On August 22 , 2008 , '' The Globe and Mail '' reported that the government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper mandated that the content of the opening ceremonies reflect its agenda as a condition of its contribution of C$ 20 million to fund the event . This was widely criticized as government interference with the arts and exercising ideological control . However , VANOC vice-president of communications Renée Smith-Valade said the government was not bringing politics into the 2010 games and did not have veto power over any part of the Olympic ceremonies
opening ceremonies
2010 Winter Olympics opening ceremony
Concerns and controversies at the 2010 Winter Olympics