McGuinty balks at summit security costs

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty is balking at the $1.2-billion price tag on security for the upcoming G8 and G20 summits of world leaders.

He says a billion dollars is a lot of money, and that while most people agree that Canada should act as host occasionally, it must find a less costly way to do it.

Otherwise, he said, it will be hard for any country to play host to the summit.

As well, the premier said, everyone should work together to figure out a way to minimize the interference security measures will have in Toronto, where the G20 summit is being held.

Federal ministers argue that the costs are necessary to ensure the summits are secure, pointing out this is the first time a country has been host to two summits back to back.

The Opposition federal Liberals say the costs are exorbitant and an example of incompetence and mismanagement.

The G8 summit runs June 25-26 in Huntsville, Ont., and the G20 runs June 26-27 in Toronto.