The B.C. Liberal Government has revealed information about how much it spent on tickets and hosting during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

A report released on yesterday (May 6) shows cabinet ministers and MLAs were given 143 tickets to sporting events and ceremonies to the tune of $45,500.

The tickets were purchased as part of a $2.69-million hosting programme that aimed to court top business players and promote investment in B.C. when the Games came to Vancouver in February.

In total, the province spent $970,675 on more than 3,700 tickets while Vanoc provided another 910 without charge.

Most of the tickets were used to host dignitaries and business leaders, but more than 40 percent went to the public through contests and other distribution.

Premier Gordon Campbell's ticket bill was $400 for the men's ice hockey gold medal game, while Finance Minister Colin Hansen's total was $2,947 for several ice hockey events and speed skating.

However, both Campbell and Hansen had honoured-guest status that allowed them access to reserved seating at Olympic venues without the need for tickets.

Other hosting event costs came to $1.72 million, which covered expenses such as venue rentals, catering, entertainment, gifts and transportation. (The End)