Olivia Chow Writes to Minister Cannon about G20 Impact on Residents
March 22, 2010
Dear Minister Cannon,
On February 19, Minister Lisa Raitt announced that the G20 summit will be held in my riding of Trinity—Spadina at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, on the weekend of June 25.
This decision was made by the Government without much consultation. As the Member of Parliament for Trinity—Spadina, I have a number of concerns with the choice of location.
The decision to host the G20 summit at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre at this time has a direct negative impact on major tourism events in Trinity—Spadina such as the Tall Ships Festival, the International Dragon Boat Race, and Gay Pride Week.
Furthermore, the G20 summit will hurt our local small businesses that, during these tough economic times, shouldn’t be forced to face greater hardships. Hosting the summit at this location will also cause great disturbance in the lives of local residences. The CNE is a much better site.
The supplementary budget estimates recently released show the Government has allocated $179.4 million for policing and security costs related to the G8 and G20 summits.
While I understand and respect the need to fund heightened security, I urge you to also agree to create a G20 compensation fund that will provide quick and fair compensation to downtown small businesses, and organizers of tourist events that will be directly impacted by the summit. I also ask that you post a bond to cover any expenses related to the potential damage that could be done to public and private property as a result of the G20 summit.
I will be joining with local councillor Adam Vaughan in his upcoming April meeting with local residents and businesses. It is my sincere wish that your department can provide answers to some of the above requests so there is a meaningful partnership with the city of Toronto in hosting a successful G20 summit.
I thank you for your consideration in this important matter.
Sincerely,
Olivia Chow, MP
Trinity—Spadina
