Tony Clement must now have some idea of what the big winners on game shows like Jeopardy go through in having to wait to announce their good fortune.

The MP for Parry Sound-Muskoka and Minister of Health says keeping the announcement that the 2010 G8 Summit was coming to his riding secret was getting uncomfortable.

“I had known for quite a while, but was sworn to secrecy or I would have been thrown in jail or something, so it was good to have it out (on Thursday),” Clement told this newspaper on Friday, June 20.

At Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s side, Clement was on hand at the Deerhurst Resort when the announcement was made that the world is coming to this area on Thursday.

While the actual summit involving the leaders of United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, United States and Canada, will be held at the world-renowned resort in Huntsville, the impact of the event will be felt much further afield.

“The focal point may be in Huntsville, but all of Muskoka (and the surrounding region) are going to be affected by this. All the way to North Bay, people will be looking for accommodation. . . . I like to say that this is the political Olympics,” said Clement.

How big is a G8 Summit?

“A report done on the last G8 held here in Canada at Kananaskis, Alberta, said the economic impact from that summit was $300 million coming directly into that area,” said Clement.

“Literally 5,000 journalists are expected and then all of the people who prepare, the organizers. . . . I don’t think people will be able to get their heads wrapped around just how big this is going to be for a while,” said Clement.

Besides the direct injection of cash from visitors, literally from all over the world, Clement says there will be other benefits that will last until long after the delegations leave.

“You can’t buy this kind of exposure for Muskoka and Almaguin. People all over the world are going to learn about this area. . . . (The G8 Summit) will have very positive ripple effects for years to come,” said Clement.

Another long-lasting benefit is investments in local infrastructure to handle the influx of people. Clement said he did not know specifically yet what would be needed but pointed to the Sundridge/South River and Muskoka airports as probably needing some upgrades.

“I’m looking forward to all of those preparations, all of those infrastructure things is what I’m looking forward to seeing being put in place for 2010,” said Clement.

Landing a G8 Summit is no small task and it is one Clement has been working on for some time with the assistance of Deerhurst management.

“I’ve been making the case that we’re a prime location and places in the riding are very capable of holding an event of this scope,” said Clement. “. . . The beautiful backdrop of our natural scenery I think put this area over the top in terms of selection. . . . I say I have the most beautiful riding in the country and now I get a chance to show it to the world.”

The prime minister agrees.

“Huntsville itself is a jewel in the Canadian Shield and an ideal location for this gathering of world leaders. (Parry Sound-Muskoka MP Tony Clement) made a very persuasive case for this location. He argued our international guests would be charmed by the uniquely Canadian beauty of the region and by the warm hospitality of Muskokans,” said Harper at the announcement.

Harper also hinted at the announcement about what Canada would do with the responsibility of chairing what is consistently the most watched political event in the world.

“Next month, leaders from eight of the world’s most powerful nations will meet in Japan for the 34th annual G8 Summit,” Harper said. “I look forward to the discussions with my counterparts about important political, economic and environmental issues that are facing our world. In 2010 it will again be Canada’s turn to host the G8 Summit. As hosts, our government will have considerable say over the agenda. It will be a tremendous opportunity to promote Canada’s values and interests; to advocate for open markets and trade opportunities; to assist on global action against global warming; and to champion values like freedom, democracy and human rights and the rule of law.”

A date has not yet been chosen for the summit.