2010 Olympics - Controversies

Controversies have surrounded the 2010 Olympics since the beginning. A close examination of the issues bring some surprising facts to light.

The Downtown Eastside is a location in which many homeless people live. It has been an ongoing, increasing problem for a number of years. It is also a "complex" problem insofar as many elements are at play when discussing "homelessness". Real statistics are difficult to find, since the homeless, by virtue of this fact, are difficult to record. In 2008 CTV News reported that the City estimated approximately 1,200 people without shelter on a regular basis. It was forecasted at that time that this figure would increase to approximately 3,000 by the time of the 2010 Olympics.

Advocacy Group "Pivot", one of many prominent advocacy groups in BC, has continued to address levels of government regarding the plight of the homeless, such as the connection between rent increases and lack of low income housing. Pivot has reported in their survey related to housing, that other factors are in play such as injury, addiction, illness, disability and poverty. The Mental Health Commission of Canada reported in 2008 at the Collaboration for Change Forum held in Vancouver that "an estimated 25 to 50% of homeless people have a mental illness and up to 70% with a severe mental illness also abuse drugs". Many of the homeless are composed of youth 16-24 according to this report. (April 2008). Rich Coleman, BC Housing Minister, reported that the province had spent approximately $100 million dollars since 2005 to convert hotels in the city to low-income housing (Vancouver Sun, June 29, 2009). Others are anticipated and currently underway, not only in Vancouver, but in surrounding communities. (2010 Olympics sponsor, the Royal Bank of Canada, has donated over one million dollars to this cause in the past few years, along with other corporate donations.)

As of this writing, the Vancouver 2010 Olympics have begun in Vancouver. Coverage of this event world-wide noted the impact of protestors on the event and the disruption of it throughout the day. There were many peaceful protesters, such as those who advocate for women who are marginalized, and very often abused in a number of ways. Unfortunately, these groups were not heard. Instead, others were highlighted, some of whom do not reside in Vancouver having come here from other parts of Canada. the United States and according to reports, even further afield. Many are known to the police as professional protestors, some have criminal records. As the flame made its way through Vancouver to the excitement and exhilaration of thousands of Canadians, one very important group who had waited with anticipation for this opportunity was sadly disappointed. These were Canada's War Veterans. The flame, out of necessity was re-routed eliminating their opportunity to participate. These are Canada's Best and greatest contributors to the freedom that is experienced in this country today..

Another highly publicized problem is with "cost", especially when it comes to the taxpayers. There have been controversies regarding cost over runs and definitely some concern regarding financial problems during the construction of the Olympic Village. Both the federal and the provincial governments share costs. Security costs have come under debate and have definitely been sharply increased. There are a number of ongoing and "conflicting" reports around this and it is likely that it is impossible to predict the outcome until the games have concluded. Costs of infrastructure and building with reference to the venues have been "expensive" to say the least. Ongoing construction has keep people working during these recessionary times, and of that there is no doubt. Some, but not all, of the money being spent will enhance Vancouver and surrounding areas into the future, and needed to be done anyway. It is believed by some that the Olympics have given BC a false sense of security and that we will be left "holding the bag" when the hype dies down. Whether or not BC will continue to thrive after the Olympics is yet to be seen. It is the hope of the government and the organizers that the province will benefit economically as a result of the Games and exposure to the world, and hopefully, this will be the case.

Discrimination - rich versus poor has also been an issue when considering the cost of purchasing some of the tickets and attending events. There is also a perception by some that only the "rich" will benefit. Insight is sometimes helpful along with some investigation into who really has benefitted. Rona, a major corporate Olympics sponsor has provided a number of projects with reference to the venue sites. They have sponsored anyone who wants to get off the streets and learn a trade, primarily carpentry. Some have taken them up on the offer and are currently gainfully employed. A floral shop won a bid to provide all the flowers to be given to the Olympic athletes. This shop is unique, insofar as they are "non-profit", employing women in prison, women with alcohol and drug addictions and/or marginalized women in every category. There were 58 bids in total for this particular job - they competed for it and won. The shop owner says that "each of these women feel as though they have been given a "gold medal".

It is unfortunate that VANOC did not make public until recently the number and level of free events that would be offered to everyone at the Olympics Games. These range from Cultural Olympiad productions, LiveCity stage entertainment, exhibits and many others. Any family and every child has had access to the 2010 Olympics, whether to free events or by special application. No one has been left out - unless they want to be.

Controversies regarding First Nations peoples and land claims are also complex and have been ongoing. Land treaty negotiations are currently in process between the First Nations and the Provincial government. However, the 2010 Olympic Games has been reliant on the full commitment and full participation of the First Nations peoples and the provincial government. All venues, events, and organization are the result of this "positive" partnership. The Host First Nations have been an integral part of the planning, preparation and organization of what is hoped to be a successful outcome. As a result, benefits from the Olympics will impact First Nations youth and others well into the future.

The Opening Ceremonies held at BC Place showcased the Four Host Nations in all their splendor. They were not last, but "first". They were not disgraced but "proud" to represent their own heritage to the world and join with ALL Canadians in welcoming the world to "their" lands and their territories. We cannot revisit our past, but this is proof that we can and definitely will look forward to a better future. The 2010 Olympics coming to Vancouver has been one of the reasons healing has become a real possibilty. But it is more than that, Canadians across the country have been included from every ethnic background and from every region. Canadians across this vast land have "participated" and are "proud" to represent themselves - as they really and truly are.

Environmental concerns are also a major player in the controversy. VANOC and its partners have implemented the "Sustainability Star" program as a means of encouraging partners, industry and communities to be attentive to these many and varied concerns. However, as a result of the program, there have been many ongoing suggestions and innovations produced within industries and communities that are being implemented as a result of the 2010 Olympic Games. Hopefully, this will result in long term positive approaches to preservation and active participation in ensuring that the Province of British Columbia retains its reputation and its title of "Beautiful British Columbia" - a real legacy to future generations. The day the Olympics began, the Province of British Columbia together with the states of California and Washington signed an agreement "to work together" to create environmental solutions resulting in what is hoped to be yet another positive partnership and legacy.

The 2010 Olympics has been an experience for Canadians. Current statistics indicate that "most" British Columbians and "most" Canadians are satisfied with the attention that has been paid to issues which were highlighted as "controversial". The past 7 years of preparation for the 2010 Olympics have more than highlighted Canada's ability and yes, propensity to work toward "all-inclusive" solutions.