Vegreville-Wainwright - In recent weeks, there have been heated discussions regarding the G-8 and G-20 summits, which will be held at the end of June in Muskoka and Toronto respectively. The opposition parties, along with the media, have been careless with names and numbers in this matter, accusing the government of wasting the money of Canadian taxpayers on these events. In light of the numerous falsehoods being reported by the opposition, I would like to take this opportunity to inform the constituents of Vegreville-Wainwright on the exact nature of the upcoming summits.

The G-8 and G-20 meetings represent an unparalleled opportunity to showcase Canada to the largest economies and most influential leaders in the world. Given the importance of these summits, and the fact that over 30 world leaders will be in attendance, it is essential that appropriate security measures be put in place for the protection of these delegates, and for the people of Muskoka and Toronto.

There will be more than 13,000 delegates and media personnel present at these summits. Our government has devoted the vast majority of funding for these summits to ensure the absolute safety and security of the global leaders, delegates, visitors, and resident Canadians over the three days of meetings.  A small percentage of funding has been set aside to promote Canada as a beautiful tourist destination, and to showcase cutting-edge Canadian technologies.

In order to properly host visiting delegates and media, and to showcase the best of Canada, funding has been allocated to the construction of the Experience Canada pavilion at the Toronto media centre. The pavilion will house over 3,000 international media, who will showcase Canada to their respective countries. The Experience Canada pavilion features three main themes: the Northern Ontario Oasis, the Bridge and the Cityscape.

The total cost of the entire pavilion is $1.9 million. The cost of the pavilion display of the water feature representing a lake to promote Muskoka is $57,000. The opposition statements that the government spent over $2 million on a “Fake Lake Gate” are utterly false.

Over 3,000 media personnel from over 25 countries around the world will be in Toronto for these summits. Our government is committed to make sure that they leave Canada with a positive impression. They, in turn, will bring positive press and attention to Canada, allowing us to shine even more brightly on the world stage. By showing our visitors the greatness of Canada as an economically prosperous and naturally beautiful nation, Canada will reap benefits, particularly in foreign investment and tourism.

I am proud that we are hosting influential world leaders this summer, and that we will be able to promote Canada’s natural beauty, dynamic cities, cutting edge technology, and economic opportunity. I wish that the opposition would share our government’s pride, rather than resorting to lies and mud-slinging.
Leon Benoit, MP