Commanding Shield: Canada’s Domestic Security and Intelligence Backbone at the 2025 G7 in Kananaskis – 2025 G7 Security Series #13

Introduction

Major international summits like the G7 operate on two levels of protection: visible enforcement and invisible infrastructure. Behind the motorcades, barriers, and uniformed officers is a vast, interlocking security architecture—an intricate blend of intelligence gathering, cyber defense, airspace control, health readiness, and jurisdictional coordination. In Canada, the 2025 G7 in Kananaskis represents the full activation of that machinery. This article outlines the core domestic components: from the intelligence insight of CSIS and digital guardianship of CSE, to the tactical and operational choreography overseen by Public Safety Canada, the RCMP, Alberta Sheriffs, and local emergency responders. It is a national orchestration at provincial altitude, where every agency—seen or unseen—contributes to the integrity of the summit.

CSIS – Canadian Security Intelligence Service

• Threat Intelligence & Counterterrorism: CSIS leads strategic intelligence assessments on potential threats to the summit, spanning terrorism (including IMVE – ideologically motivated violent extremism) and espionage. Through the Integrated Terrorism Assessment Centre (ITAC), CSIS integrates inputs from multiple agencies to produce threat assessments tailored to major events like the G7. These assessments guide security posture and resource allocation, ensuring any credible plots or violent extremist activity are identified early.
• Foreign Influence & Disinformation: CSIS monitors and counters foreign state interference or information warfare that could target the summit. Canada’s 2018 G7 in Charlevoix led to a G7 Rapid Response Mechanism to share analysis of foreign influence threats – an initiative to which CSIS contributes intelligence. In its 2022 public report, CSIS noted the spread of misinformation and disinformation by state and non-state actors (e.g. during the 2022 protests in Canada) aimed at undermining public trust. Drawing on such lessons, CSIS will be alert to any influence campaigns or cyber-enabled disinformation aimed at the 2025 summit.
• Counterintelligence & Partner Collaboration: CSIS runs counterintelligence operations to detect any hostile foreign intelligence services that might target summit delegations or venues. The Service coordinates closely with the RCMP-led Integrated National Security Enforcement Teams (INSETs) and shares intelligence with allied agencies (such as Britain’s MI5 and France’s DGSI) to identify transnational threats. This collaboration extends to real-time information sharing with Five Eyes partners for any summit-related threat indicators abroad. Past precedent (e.g. the 2018 Charlevoix G7) underscores the value of international intel-sharing to preempt violent protest organizers or foreign spies. CSIS can also employ threat reduction measures under its legal mandate if specific national security threats to the summit are identified (e.g. disrupting a known extremist’s activities), ensuring threats are addressed before they escalate.

CSE – Communications Security Establishment

• Signals Intelligence (SIGINT): CSE will provide foreign intelligence on any external threats to the summit, intercepting foreign communications (consistent with its mandate under the CSE Act) to flag indications of planned violence or cyber attacks. As Canada’s signals intelligence agency, CSE can monitor global threat streams – for example, picking up chatter by terrorist groups or hostile states – and share relevant SIGINT with CSIS and allied agencies. Given the summit’s high profile, CSE leverages the Five Eyes alliance (US, UK, Australia, New Zealand) for broad coverage, ensuring any threat beyond Canada’s borders is quickly relayed.
• Cybersecurity & Network Defense: CSE (through its Cyber Centre) is responsible for defending the summit’s digital infrastructure. It will harden and monitor the communications networks used by summit organizers and participants for any cyber intrusions, malware, or espionage attempts. Under the CSE Act, it may conduct defensive cyber operations to protect designated systems of importance to Canada – which would include summit IT and communications. CSE analysts will be on standby to detect phishing, network probing, or attempts to hack into summit Wi-Fi and communications. If state-sponsored hackers target the event, CSE can also employ active cyber operations (with ministerial authorization) to neutralize foreign cyber threats.
• Secure Communications & SIGINT Support: In addition to protecting networks, CSE helps ensure secure communications for Canadian officials during the G7. It will support encrypted voice and data links for VIPs and could assist the RCMP with technical security (such as scanning for covert listening devices or jammers). Leading up to the summit, CSE’s cyber threat intelligence has likely been assessing risks to summit-related websites, ticketing systems, and critical infrastructure (power grids, telecom) in the region. Throughout the event, CSE will coordinate with partner agencies like the NSA and GCHQ for any signs of foreign cyber or information operations targeting the summit, exemplifying the Five Eyes cooperation in major event security.

