But When All Is Said And Done...

...it gives social in-activists something to do. 

The G in G20 must stand for Gross

By Kelly McParland  May 27, 2010 – 12:06 pm

 

You’re the head of a minority government that has just shepherded Canada through a global downturn with considerable success. You are hoping to turn this feat into political support based on the image it provides of prudence, discipline and financial acumen. In pursuit of this goal, you decide to:
1. Keep a close eye on expenditures, limiting the outflow of tax dollars to only the most pressing needs, until you are able to  eliminate the deficit and get the national debt back under control.
2. Take the opportunity to reduce or eliminate unnecessary  costs, exploiting public support for economic security to get rid of  frivolous programs previously protected by political concerns.
3. Throw a three-day talkfest nobody cares about, blowing more than $1 billion on security while turning the country’s biggest city into an armed camp in midsummer, when it should be attracting tourists rather than storm troopers in riot gear.

Read More »

Budget watchdog probing summits' price tag of $1-billion

Tories must provide records on security costs, Parliamentary Budget Officer Kevin Page says 3:10 AM EDT 31

• Kevin Carmichael: $1-billion is well spent
• Simpson: The siege mentality of back-to-back summits will cost us dearly