Calgary is reportedly awash with hundreds of secret service agents, gauging the terrorist threat to G-8 summiteers and hatching measures to combat them.
But when George W. Bush arrives for the G-8 summit, even the U.S. president's security arrangements will be in the hands of the RCMP, who are the final arbiters of the role the White House's secret service spooks will play.
"We are doing ongoing liaising with all foreign security officers from each of the countries representing the G-8," said RCMP Cpl. James Johnston.
"They can bring in as many officers as they choose, but security in Canada is mandated by the RCMP and (the agents) are just visitors like everyone else."
It's up to the RCMP to assure foreign governments Canada's security capabilities are up to snuff and Johnston said that's been achieved so far.
Although rumour has it Bush will be flown to Montana sleeping quarters during the summit for security reasons, (G-8 governments) have said they have complete confidence in us," said Johnston.
But that won't stop foreign security agencies from insisting some of their agents be armed as they keep their eyes peeled for would-be assassins, said Johnston.
The Mountie fully expects those agencies to apply for special constable status, so their foot soldiers can bear arms.
"But they're not peace officers until they make that specific request and are granted it," said Johnston.
"I would expect there would be a limited number of individuals (applying for special status) and we must do the same when our prime minister goes to other countries."
Johnston said he's confident none of the foreign services, perhaps skittish after Sept. 11, would attempt to bypass Canada's laws and ride shotgun without Ottawa's clearance.
"They know very well their roles and responsibilities," he said.
For now, security specialists from G-8 governments are pooling their know-how in the multi-million-dollar effort to block any terrorist designs on the summit leaders.
"These other nations offer us their expertise and knowledge ... all have their own security concerns," said Johnston.
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