Justin Trudeau lauds La Malbaie as 'ideal location' for next G7 summit

Prime Minister Justin Trudeauresponded to concerns about securitychallenges that could arise at next year's G7 in the Charlevoix, saying the solutionisa collaboration with local authorities.

"We really see it as a partnership with the local community, the people here," he said in a newsconferencein La Malbaie, Que., today visiting the town where the summit is to be held.

"There are several models, we saw how it was in Taormina andKananaskis, which resembles a little more what we can do in the Charlevoix."

Trudeau was referring to KananaskisCountry, Alta., the park in the foothills of the Rockieswhere the G8 summit was held in 2002. Security costs for thatsummit were more than $200 million, according to a University of Toronto study.

"We will spend responsibly, while making sure everyone is safe," the prime minister said.

He added that gender equality would topthe agenda, saying it's something he wants to highlight "both at home and abroad."

Trudeaumetthe mayor of LaMalbaieand local business and tourism representatives this morning. He said the town is an "ideal location" for theglobal meeting.

LaMalbaie, a town of about 9,000 people, is 150 kilometres northeast of Quebec City andaccessible by a two-lane highway, by rail on a tourist trainand by water.

A security expert recently described the challengefacing law enforcement as a "beautiful nightmare."

"You will have to make a big security setup here because you have the St. Lawrence River, you have the railroad. They will have to look at the logistics at all levels transportation, communications, lodging, food," saidJean Racine, a retiredSurtduQubecofficer who provided security over 28 years for eight Quebec premiers.

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"Every year, the G7 is an opportunity to take stock of our progress on the world stage," Trudeau said. "Canada as a host will be in a unique position to advance our priorities."

A crowd formed aroundTrudeauas he made his way from the ManoirRichelieuto the podium through a row of whiteAdirondackchairs. He stopped to shake hands, chat and take pictures.

The G7 comprises the seven richest economies in the world, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States.

"In 2018, eyes will be fixed on the Charlevoix, a magnificent and ideal location in the image of our country, to welcome world leaders," the prime minister said.

It will mark the sixth time that Canada has hosted the meetings, including in the Muskoka region of Ontario in 2010, Alberta's Kananaskis in 2002 and Halifax in 1995.