It is kind of hard to fathom why it is so important for Canada to host international meetings of world leaders like the G-8 and the G-20 which is likely to set the country back about a billion dollars during a time when the economy remains so fragile.
It doesn’t help that some of the expenditures seem ridiculous to us common folk. The government heard an outcry about building a million or so dollar lake so visiting journalists would have a chance to experience Ontario’s cottage country even though they are not covering the conference taking place there, and are instead stuck at the one in Toronto. Poor babies.
The project leader came back with a vengeance saying the indoor lake cost a mere $60 thousand or so.
Hmmm. I wonder how long it takes for regular people to earn $60,000? I mean, that’s just petty cast to most of us, right?
In an age where grandpa’s and grandma’s are learning how to Skype the grandkids so they can chat face to face without the big bill an actual visit or even a phone call would cost, you have to wonder why these world government officials can’t find another way to meet, one that would circumvent this outrageous cost to one country’s taxpayers as well as ensure no ridiculous (and horribly expensive) security measures would need to be put in place. If they met one another via Skype they could even avoid the bevy of protesters that are likely to take centre stage as soon as the politicians hit the ground.
The government argues that hosting the conferences is an opportunity not to missed, one that will lead to greater tourism as well as investment opportunities. As of yet they don’t seem to have shared how long it will take before this increase in tourism and investment opportunities will result in the recoup of the billion dollar expenditure though.
They say they are highlighting the pros of eastern Canada to the journalists because these people are looking for ‘behind the scenes’ stories that could bring positive national press attention to this country. That may also be why they are ensuring the journalists also get a never ending supply of free booze as well. Perhaps they believe blotto journalists are positive journalists.
While regular people are being asked to tighten their belts and be frugal, the government should be setting an example of moderation. The money they are spending is not their’s. It belongs to each and every Canadian in this country. It was paid for by citizens who work as everything from a waitress to a carpenter. Perhaps when it comes to these enormous amounts of money going out of the coffers on one project, Canadians should have more of a direct voice in whether or not it is something they feel is worth the effort and money.