The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit is set to take place in Kananaskis, Alberta, from June 15 to 17, marking the 50th anniversary of the G7 forum. This year, Canada holds the G7 Presidency, with Prime Minister Mark Carney hosting leaders from Canada, the U.S., the U.K., Germany, Italy, France, Japan, and the European Union346.
Key Security Measures and Local Impact
Security is unprecedentedly tight, with the Kananaskis region effectively transformed into a secure zone. The RCMP and Canadian military have established checkpoints and restricted access on Highway 40, with a parking ban in effect from June 13 to 18. Only authorized personnel, residents, and accredited businesses are permitted entry into the core security area. Surveillance, military vehicles, and specialized equipment—including drones, armoured vehicles, and aerial patrols—are in place to protect the summit and its participants. Airspace restrictions are strictly enforced, with military aircraft authorized to intercept or, if necessary, neutralize aerial intruders17.
Protesters representing a range of causes are planning peaceful demonstrations, primarily in Calgary, where three designated protest zones have been established. Organizers have stated their intention to remain non-confrontational, though some may march outside the designated areas depending on the situation. Police have indicated they will not confine protests to these zones but will not tolerate unlawful activities1.
Summit Agenda and Priorities
Prime Minister Carney has outlined three core missions for this year’s summit3:
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Peace and Security: Strengthening global peace, countering foreign interference and transnational crime, and improving joint responses to wildfires.
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Energy Security and Digital Transition: Fortifying critical mineral supply chains and leveraging artificial intelligence and quantum computing for economic growth.
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Future Partnerships: Mobilizing private investment for infrastructure, job creation, and dynamic markets.
Other major topics include the war in Ukraine, climate change, and building reliable global coalitions. The summit will also address economic stability, with a focus on trade and tariffs, especially in light of ongoing tensions between Canada, the U.S., and Mexico32.
Notable Attendees and Invitations
While the G7 comprises seven advanced economies plus the EU, several non-member leaders have been invited. Notably, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has received an invitation, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s role in Middle East peace efforts, particularly regarding Gaza. His potential attendance is controversial due to ongoing human rights concerns. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are also expected to attend as guests21.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has confirmed her attendance and is seeking bilateral talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, particularly regarding trade tensions and tariffs. The summit is expected to be a venue for preliminary discussions ahead of the scheduled 2026 review of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), with some officials hinting at an earlier review2.
Local and Cultural Context
The summit is being held on the traditional territory of the Blackfoot Confederacy, Stoney Nakoda, and Tsuut’ina First Nations, as well as the Otipemisiwak Métis people. Due to heightened security, traditional welcoming ceremonies such as Calgary’s “white hatting” for delegates have been scaled back, with gifts provided in a more subdued manner314.
Recent Developments
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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will visit Ottawa just before the summit9.
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Recent ministerial meetings, including G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors in Banff, have set the stage for the leaders’ discussions4.
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Access restrictions, road closures, and increased security presence are already in effect in the Kananaskis region7.
The summit’s outcomes and the final communiqué are expected to be closely watched, with ongoing coverage from major Canadian media outlets1.
- https://calgaryherald.com/news/live-coverage-g7-kananaskis-2025
- https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/mohammed-bin-salman-g7-1.7556077
- https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2025/06/07/prime-minister-carney-announces-canadas-g7-priorities
- https://g7.canada.ca/en/
- https://www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/international_relations-relations_internationales/g7/index.aspx?lang=eng
- https://g7.canada.ca/en/canadian-presidency/events-calendar/g7-leaders-summit
- https://albertaparks.ca/albertaparksca/news-events/2025-g7-leaders-summit-in-kananaskis/
- https://calgary.citynews.ca/2025/06/11/kananaskis-an-explainer-on-albertas-cherished-park-and-g7-host-location/
- https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/article/uk-prime-minister-to-visit-ottawa-before-the-g7-in-alberta/
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