Will Ottawa offer compensation for G20 related property damage? Well…maybe?

There has been much talk (at least around these parts) about whether or not the Conservative Government – which is putting up $1 billion+ for security at the upcoming G8/G20 summits – will compensate Toronto-area businesses for a) loss of business and b) property damage caused by the G20 part of the gathering.

As you can see from this CBC article, the Conservatives have been rather coy about this issue. But in Friday’s question period there was an interesting exchange between Toronto-area MP Judy Sgro and Conservative MP Peter Kent, who still looks to me like the Global News guy play-acting as a Member of Parliament (that’s not a comment on his abilities — I’ll just always think of him as the Global News guy).

Now the part I found interesting is when Peter Kent says the following: "The Government of Canada will in fact consider any costs associated with loss of business during the G20 summit". He then states that the security costs are meant to prevent the property damage that Ms. Sgro apparently "anticipates".

Now, to me, this sounds like the Conservatives are in fact ready to cover property damage costs if/when it occurs during the summit. I suppose I can understand their position here. If they make an announcement stating unequivocally that they will cover property damage, that comes close to inviting protesters to come in and cause such damage, knowing that someone will pick up the tab.

The Conservatives could have handled this whole issue better, but it does sound like the money will be forthcoming in the end. So, well, at least we have that.

One more thing: in case you were confused about that "steamboats to nowhere" comment made by Ms. Sgro, it would take way to long to explain, and the explanation isn’t all that exciting.

You’re better off not knowing.