NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said yesterday that
Canada's six teams "will have trouble competing with
American clubs unless politicians tackle burdensome tax and
business policies," according to Mark Zwolinski of the
TORONTO STAR. Bettman, who made his comments at the
Canadian Club in Toronto, said that the "problems" facing
the teams "are rooted in taxes." He cited the Canadiens,
who paid a $10M tax after moving into the Molson Centre last
year, and the Senators, who pay a $3M annual tax at Corel
Centre, both figures which are far greater than what U.S.-
based teams pay. Bettman also added that the teams are
largely funding facility construction, as opposed to more
public financing in the U.S. Bettman: "What we're saying is
that this country has a history of supporting a developing
industry. ... Let's say General Electric was to build a
plant here. They wouldn't be paying for an exit ramp, and
they'd have a tax break to help the business thrive."
Bettman will address the issue again on April 28 when he
appears before the House of Commons subcommittee studying
sport in Canada. Bettman: "I'm not offering a solution; we
simply want to open a dialogue on the issues." Zwolinski
writes that Bettman's remarks were "intended to ease
concerns about the health of Canada's NHL franchises and to
affirm the league's commitment to the country" (TORONTO
STAR, 4/16). While Bettman said the future of hockey in
Canada is "strong" and "vital," he added it "must not be
taken for granted. It must be cared for, it must be culled,
and its problems must be addressed" (GLOBE & MAIL, 4/16).
HOW IT WENT OVER: In Toronto, Stephen Brunt writes that
while Bettman "deserves credit for trying to understand"
hockey's role in Canada, he adds, "[I]n the past, Canadians
have consistently shown themselves unwilling to commit
public money to prop up professional sports" (GLOBE & MAIL,
4/16). Also in Toronto, under the header, "Bettman Poverty
Pitch Offside," Mary Ormsby writes, "As much as Canadians
love the game, [public assistance] will be a harder sell
than flaming pucks, Nashville hockey and remorseful U.S.
Olympians" (TORONTO STAR, 4/16). In Ottawa, under the
header, "A Tax Break? Is Bettman Joking?," Jim Taylor writes
that if the NHL leaves the country, Canadians will "grieve"
but they will "get on with their lives" (OTTAWA SUN, 4/16).
But in Toronto, Ken Fidlin writes that Bettman "makes strong
and valid arguments" and that it's "clear" he "believes
sincerely that the Canadian franchises must be protected."
But the "essential question" is whether hockey in Canada is
"a business just like any other" (TORONTO SUN, 4/16).
