Montreal Outgames
shows large deficit

The organizers of the Montreal Outgames said Monday they have no regrets regarding the $5.3 million they owe government officials and suppliers. Marielle Dupere, cochair of the games with former Olympic swimmer Mark Tewksbury, said that the city of Montreal needed an event similar to the Outgames to "position itself in the market," the Montreal Gazette reported Monday.

Dupere said that the Outgames owes $2.2 million to its suppliers, with the rest owed to pay back government loans. She blamed Quebec for hindering the organization's efforts to pay the bills. Instead of directly handing the funds for the event, Quebec's government footed the bill for space such as Olympic Stadium and Palais des Congres.

"The small suppliers that helped us will be penalized by this action," Dupere said.

She also criticized municipal affairs minister Nathalie Normandeau for exposing the group's financial problems to the news media while, Dupere said, there had been an agreement not to discuss the operation.

A spokesperson for Normandeau told the Gazette that Quebec has relieved the Outgames of a $1.4 million loan to help pay off its other creditors and suppliers. (The Advocate)