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Tuesday, October 19, 1999
Bryden wants break
Senators owner has faith government will see light
The Senators owner spoke of his commitment to doing all he can to keep the team in the nation's capital for future generations when he addressed the National Hockey League Fans' Association at the Ottawa Public Library's downtown site.
But he also repeated his warning that he'll sell the Senators and the team will be moved if his plea for what he calls tax fairness isn't heard.
NO FIRM DEADLINE
Bryden said he hasn't set a firm deadline for governments to come through with some relief, but he was clear that he'll indicate to his fellow NHL owners next June that the team is on the market if nothing happens.
"In the event that it is clear government has looked at the facts, considered the facts and says, 'We hear you. We understand, (but) we are not going to do anything,' as soon as that becomes clear ... then I will do everything I can to preserve the asset that I have," said Bryden.
But the owner said recent indications by governments have given him reason to believe he'll get some of the $10 million in tax relief he wants to keep the Senators in Ottawa.
He said the province has indicated it will move on retail sales tax on major sports venues in Ontario.
"I'm optimistic that will have a significant effect on the tax level on the Corel Centre."
But Bryden said it's crucial the province exempt the Senators from amusement taxes. The Ontario Retail Sales Tax Act allows performances sponsored by charities to be exempt from the tax.
NOT EXEMPT FROM TAX
The Senators are sponsored by the Ottawa Senators Foundation charity, but are not yet exempt from the tax.
Bryden is also lobbying the federal government to help the Senators offset the exchange rate it pays on the salaries it pays its players in American currency.
"I'd like to see them do that and speak up and tell the Canadian people exactly what they're doing. I think they'd get support for it."
Bryden also said it's important the players' association must keep its salary demands in check for Canadian franchises to survive.
He said the Senators lost $15 on every fan who attended a game last year at the Corel Centre.
"I'm not poor," said Bryden. "But I'd be a lot less poor if I had bought Mitel instead of this hockey team."
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