BC Liberal MLA Jas Johal on Wednesday slammed the NDP for rejecting the bid to host the World Cup

He said: “It’s extremely disappointing the BC NDP have pulled the rug out from under soccer fans and the tourism industry.

“This bid, which shares costs across the continent, was a fabulous opportunity to promote British Columbia as part of the most-watched sporting event in the world. Other provinces have come to arrangements but the BC NDP is the lone jurisdiction who has failed to come to the table.

“This is a process that has been underway for months and yesterday the Tourism Minister showed little knowledge of the file. The minister should now provide all the facts as to why the BC NDP was unable to reach an agreement to participate in this unprecedented chance to promote the province.

“The former government worked hard with the City of Vancouver, sports organizations and the tourism sector to realize this opportunity. British Columbians, who will now have to reserve a spot on the sofa instead of the stadium, deserve to know why the BC NDP bailed on a chance to market British Columbia to the world. Though it’s not surprising, as the BC NDP previously opposed Expo 86 and the 2010 Winter Olympics.”