A peek behind the RCMP's security curtain during the G7 Leaders' Summit in Kananaskis

By Mara Shaw

Leaders from the G7 countries gathered in Kananaskis, Alberta for the 2025 June Leaders’ Summit
Image by RCMP

September 12, 2025

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By the time the world turned its attention to the G7 Leaders' Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, the protective mission was already in full swing. Behind the idyllic setting of lush alpine forests and turquoise lakes, the RCMP and our partners prepared for chaos. Months of planning, with high-level strategy and diplomacy were integrated with listening to community interests to ensure the event proceeded smoothly. All efforts came together for one common goal: protecting the wellbeing of global leaders, in a way that reflected Canadian values of safety, openness and meaningful public engagement.

"There's a number of things that can happen during these summits, but in terms of leader safety — it's a no-fail event," says Chief Superintendent David Hall who led the security operation. Recognizing that, "it's also important to protect the ability of Canadians to have lawful and peaceful demonstrations."

Hall had recently stepped into the world of protective policing when he was tasked with leading the charge on security operations for the G7 meetings in fall 2024. Having previously led Alberta's Serious Crimes Branch, Hall's understanding of complex policing in the province made him well-suited for the role. With the critical support of the Major Events Coordination Centre, a core team was mobilized to begin planning for the June meetings.

An integrated approach

The summit's success depended on more than tactical precision. Hall, alongside key players in the operation, Superintendent Chris Bannerholt and Inspector Jeff McBeth, drew on their deep-rooted networks in Alberta's community policing landscape. The strategy hinged on strategic partnerships, with the RCMP leading a cross-agency coalition - the Integrated Safety Security Group (ISSG). The ISSG, led by the RCMP, brought together law enforcement and security partners, including the Calgary Police Service, Alberta Sheriffs, Alberta Conservation Officers, and Canadian Armed Forces. Each agency brought with them their own jurisdiction, mandates, and specializations. The group made a point from the beginning to emphasize communication and cooperation between all the partners.

"We didn't have those barriers and silos," says Hall. "The aim was early, frequent, and ongoing collaboration. We built the ISSG headquarters in Calgary, and were able to work together daily."

Evolving threats call for proactive strategies

What set the 2025 G7 apart from past summits was the evolving nature of public threats. With ongoing global conflicts and growing tensions of national interest, the core planning group had to be agile and anticipate the unanticipated.

"We're seeing the weaponization of drone technology, and advancing cyber threats," says Hall, who noted a priority to invest sustainably to build resources in these areas.

"We set out to make legacy investments wherever possible," says Hall. "Many of the investments we made, like in areas of cyber and counter drone technology, will outlive the G7 summit and enhance day-to-day policing."

Hall says the group was also intentional in establishing practices that could serve as a model for future events. In Calgary and Banff, they created designated demonstration zones where the public could protest freely without compromising operational security. Recognizing that demonstrators should be both seen and heard, Hall's team worked closely with facility managers to set up live streams, ensuring international leaders received those messages directly at the summit.

While the operation unfolded mostly without incident, a private pilot unknowingly breached the restricted airspace over Kananaskis. The RCMP and Canadian Armed Forces acted quickly to resolve the situation without much escalation. Thanks to early outreach - including briefings with flight schools and local pilots - the airspace protocols were widely known and respected.

Building community trust

The RCMP established an essential fenced-off temporary village of trailers near the Nakiska area, that housed 800 partners and RCMP personnel. While much of the protective strategy happened inside these secured perimeters, including the main site of the meetings at the Pomroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, the team of officers and strategists understood that community cooperation and transparency would be key factors. The situation called for an innovative communications strategy that would go beyond the traditional media relations function with a plan that included robust public outreach. Members of the Public Affairs and Communications Team (PACT) took to the streets, going door-to-door briefing residents on what to expect, addressing concerns and listening. By creating a dedicated website and social media channels, holding townhalls and establishing a dedicated public outreach arm, they incorporated a feedback loop that was deliberate and sincere.

These efforts led to community buy-in while also enhancing operational readiness. "When people feel respected, they become partners in the process," says PACT director general, Jolene Bradley. "Our team was able to distill concerns and questions raised during consultations into clear, operational insights for our officers."

A particularly significant engagement involved the Stoney Nakoda Nations, where PACT established an outreach centre and worked directly with Indigenous leaders and community members to ensure their voices were heard, not just at the beginning, but throughout the planning process. Bradley says, "this is a model we need to integrate into all future major operational planning."

A blueprint for global security

Reflecting on the success of the operation, Hall didn't point to any one tactic. Instead, he emphasized four pillars that guided the operation: integration, transparency and engagement, flexibility and sustainable security investments.

Integration made it possible to harness diverse skills. Transparency and engagement — with the public, partners, and Indigenous communities — became a thread woven through the entire operation. Flexibility ensured the team could respond quickly to shifting plans, including a growing guestlist of invited delegates. And strategic investment into protective measures supported not only this operation, but future operations to come for lasting value.

Reflecting on the entire operation, Hall says the event was a success. "We needed all those leaders to show up, and we needed them to leave safely, and that's happened."

While most Canadians won't ever see the hours logged, or the difficult decisions made behind closed doors - what they can take away is the aftermath of an operation that maintained safety and public trust, in the Canadian way — through partnership, respect and dialogue.

"This was an opportunity for Canada to demonstrate that we can balance both security, and Canadians rights to be seen and heard," says Hall.