opportunity.”“Was it wise public spending?” asked Conservative MP Gérard Deltell (Louis St. Laurent, QC).“There’s been more than 120,000 visitors who’ve had the opportunity to skate on it,” replied Brison.
