Civics Scrapbook

OTTAWA — The tab for security for the G8 and G20 summits has swelled to $834 million, according to government estimates released Tuesday.


The government had originally projected security costs of $179.4 million, but the estimates, tabled in Parliament, revealed an additional $654.9 million.


The added spending is to be split mainly between the RCMP, the Public Safety Department and National Defence.


The G20 will be held in late June in Toronto, while the community of Huntsville, Ont., will host the G8.


The spending estimates said the extra funding will be used to "design, plan, co-ordinate and implement security operations for the summits; provide the RCMP and its security partners with accommodation facilities for the G8 and G20 summits; procure information technology and portable communications assets; work with federal, provincial and municipal security partners responsible for providing summit security; and ensure the safekeeping of all International Protected Persons attending the summits."


The RCMP will receive an additional $321.5 million, Public Safety will get $262.6 million and National Defence will receive $$63.1 million. The remaining $6.7 million will be split among others.


When the government revealed its initial estimate of almost $180 million earlier this year, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation said the that the cost of "lavish" events should be curtailed, considering Canada's economic picture.


The summits are held annually for world leaders to discuss topics of global concern ranging from terrorism to the economy.


The anticipated security cost is expected to rival the amount estimated to have been spent on security for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.


Christine Csversko, a spokeswoman for Public Safety Minister Vic Toews, said the final bill could reach almost $1 billion.


"As we have always stated, overall costs will be finalized following the completion of the summits," she said. "However, based on a medium level threat assessment, we've budgeted up to $930 million for security."


Csversko said that Canada intends to spend what it takes to ensure safety.


"Global security begins at home," she said in an email. "As hosts of the G-8 and G-20 summits, we will be prepared to respond to any possible situation or threat. And we will take all measures necessary to ensure Canadians, delegates and international visitors remain safe."


http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/canada/security+cost+hits+million/3068834/story.html