G8, G20 cost 1Billion

Argus · June 16, 2010

Yes, the overtime pay did factor into my speculations about why this is costing so much.

I think we need to do something about the overpriced policing in this country. There are a lot of jobs assigned to police where almost any idiot could handle the task. Police direct traffic and act as crowd control - note I don't mean riot cops - at events like this and are paid a very high fee for their services. On overtime, or on paid duty, which this seems to be, police officers in Toronto get $65hr. That is a ridiculous price to pay a cop to stand next to a concrete divider and direct traffic, or to stand outside a fence all day to make sure no one climbs it. These kind of jobs don't take highly trained people, just reasonably responsible ones. Twenty bucks an hour should be more than adequate. Maybe some sort of public security guard unit, clearly uniformed so people know they're not police adn aren't armed.

Smallc · June 16, 2010

Winnipeg has recently formed a police cadet corps (these aren't in training police officers) to do exactly what you're talking about. In this case though, I think they want police that carry guns for the most part.

M.Dancer · June 16, 2010

Winnipeg has recently formed a police cadet corps (these aren't in training police officers) to do exactly what you're talking about. In this case though, I think they want police that carry guns for the most part.

In toronto we have the Auxillery Police force..you will see them doing their thing at low level threat events...blue jay games, grannies protesting at Queens park...santa claus parade...you will alos see them when there is a need for extra bodies..canvasing...

http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/communitymobilization/auxiliary.php

Smallc · June 16, 2010

Well, the cadet corps is a bit different. They are paid, and they do work such a directing traffic. They also have their own different uniforms (that look nothing like police uniforms).

Edited June 16, 2010 by Smallc

Smallc · June 16, 2010

http://www.globalwinnipeg.com/Police+cadets+conduct+foot+patrols/2711821/story.html

I see now they are calling them Auxiliary Force Cadets.

Topaz · June 16, 2010

Anyone travelling by train on those days will get a be surprise. Just one more thing to peeve off the public. http://www.thewhig.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2624641

ZenOps · June 16, 2010

You just have to know this is just going to spur criminals on.

Its like hanging a $100 million Picasso on the wall, it tends to spur the ultra criminals who would ordinarily pass it by - into action, just for the sake of action.

People are strange that way, build a $300 billion dollar airplane fighter, and see if you can bring it down.

Remiel · June 16, 2010

Anyone travelling by train on those days will get a be surprise. Just one more thing to peeve off the public. http://www.thewhig.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2624641

Are you in the Kingston area, Topaz?

Pragmatist · June 17, 2010

I'm utterly floored by this figure, and we simply need to see some official explanation of how this money is going to be spent.

If the $930 million went entirely to salaries, and the average salary of the RCMP and military personnel were $40/hr, that would be 23 million man-hours. Supposing 5 days of security operations, 24 hours per day, at each of the 2-day events, that would be 240 hours of security... so 23 million man-hours over 240 hours of security would work out to about 96,000 men. Is that credible? No, it is not. The article says that up to 10,000 people may be involved in security.

What else is the money being spent on? The article suggests: "The estimates said the extra funding will be used to "design, plan, co-ordinate and implement security operations," provide accommodations for the RCMP and its security partners, ensure the safety of all "Internationally Protected Persons" and procure information technology and portable communications."

Accomodations are obviously a big item. I'm sure that transportation is also a big item.

What else? "Information technology" and "portable communications"? Seriously?

This is ridiculous, and sounds like a heist to me. I hope Sheila Fraser is on this.

I hope this is where I type.

You are missing the point & being distracted by the big price tag..

I just want people to be aware that we are sitting on the precipace of martial law in Canada. This guy (Harper) wants to be a dictator but can't quite pull it off. How did this price tag get on the news? Was he caught raiding the cookie jar or was it put out there on purpose?

How could you possibly justify spending 4x the amount that was spent in Italy or England in the last two conferences?

