Alberta premier staying away from Flames arena debate

During the Tim & Sid show the duo discussed the issue of a new NHL arena in the city of Calgary. They were later joined by Sportsnet’s John Shannon to continue the discussion on why the Calgary Flames are not close to a deal.

CALGARY — Alberta’s premier says her government will not be weighing in on the current battle over a new arena for the NHL Calgary Flames.

The Flames indicated last week they were pulling out of arena talks with the city because negotiations have been unproductive.

Mayor Naheed Nenshi has said the city is ready to negotiate in good faith.

Premier Rachel Notley says any role that the provincial government may have is hypothetical and the matter has to run its course before there is any thought of involvement.

Her comments echo those of Federal Sport Minister Kent Hehr, who last week said Ottawa would not get involved.

Notley says she will leave it up to candidates in the municipal election to debate the issue.

"I think those debates need to follow their own course before we get involved in talking about any role, if any, that the provincial government might ever take," Notley told reporters in Calgary.

"It’s not helpful for the provincial government to weigh in at this point so I’m not going to."

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