Two in Three (68%) Say Money Spent to Host G-20 a `Waste', Just One in Three (32%) Say `It's Worth It'

Toronto, ON - Toronto will be the focus of the world later this month, as leaders from the G-20 converge on the city to discuss matters of international importance - most notably the economy. A gathering of the world's most influential leaders comprising 85% of the world's GNP and 80% of the world's population poses a serious security challenge for the host country, and it is estimated that the cost to Canada for security for the preceding G-8 meeting in Northern Ontario and then the full meeting of the G-20 and their delegations will be close to one billion dollars.

While Finance Minister Jim Flaherty has argued that it is Canada's turn to host and that "in today's international environment unfortunately it is necessary to spend substantially on security", two in three (68%) Canadians believe `hosting the G-20 is a waste' of money.

Conversely, it has been argued that hosting the G-20 has many benefits including increased global exposure for the host country, more control in setting the agenda and prestige on the world stage. Still, only one in three (32%) think that `hosting the G-20 is worth it'.

The federal government has indicated that it will not compensate businesses or residents for any non-insurable damage caused by protesters at the event. The data reveal that the government appears to be offside of this issue, as three quarters (75%) of Canadians believe the government should `cover the costs' of this type of damage, while just one quarter (25%) agree that the government should `leave the costs up to those affected'.

These are some of the findings of an Ipsos Reid poll conducted between June 4 and 7, 2010, on behalf of Canada.com. For this survey, a sample of 1,047 adults from Ipsos' Canadian online panel was interviewed online. Weighting was then employed to balance demographics and ensure that the sample's composition reflects that of the adult population according to Census data and to provide results intended to approximate the sample universe. A survey with an unweighted probability sample of this size and a 100% response rate would have an estimated margin of error of +/-3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20, of what the results would have been had the entire population of adults in Canada been polled. All sample surveys and polls may be subject to other sources of error, including, but not limited to coverage error, and measurement error.

For more information on this news release, please contact:
John Wright
Senior Vice President
Ipsos Reid Public Affairs
(403) 237-0066
[email protected]

About Ipsos Reid

Ipsos Reid is Canada's market intelligence leader, the country's leading provider of public opinion research, and research partner for loyalty and forecasting and modelling insights. With operations in eight cities, Ipsos Reid employs more than 600 research professionals and support staff in Canada. The company has the biggest network of telephone call centres in the country, as well as the largest pre-recruited household and online panels. Ipsos Reid's marketing research and public affairs practices offer the premier suite of research vehicles in Canada, all of which provide clients with actionable and relevant information. Staffed with seasoned research consultants with extensive industry-specific backgrounds, Ipsos Reid offers syndicated information or custom solutions across key sectors of the Canadian economy, including consumer packaged goods, financial services, automotive, retail, and technology & telecommunications. Ipsos Reid is an Ipsos company, a leading global survey-based market research group.

To learn more, please visit www.ipsos.ca .

About Ipsos

Ipsos is a leading global survey-based market research company, owned and managed by research professionals. Ipsos helps interpret, simulate, and anticipate the needs and responses of consumers, customers, and citizens around the world.

Member companies assess market potential and interpret market trends. They develop and build brands. They help clients build long-term relationships with their customers. They test advertising and study audience responses to various media. They measure public opinion around the globe. Ipsos member companies offer expertise in advertising, customer loyalty, marketing, media, and public affairs research, as well as forecasting, modeling, and consulting. Ipsos has a full line of custom, syndicated, omnibus, panel, and online research products and services, guided by industry experts and bolstered by advanced analytics and methodologies. The company was founded in 1975 and has been publicly traded since 1999. In 2009, Ipsos generated global revenues of e943.7 million ($1.33 billion U.S.). .

Visit www.ipsos-na.com to learn more about Ipsos offerings and capabilities.

Ipsos, listed on the Eurolist of Euronext - Comp B, is part of SBF 120 and the Mid-100 Index, adheres to the Next Prime segment and is eligible to the Deferred Settlement System. Isin FR0000073298, Reuters ISOS.PA, Bloomberg IPS:FP