G7 summit security in Kananaskis to cost millions, RCMP prepares for protests

The RCMP is preparing for a significant number of demonstrators at the upcoming G7 Summit in June and has initially budgeted more than $46 million for security, though the final cost is expected to be much higher, according to a briefing note.

"The presence of any foreign leader in Canada could lead to potential protests and security threats, posing risks to both Canadians and foreign visitors," stated a December 3 briefing note in Supplementary Estimates B.

"The RCMP will be prepared to deal with a large number of demonstrators and will coordinate with local authorities to respond swiftly to any public disturbances."

Blacklock's Reporter says the note emphasized the necessity of "significant surge capacity resources" to manage security effectively. The $46.3 million budget does not include expenses incurred by other law enforcement agencies.

The G7 Leaders' Summit is scheduled for June 15 in Kananaskis.

In preparation, the RCMP has been procuring security equipment, though specific details were not provided.

"The RCMP is working closely with security partners, including the Calgary Police Service, Alberta Sheriffs, conservation officers, the Canadian Armed Forces, and various federal, provincial, and municipal agencies, to assess security needs," the document noted.

While the briefing note did not specify security concerns regarding U.S. President Donald Trump, who has survived two assassination attempts, past G7 summits have incurred massive costs.

The 2018 G7 meeting in Charlevoix, Que., cost taxpayers $374.7 million, with $221.9 million spent by the RCMP alone.

A government report tabled in the Commons detailed expenses from the Charlevoix summit, including $3.4 million by the Department of Health for on-site doctors and $10,000 for radiation detectors, $14.3 million by the Department of National Defence, $15.9 million by the Department of Public Works — including $33,000 for flags and banners — $21.4 million by Shared Services Canada, and $68.6 million by the Department of Public Safety.

The Department of Foreign Affairs spent $25.8 million on the event, including $3.5 million for auto rentals, $677,000 for catering, $121,000 for press clippings, $94,000 for photographers, $20,000 for fireworks, $9,000 for flowers, $1,300 for chocolates and candy, $365 for rain jackets, and $33 for tobacco.

Canada, as a rotating host of the G7 Summit, has faced ongoing scrutiny over the costs associated with the event. MPs have raised concerns about excessive spending.

"We want things to work, but we do not want things to cost too much," said Conservative MP Gerard Deltell (Louis-St. Laurent, Que.) during a 2018 Commons hearing on government expenditures.

"People are very worried that expenses might get out of control, which would be regrettable."