Opposition outraged over an investment in English soccer jerseys, Immigration Minister says it's money well spent

Corner Brook MHA and Immigration Minister Gerry Byrne says he can appreciate that some people don’t understand communications and are trapped when it comes to new ideas and technology.

PC Leader Tony Wakeham is outraged that Government has just spent $171,000 of taxpayers’ money to finance a struggling UK sports team that plays in the basement league of English football (soccer), the fourth tier. Wakeham questions the wisdom of such an expenditure by a province in which there is rampant homelessness, record food bank usage, and seniors splitting their medication and unable to adequately feed themselves. He says “This shockingly irresponsible waste of scarce Newfoundland and Labrador taxpayer dollars will do zero to promote immigration,” and added, “Even if viewers notice the tiny website address on a jersey crowded with other wording and symbols, how does advertising on a soccer jersey get people to move to Newfoundland and Labrador?”

Meanwhile, Corner Brook MHA and Immigration Minister Gerry Byrne says he can appreciate that some people don’t understand communications and are trapped when it comes to new ideas and technology. Byrne says with the potential to generate up to 195 million views and it will also be featured on video games. He says this is money well spent and this investment has many purposes, like tourism, investment and immigration.

The opposition is asking to see all documentation regarding the decision.