Northwest Sports Enterprises Chair Stan McCammon said
yesterday that the Canucks "need" C$15M a year in government
relief to ensure the team stays in Canada, according to
Bruce Constantineau of the VANCOUVER SUN. The company cited
the deflated Canadian dollar as a main reason why it
reported a loss of C$33.6M for the year ended June 30 and a
loss of C$5.5M for the three months ended September 30.
McCammon: "We have simply asked that the government treat us
like any other industry that is damaged or hurt by domestic
or foreign policies. ... It is simply not reasonable to
expect any owner of any business to continue in such an
economically adverse situation, particularly while
governments reap huge revenues from the team's presence.
Where is the fairness in that?" But McCammon said that the
team is not for sale at this time: "It's not for me to
threaten. ... Our job is to find a solution" (VANCOUVER SUN,
12/14). McCammon said the team needs increased revenue from
ticket sales, sponsorships and broadcasting rights, along
with a reduction in taxation. McCammon: "We need to get
more people in the building, we need more support from the
business community" (Toronto GLOBE & MAIL, 12/14). Canucks
President Brian Burke said on local TV: "I'm pleading for
your support" (VANCOUVER SUN, 12/14).
IS ANYBODY OUT THERE? In Vancouver, Gary Mason writes
that the financial statements released yesterday showed that
the Canucks "are in trouble." While much of the news "had
been reported earlier, ... what was new was the desperation
in the voices." But Mason writes, "I couldn't help wonder
if anyone was listening. ... People have stopped listening.
Or at least have momentarily turned down the volume on the
pleas and threats" (VANCOUVER SUN, 12/14). Also in
Vancouver, Tony Gallagher: "Whatever one thinks of the
Canucks agenda Monday, they do need help. It's not a
threat" (Vancouver PROVINCE, 12/14). In Calgary, Jim Taylor
wonders, "If the Canucks can't operate, who can?" (CALGARY
SUN, 12/14). But the PROVINCE's Ed Willes notes that the
team has not made the playoffs for three straight seasons
and management has "basically turned the franchise into a
laughingstock." Willes: "The Canucks have to step up and
take some of the responsibility for the dismal financial
performance" (Vancouver PROVINCE, 12/14).
