ICBC Olympic party plans slammed
ICBC Olympic party plans slammed
critics: Auto insurer should lower drivers' premiums, not put on hospitality events
Damian Inwood, The Province
Published: Sunday, October 26, 2008
ICBC plans to hire a party planner to drive its 2010 Olympic bashes.
Critics say the Crown corporation should be reducing drivers' premiums rather than doling out money on Olympic hoopla.
"ICBC should focus on bringing down rates on basic insurance instead of partying at the Olympics," said Maureen Bader, B.C. director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.
And NDP critic Harry Bains said B.C. drivers should be told the total cost of corporate hospitality parties planned during 2010.
"It's another hidden cost of the Olympics," he said. "Why isn't ICBC working to lower their premiums rather than spending money on 2010?"
According to a pre-tender document, the Insurance Corp. of B.C. is looking for a consultant to help "in leveraging current opportunities in connection with ICBC's 2010 Winter Games involvement.
"Respondents should have the ability and possess a highly specialized skill set related to the execution of a hospitality program management related to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games," reads the call for "Olympic corporate support services."
ICBC is an "official supporter" of the Olympics, with a $15-million sponsorship deal with 2010.
The deal makes ICBC the insurer for 4,500 vehicles needed for the 2010 fleet before and during the Games.
ICBC has also so far sold 130,000 licence plates carrying the 2010 logo, at a cost to drivers of $35, with net proceeds going to the Winter Games.
As an official sponsor, ICBC is planning to host corporate events during the Games, said spokesman Adam Grossman.
"It's not something we specialize in as a company, so we're seeking an expert in corporate hospitality with Olympic experience," he said. "I'm sure there's a lot of them in town at the moment."
He said that all sponsorship activities will be funded out of the "optional" side of ICBC's business, not the mandatory fees.
Grossman said he couldn't give a figure on how much 2010 hospitality parties will cost.
© The Vancouver Province 2008