When hosting an international leaders' summit, one must consider sumptuous accommodations, savoury meals and entertaining cultural programs.

All of that will be on tap this summer for the Francophone Summit in Quebec City. As well, the Canadian government will provide another, rather unexpected, service for its guests from nations such as Burkina Faso, Vietnam and Romania.

The government is planning to buy credits to offset the greenhouse gas emissions generated from flying in 3,000 delegates and 1,000 media representatives.

A preliminary estimate for air travel alone is 6,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. They contribute to climate change.

But in a tender to purchase carbon offsets, the department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade isn't offering to cover the cost of buying those offset credits.

Rather, the government is looking for private companies to invest in offsetting projects, particularly in developing countries. The department estimates that might cost up to $250,000.

So what would private companies get in return for this good deed? Well, it says they'll get "visibility commensurate with its contribution." Any takers?