Parliamentary Committee Notes: Advance Funding for the Presidency of the 2025 G7 Summit in Canada
Proposed Response
- The RCMP is the lead security agency for the G7 Leaders’ Summit.
- The RCMP is working closely with security partners, including the Calgary Police Service, Alberta Sheriffs, and Conservation Officers, the Canadian Forces, as well as other federal, provincial, and municipal agencies, to identify security needs.
- RCMP representatives are currently engaging in site visits and operational preparation activities to better understand the operational environment and be well prepared to deliver on its mandated security responsibilities for the G7 Summit.
Financial Implications
- Advance funding of $45.4 million ($44.5 million in voted authorities and $0.9 million in statutory authorities) is being accessed through these Supplementary Estimates to support the following key operational planning elements:
- site visits for a potential summit location, to ensure that the site can be secured and provide a safe meeting space for G7 leaders.
- initiation of security planning, coordination, and cooperation activities with federal security partners and local law enforcement.
- advanced procurement of security equipment.
If questioned about security parameters being implemented.
- The RCMP has undertaken similar roles for other high-profile major events that have been hosted by Canada, such as the 2010 G8 and G20 Summits, the 2007 and 2016 North American Leaders’ Summits, as well as the 2018 G7 Leaders’ Summit.
- As the G7 is a designated major international event, security will be provided through the unified and coordinated response of an Integrated Safety and Security Group (ISSG).
- The ISSG includes safety and security partners at all levels of government, along with local law enforcement partners, and is a unified security group created to plan, operationalize, and demobilize for major events.
If questioned about specific security concerns with respect to foreign leaders.
- The RCMP is the lead agency responsible for the personal protection of Internationally Protected Persons, Heads of State, and Heads of Government while they are in Canada for the 2025 G7 Summit. The RCMP is also responsible to ensure security for the proper functioning of the G7 Leaders’ Summit.
- The presence of any foreign leader in Canada could lead to potential protests and security threats which could present considerable risks to both Canadians and foreign visitors, and thus, requires an enhanced security footprint.
- The RCMP will be prepared to deal with a large number of demonstrators and will work closely with local authorities to respond quickly to any public order disturbances during the event. These realities require significant surge capacity resources.
Background
On January 1, 2025, Canada will assume the rotating presidency of the G7. Canada will welcome world leaders for a Summit after a series of ministerial meetings and other supporting events organized by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), in collaboration with multiple departments and agencies. As announced on August 29, 2024, the Government of Canada will host the G7 Leaders' Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta
The RCMP is the lead security agency with the overall responsibility for planning, coordinating, and delivering security along with the local police of jurisdiction. The Integrated Safety and Security Group within the Major Events Coordination Centre (MECC) continues to visit and work on the Summit site to better determine how it will be secured to provide a safe meeting space for G7 leaders. The MECC has been working closely with Public Safety to advance the G7 Whole of Government Exercise Program and federal working groups.
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