Canada says it can't afford to attend Expo 2012 in South Korea
VICTORIA - Canada has officially declined an invitation from the South Korean government to participate in Expo 2012, saying it can't afford to attend the World's Fair.
"At this time, our government is committed to a number of key domestic priorities, including a return to a balanced budget through stringent fiscal discipline that will prevent Canada's participation," said Moore's letter.
James Maunder, Moore's director of communications, issued a statement about the government's Expo 2012 decision on behalf of Moore.
"Canadians elected us on our promise to return to balanced budgets," said the statement. "This requires difficult decisions. One of those decisions was Canada's participation in Expo 2012. We carefully reviewed the proposal and will not be participating."
Canada and Greece are the only two countries to decline Expo 2012 invitations for economic reasons.