This morning, Toronto Mayor David Miller held a press conference for international media attended, almost exclusively, by local media. After selling the city's various attributes and attractions, from its ethnic diversity to this weekend's Jazz Festival, the mayor was exposed to a degree of skepticism from reporters, most of whom pointed out that it would be hard for guests to enjoy the city when most of it is closed.
But the Mayor predicted that delegates would spend approximately $53-million while in town and said that visiting journalists "fully understand the security situation."
Any violence from protesters will "Be dealt with," he said, adding "Yes, I hope that isn't front page news everywhere."
But Mr. Miller also stood by his initial request to the government to hold the G20 meeting at the CNE, a site the city felt would be less disruptive.
"I think we were correct on that," he said.
"I'm not going to use this podium to bash the federal government," the Mayor continued. But he said that cities hosting similar events should have more of a voice in planning. Institutionally, he believes the federal government is set up to deal with the provinces, and is not used to negotiating directly with municipalities, even big ones.
"Right from the beginning, we need to be at the table," he said. "That relationship has now been cemented so in the future, maybe there will be a true partnership between the national government and the city."
