Hundreds of protesters gathered in downtown Calgary on Sunday as world leaders arrived for the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta. The summit site was closed to the public, but that didn’t stop demonstrators from voicing their concerns on various issues they felt were important.
Protesters marched, chanted, and held signs, hoping to catch the attention of the G7 leaders. Organizers had set up designated areas for demonstrations in Calgary and Banff, ensuring that live feeds of the protests would be shown on big screens at the summit venue. While there were some minor traffic disruptions, the protests remained peaceful overall.
Among the crowd were Carol and Mike Schmidt, who stood in front of Calgary city hall with a Canadian flag. They aimed to express their opposition to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments about making Canada the 51st state. Carol emphasized their pride in being Canadian and the importance of using their voices in a democratic society.
Lesley Boyer, another protester, shared her feelings about the event, stating it was a chance to stand on the right side of history. She expressed concern over Trump’s influence and reiterated that Canadians do not want to be a part of the United States.
The protests also highlighted critical issues such as environmental protection and Indigenous rights. Josie Augr from the Bigstone Cree First Nation spoke passionately about the significance of water and the impact of climate change. She emphasized the need to protect resources for future generations. Jared Blustein, executive director of Calgary Climate Talk, voiced skepticism about the G7 leaders taking meaningful action on climate change.
In addition to these concerns, there were larger groups advocating for international issues. A pro-Palestinian march disrupted traffic, and protesters called for independence for Kashmir amid recent conflicts between India and Pakistan. Asif Nazir, a member of the Kashmir independence group, stressed the need for self-determination.
Some protesters, like those from the Revolutionary Communist Party, expressed frustration with the G7 leaders, claiming they have failed to address pressing global issues. Jordan Chyzowski articulated a desire for a system that prioritizes people’s needs over profits, calling for a working-class movement to take control of the economy.
With the G7 summit focusing on global challenges, including ongoing wars and climate change, the protests served as a platform for diverse voices demanding action and change. The event in Calgary showcased a community willing to stand up for their beliefs and engage in the larger conversation happening at the summit.