Ottawa - The City of Ottawa will ask the federal government to help out with protesters who are coming to the capital during the upcoming G-8 summit.
Although the summit is taking place in Kananaskis, Alta., thousands of protesters from eastern Canada and the northeastern United States are expected to gather in Ottawa.
That's prompted local politicians to ask their federal counterparts for a little help.
Exactly what form that help will take is still vague. The government may be asked to set up information booths, or provide speakers to discuss issues with protesters.
Ottawa Mayor Bob Chiarelli says the protesters shouldn't settle for less.
"They want to be heard on the policy issue. They want to have some questions answered," says Chiarelli. "The people who can best do that are the politicians at the level of government that is dealing with the issues."
But not all city councillors agree. Clive Doucet says the federal government can't be relied upon to deal with protesters.
"The fact is, the feds aren't handling it. The reason they're in Kananaskis is to run away from this kind of protest," says Doucet. "So, I think we've joined the runners awayers, which is sort of sad news for the city."
Doucet is planning to set up a table in front of city hall, where he'll invite people to share their views on globalization.
It won't be the first time Doucet has welcomed protesters to the city. During last fall's G-20 summit, he handed out bottles of water. However, riot police prevented many of the protesters from reaching Doucet's table.
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