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I was surprised to see Winnipeg cited in support of a stadium in Halifax (April 3 letter) . We should definitely not look to Winnipeg as an example of “if they can do it, so can we.”

Research by economists frequently notes that public sector investment and subsidies are not repaid in economic benefits for host cities, contrary to most proponents’ arguments. Manitoba’s premier called Winnipeg’s situation an “unsustainable scam” last fall when he announced the second of two write-offs of taxpayer loans for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers stadium, totalling around $200 million.

Any stadium proposal needs to be looked at very critically to minimize taxpayer risk before and after all the photo-ops with shovels and new sports jerseys. Yes, we could follow Winnipeg’s lead — but we shouldn't.

Devin Cameron, Halifax