LISA Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, commenting on the joint Canada-U.S.-Mexico successful bid to co-host the FIFA 2026 World Cup which does not include Vancouver as a host city, said on Wednesday that the government has a responsibility to ensure that B.C. taxpayers are not on the hook for hidden costs.

Noting that the Province carefully assesses all sport events for value to taxpayers, she said: “The FIFA bid agreement contained clauses, which government felt left taxpayers at unacceptable risk of additional costs. We tried very hard to get assurances that addressed our concerns. Unfortunately, those assurances were not forthcoming.”

Beare added: “I am happy for Canadian soccer fans that some of the World Cup matches are coming to Canadian host cities [Edmonton, Toronto and Montreal].”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted: “Good news this morning: The 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming to Canada, the US and Mexico. Congratulations to everyone who worked hard on this bid – it’s going to be a great tournament!”