We had indications that a G-8 was going to take place several months prior to the event. We knew that if the G-8 took place anywhere in Ontario it was likely going to result in protests in the greater Toronto area. This has been the experience with other G-8 or G-20 events: the protestors tend to come to the large urban centre nearby. So we had some reasonable apprehension.
So we began when the announcement of the G-8 was made. I don't have a precise date, but I think it was probably about 18 months in advance--at least in the summer of 2009. We began working very closely with the RCMP, with the OPP, and with our other policing partners in preparation for that event.
I assigned, in November of 2009, a number of my senior personnel to act and to work as part of the planning team. We received some indication that a G-8 and G-20 might be held in Ontario. I don't have a precise date for you--I apologize, Mr. Holland--but I did receive a visit from Mr. Ward Elcock, who came and spoke about the possibility of holding a G-20 in Toronto and asked a number of questions about our logistic capacity to police such an event with our policing partners.