Toronto Police Chief Julian Fantino is joining bid officials and politicians in Moscow for the IOC vote on the host city of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. Fantino is set to arrive in Moscow in advance of the July 13 vote.
Politicians slated to attend are Canada’s Prime Minister Jean Chretien, several federal ministers, Ontario Premier Mike Harris, and Toronto Mayor Mel Lastman. Joe Halstead, Toronto’s economic development/parks/tourism commissioner will also be there.
The costs for government officials will be paid by taxpayers, but according to a bid spokesperson, sponsors such as Labatt and Bell will help defray some of TO-Bid’s costs by staging dinners and helping with other events.
Others traveling to Moscow for the vote include dozens of TO-Bid officials, athletes and support staff.
