Protests are set to take place during the upcoming G7 leaders summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, but they are expected to be quite different from the recent demonstrations against immigration policies in the United States. A research group from the University of Toronto, which has been tracking global leader meetings since 1998, suggests that Canadian protests tend to be smaller and more peaceful. However, like the protests in Los Angeles, they will likely focus on the policies of U.S. President Donald Trump.
John Kirton, the director of the G7 Research Group, noted that while the Los Angeles protests might add some issues to the agenda for Canadian protesters, they probably won’t draw in more participants or delay Trump’s attendance at the summit. The three-day summit will begin on Sunday and will be hosted by Prime Minister Mark Carney in the scenic Rocky Mountains near Calgary. Leaders from several countries, including France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, Italy, and the European Union, will be present, along with leaders from non-member countries like India, Ukraine, and Mexico.
As protests continue in the U.S. against Trump’s immigration raids, tensions remain high. In Los Angeles, hundreds of U.S. Marines and about 4,000 National Guard troops have been deployed amid clashes between protesters and police. In contrast, Kirton expects the protests in Alberta to be more restrained. He emphasized that the G7 promotes open democracy, and peaceful protests are a vital part of that process.
Unlike the U.S. response to protests, which has included military intervention, Canadian authorities are expected to handle any unrest differently. The summit’s location in Kananaskis will be closed off to the public, and the RCMP has designated three protest zones: two in downtown Calgary and one in Banff. Visuals from these zones will be shown to summit leaders on screens, ensuring that the messages from protesters are conveyed.
Among those planning to protest is the Calgary Raging Grannies group, who aim to express their concerns through song rather than confrontation. One of their songs humorously criticizes Trump, calling him an "orange blob" and asserting Canada’s sovereignty.
While many protests will focus on Trump, other issues will also be highlighted. Some protesters will address the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, the war in Ukraine, and concerns about Prime Minister Modi of India, especially in light of recent tensions between Canada and India over allegations involving the Indian government.
The International League of Peoples’ Struggles is also organizing a protest, expecting around 200 participants to raise awareness about Indigenous rights, housing, and climate issues. They plan to include cultural performances to enrich their message.
As the summit approaches, the RCMP assures the public that they are prepared for the protests. They have a clear understanding of the situation and are ready to respond as needed. The atmosphere in Alberta seems poised for peaceful demonstrations, with a focus on dialogue rather than conflict.