Regardless, his rent-a-cops have to attack the protestors now to justify the spending orgy! It is the only way out unless he blows up the CN tower, or something , to show up his buddy Bush! I am sure glad they found the guy that bought the fertilizer. Harper is waging an unpopular war in Afganistan & a terrorist event in his "homeland" would be just the ticket to achieve his aims of becoming a more powerful dictator. Proroguing is nice for a while to hold on, but it doesn't help you achieve your goals (whatever they might be). By the way, I guess I should watch the news more - Why did Canada's top general quit? (Rick Hillier?) Another 9/11 could be in the works.

Edited June 17, 2010 by Pragmatist

Bonam · June 17, 2010

I hope this is where I type.

Nope.

Oleg Bach · June 17, 2010

You would assume that the rebellion is about the mass attacking the people on top - actually the rebellion is about guarding the people on top..the common mass that is society at large has become so degraded and debauched - the people do not want salvation - nor redemption..they just want food - and pleasure..radicals that assume the top dogs are bad guys are wrong - it is they that are the dogs - the dirty unwashed mass of dogs.

The G-GANG - are civilized and those that protest them are not. So seeing that the world does not want to be saved - and economic salvation along with spiritual is a choice...to hell with the mob - I am with the G-GANG.

Averagejoe · June 17, 2010

You just have to know this is just going to spur criminals on.

Its like hanging a $100 million Picasso on the wall, it tends to spur the ultra criminals who would ordinarily pass it by - into action, just for the sake of action.

People are strange that way, build a $300 billion dollar airplane fighter, and see if you can bring it down.

I highly doubt it. With the amount of police in that area, anyone doing anyting dumb that would get them arrested normally will be arrested fasters then normal. So even an "ultra criminal" as you put it, would not be in that area.

Averagejoe · June 17, 2010

I am surprised by the USA's advisory to their citizens who have business in Toronto or planned on visiting Toronto. It's one thing to say be cautious since demonstrations are unpredictable. But a completely other thing to say don't go. Toronto is safe for their politicans but not for their citizens? This is a double standard message that seems to give a mixed message about what is happening in Toronto. Consider that Toronto it self is still holding its usually summer events during the G20, goes to show that precautions have been taken and everyone is on their toes to ensure that it stays peaceful. Sure the cost of having a fake lake, having a portion of Toronto closed off may not let run things as usual but it doesn't mean the whole city is closed off and turned into a ghost town.

** To Voice your opinion and what you believe is the right course is everyone's right, to tell others to shut up because you don't agree with it is Bias and closed minded**

Edited June 17, 2010 by Averagejoe

ZenOps · June 17, 2010

I highly doubt it. With the amount of police in that area, anyone doing anyting dumb that would get them arrested normally will be arrested fasters then normal. So even an "ultra criminal" as you put it, would not be in that area.

You never know. Activists are almost immune to the idea of being arrested, they will do what they need to do in order to get their point across. In many cases, the most militant criminal activists are the ones that have deemed their government too "large and oppressive", any nation that puts up a Billion dollars for protection from its own cities and citizens qualifies.

What I'm hearing from Harper is "Let us eat cake, you cannot buy or sell bread in your market in our auspicious presence, begone peasants or I will sick my dogs upon you!"

I think King Harper just upped himself to Emperor Harper, maybe even Mau Tse Harper. "My G8/20 trade is more important than your hot dog vending trade, begone you lowly Palestinia.... Ooops"

Fictional quotes included.

Edited June 17, 2010 by ZenOps

g_bambino · June 18, 2010

You never know. Activists are almost immune to the idea of being arrested, they will do what they need to do in order to get their point across. In many cases, the most militant criminal activists are the ones that have deemed their government too "large and oppressive", any nation that puts up a Billion dollars for protection from its own cities and citizens qualifies.

I don't know. I've never been this close to an international summit of this type before, and all I know of the ubiquitous protesters is what I've seen in the television coverage of past events.

Perhaps once this G20 is over, I'll understand why it required $900 million for security; but, right now, it just seems as though there will be 20 cops for every 1 demonstrator; Toronto just doesn't normally have that many protesters. Will tens of thousands of activists really fly in from all over the world? If so, I wonder if they fail to see the irony of making a massive carbon footprint and supporting capitalist airlines and hotel chains in the process of fighting evil corporations that cause climate change and enslave the poor...

