Protests at G7 summit expected to be largely peaceful, targeting Trump policies

The upcoming G7 leaders’ summit in Kananaskis, Alta., is expected to attract protests, but they are likely to be peaceful and smaller compared to recent demonstrations against immigration crackdowns in the United States. A University of Toronto research group that has been monitoring world leader meetings since 1998 predicts that Canadian protests will be more subdued, similar to previous G7 summits.

The protests are expected to focus on opposing the policies of U.S. President Donald Trump, who will be among the world leaders attending the summit hosted by Prime Minister Mark Carney. While protests in Los Angeles against Trump’s immigration raids have been intense, with clashes with police and arrests, the atmosphere in Alberta is not anticipated to be the same.

John Kirton, director of the G7 Research Group, noted that the G7 has a mission to promote open democracy, where peaceful protests are a fundamental right. The remote location of the summit in Kananaskis, closed off to the public, is expected to contribute to a peaceful environment.

Protests will be confined to designated zones in downtown Calgary and Banff, with visuals and audio to be shown to the leaders at the summit. The Calgary Raging Grannies group plans to participate in the protest, expressing their concerns about Trump’s tariffs and annexation pitches to Canada through songs and chants.

Past G8 summits in Kananaskis have been peaceful, with designated protest zones ensuring a controlled environment. Apart from protests against Trump, other issues such as the Israel-Hamas conflict and Russia’s war in Ukraine are expected to be addressed. Tensions between Canada and India may also spark demonstrations, with calls for Modi to not attend the summit.

Various organizations, including the World Sikh Organization of Canada and the International League of Peoples’ Struggles, are planning protests to raise awareness about Indigenous struggles, housing issues, and climate change. The RCMP is prepared for any demonstrations, with strong situational awareness to respond accordingly.

In conclusion, the protests at the G7 summit in Kananaskis are expected to be peaceful and focused on expressing concerns about a range of global issues. The designated protest zones and heightened security measures aim to ensure a safe and orderly summit for all attendees.