Feds non-committal on Halifax convention centre

Proponents of a new convention centre in Halifax are not getting a commitment of support from Tony Clement, president of Canada's Treasury Board.

Clement wouldn't make any funding promises while on a visit to Halifax on Thursday.

He said the Harper government would wait to hear from municipal and provincial officials.

"I'm hoping that we can make a decision that is the right decision," he said. "When he have all the facts and we've considered all of the arguments then we'll make a decision."

Developer Rank Inc. wants to build the convention centre on Argyle Street. Supporters said such a facility would allow the city to host large conventions and groups.

The development was expected to cost $159 million, but the developer only guaranteed that price until mid-April.

Nova Scotia's NDP government and the Halifax Regional Municipality said they would spend $56 million each. The federal government was expected to pay the rest.

Clement was in Halifax for a meeting hosted by the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies. His speech focused on the Harper government's plan to cut $4 billion from government departments and services.