Canada says it has no choice but to spend a $1 billion on security for G-8 and G-20 summits

Canada: A billion on summit security a must

TORONTO — Canada’s Conservative government says they had no choice but to spend nearly $1 billion on security for next month’s G-8 and G-20 summits.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s spokesman Dimitri Soudas said Friday no government wants to spend more than $900 million for security but he says it’s necessary to ensure the safety of world leaders, thousands of delegates and the citizens of Toronto and Huntsville, Ontario.

Harper’s government has come under heavy criticism for budgeting $930 Canadian (US$885 million).

Soudas says it’s nothing to be embarrassed about.

By comparison, the stated amount spent by Pittsburgh on security for last September’s G-20 summit was US$12.4 million. London’s stated amount for the G-20 last year was US$10.9 million.

Police also unveiled Friday the extent of the security zone Toronto residents will face.