The dream of reviving les Nordiques as a proud Canadian NHL franchise is taking a big step forward as Quebec City and the government of Quebec will split the cost of a new arena 50-50, cutting out the federal Tories in a region where they hold six seats.I find that highly unlikely. If anything this couldn't have worked out better for the federal Tories.
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The party has carved out a small base of support in the region under Prime Minister Stephen Harper but polls show that could shrink considerably if Ottawa refuses to fund the arena.(link)
The arena will be built - which means there's no blame on Harper for not coughing up the cash. That was, in my opinion, the real concern in Quebec.
I think, if anything, Laurier would approve. Harper has chosen a solution which in the end will satisfy neither French or English Canada: don't fund anyone's sports stadiums...