[c/e]

Edited June 18, 2010 by g_bambino

Oleg Bach · June 18, 2010

Just can't win - it's impossible for anyone to take the higher moral ground when we are all in the same low sided boat.

Topaz · June 18, 2010

Is it possible that he government has had a REAL terrorists warning, and that is why the US has warned its own people? They would never come out and say, it could cause a lot of panic. IF I livesd in TO., I take a weeks leave, maybe head for Ottawa or south to London.

ZenOps · June 19, 2010

Is it possible that he government has had a REAL terrorists warning, and that is why the US has warned its own people? They would never come out and say, it could cause a lot of panic. IF I livesd in TO., I take a weeks leave, maybe head for Ottawa or south to London.

If you ask me, Obama is not so worried about civilian protestors as he is about our MP Rob Anders. And rightfully so. It would be foolish to not have a military presence between certain people.

Harper is probably more worried about MP George Galloway (if he were allowed in Canada) if there were to be a summit in Britain.

Sometimes, the terrorists *are* the national government officials. We've already made up our minds about Kim Jong Il and North Korea.

And Canada most definitely does have some MP's that would be considered terrorist by the current US administration. Brits used to blame Irish elected officials of being terrorist all the time.

Do I think Rob Anders is a US terrorist? Not until he brings out a bomb and "Does a Wiebo" which I'm not entirely sure is beyond his supremacist skewed mental state. As of today - Rob is just a jerk, probably worse than Jaffer and deserving of jailtime instead of a $500 fine.

Edited June 19, 2010 by ZenOps

markusmc · June 19, 2010

I think it is stupid that we are paying so much to host these leaders like kings. Our government could us the money to fund a lot of programs for us Canadians or even help out some people in other counties. But no, they want to showcase the Canada to the world. I think king Harper should get off his high horse and listen to what us Canadians are saying about his government spending all this money on a fancy vacation for this leaders. We want the money to go to where it will be the most use.

stmichaels88 · June 19, 2010

REVOLUTION THE ONLY SOLUTION!

Jack Weber · June 19, 2010

REVOLUTION THE ONLY SOLUTION!

Karl Marx,ladies and gentlemen!

He's here all week,folks...

maple_leafs182 · June 19, 2010

well I'm leaving Tuesday to go to Toronto for the G20. I am kind of curious to see what 1 billion dollars of security gets you.

The G-GANG - are civilized and those that protest them are not. So seeing that the world does not want to be saved - and economic salvation along with spiritual is a choice...to hell with the mob - I am with the G-GANG.

I think the 'G-GANG' is manipulating us, using our emotions against us for their personal gain. Politics is just like pro wrestling...We are innocent, we are too trusting.

Mr.Canada · June 19, 2010

The G20 cost so much due to the socialists, Anarchists and anti government thugs who destroy property during their "protests". If you people acted humanely and didn't destroy property there wouldn't be any need for such high security costs.

The protesters themselves need to take responsibility for the cost it's because of them that they are what they are.

Remiel · June 19, 2010

The G20 cost so much due to the socialists, Anarchists and anti government thugs who destroy property during their "protests". If you people acted humanely and didn't destroy property there wouldn't be any need for such high security costs.

I can guarantee you that such a ridiculous amount of money is spent on security because the government actually gives a shit about its citizens property. Paying people for the looting and vandalism with no security whatsoever would probably be cheaper than the price tag of this.

DrGreenthumb · June 19, 2010

The G20 cost so much due to the socialists, Anarchists and anti government thugs who destroy property during their "protests". If you people acted humanely and didn't destroy property there wouldn't be any need for such high security costs.

The protesters themselves need to take responsibility for the cost it's because of them that they are what they are.

That's horeshit, and I wouldn't put it past Harper to have some of his "security" forces disguised as protestors, with orders to start an incident that the Harperhoid can then use an excuse to justify the costs and put on a nice show of force for his guests to show them how "powerful" he is. They did it in Montebello, why would we have any doubts that they will pull a similar stunt in Toronto?