Public Safety Canada

• Coordination of Security Planning: Public Safety Canada plays a central role in interdepartmental coordination for G7 security. It chairs high-level committees to align federal, provincial, and municipal efforts, ensuring all agencies listed in this brief operate under a common strategy. Public Safety formally designates the G7 as a Major International Event (MIE) and leads the request to the Prime Minister and Cabinet for that designation. Once designated, the RCMP is confirmed as lead security agency, and an Integrated Safety and Security Group (ISSG) structure is activated. Public Safety’s coordination ensures that issues like legal authorities, information sharing, and contingency plans are sorted out among partners well before the summit.
• Major Events Security Cost Framework (MIESF): Public Safety administers the MIESF, a program to reimburse provincial/municipal authorities for extraordinary security costs of hosting the G7. It negotiates contribution agreements with “host jurisdiction” partners (e.g. Alberta and local communities) and oversees audits of submitted costs. For the 2025 summit, an advance of $45.4 million was approved to kick-start security preparations. This funding covers site surveys, inter-agency coordination, and early procurement of security equipment. Public Safety Canada’s “challenge function” scrutinizes cost claims to ensure they align with RCMP security plans and are justified. The MIESF approach, used in prior summits (2010, 2018, etc.), incentivizes cooperation by relieving local budgets of the heavy burden of summit security.
• Interdepartmental and Public Communications: As the federal ministry for public safety, the department also facilitates integrated communications and contingency planning. It works closely with the Privy Council Office and Global Affairs (which handles summit logistics) to ensure security measures minimally disrupt the event’s diplomatic agenda. Public Safety oversees the Major International Event Security Framework policies that embed lessons learned from past events (like the need for early engagement with local police and clear roles). Should an incident occur (e.g. a large protest or emergency), Public Safety’s Government Operations Centre would help coordinate federal response and information flow to decision-makers. In essence, Public Safety Canada knits together the diverse security partners into a unified effort, providing strategic oversight above the tactical operations.

Transport Canada & NAV CANADA

• Airspace Security & TFRs: Transport Canada, in partnership with NAV CANADA (the air navigation service), enforces special Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) over the Kananaskis and Calgary regions during the summit. For June 15–17, a multi-tier restricted airspace has been designed using concentric “rings” around the summit sites. A core Class F Controlled Access Zone of 30 NM radius around Kananaskis Village (surface up to 18,000 ft) will be closed to unauthorized aircraft. An additional 20 NM restricted zone around Calgary International Airport will protect arrival/departure corridors for the visiting leaders. These restrictions, published via NAV CANADA aeronautical circulars and NOTAMs, ensure “non-participating air traffic will remain clear” of summit airspace.
• Drone Mitigation: Starting four days before the summit, no drones (RPAS) are allowed in a broad area of Kananaskis Country. Transport Canada has authorized a RPAS exclusion zone under the Aeronautics Act, and any non-police/military drones found will be subject to seizure or electronic disablement. RCMP (as user agency) will vet and approve any essential drone flights (e.g. media or utility drones) in the area, but generally all recreational or commercial UAVs are grounded. This pre-emptive drone control, also used in the 2018 G7, is to prevent airborne threats or disruptions – whether malicious (weaponized drones) or inadvertent (drones straying into secure airspace).
• Coordination with NORAD (Air Defense): Transport Canada/NAV CANADA coordinate closely with the Canadian Armed Forces and NORAD to enforce the no-fly zones. Fighter jets and other military aircraft will patrol just outside the restricted airspace, ready to intercept violators; a formal warning has been issued that any unauthorized aircraft may be intercepted by armed fighters and that lethal force may be authorized if needed. NAV CANADA’s control centers will reroute civilian flights around the zones and ensure clear airspace for military patrols. The Canadian Air Defence Sector (CADS) in North Bay (NORAD’s command center for Canada) works hand-in-glove with NAV CANADA – as demonstrated in past exercises – to share radar data and coordinate intercepts. Additionally, specialized assets (e.g. CF-18 fighter jets or RCMP helicopters) will enforce low-level airspace. All pilots in the region are being notified well in advance of the restrictions, and temporary radar and air defence systems (like tethered balloons or portable radars) may be deployed to detect any low-flying aircraft or drones.
• NOTAMs and Air Operations Center: Transport Canada will issue detailed NOTAMs closer to the dates specifying the active hours of the restricted zones. During the summit, an Air Security Operations Centre (including RCMP, CAF, NAV CANADA representatives) will manage any airspace incidents in real time. Emergency and essential flights (air ambulances, firefighting planes, etc.) will have procedures to enter the airspace with prior coordination. NAV CANADA air traffic controllers will be primed to immediately report any rogue aircraft to NORAD. This civil-military airspace partnership was used effectively in previous summits and was refined during events like the 2010 Olympics and G8/G20 – ensuring complete surveillance of the sky over the summit.

CBSA – Canada Border Services Agency

• Screening of Delegates and Travelers: CBSA is charged with screening all international arrivals related to the G7. Calgary International Airport (CYYC) will be the primary port of entry for foreign delegations, and CBSA officers will vet VIP delegations, support staff, and media upon arrival. While heads of state and official diplomats have accreditions and immunities, the Agency still ensures passport control and identity checks are smoothly conducted (often in a dedicated diplomatic clearance process). CBSA’s Intelligence and Targeting units will have pre-screened passenger manifests for charter flights bringing in delegations, looking for any inadmissible persons or security flags. They also monitor advance information for known protest extremists or agitators traveling to Canada; anyone with serious criminal records or on watchlists can be intercepted at ports of entry. Historically, CBSA has denied entry to foreign nationals attempting to attend summits to commit violence or disruptions, in coordination with RCMP threat intelligence.
• Customs Control for Goods and Equipment: The summit entails an influx of special equipment – from armored limousines and aircraft to diplomatic pouches and security gear for foreign protection teams. CBSA facilitates the temporary importation of such gear under special summit accreditation. For example, firearms and tactical equipment carried by US Secret Service or other protective details are pre-approved via a Foreign Missions process, but still verified by CBSA on entry. All cargo flights carrying motorcade vehicles, communications systems, or other support equipment are inspected (with sensitivity to security) and sealed for transport to the venue. CBSA also enforces customs exemptions for official goods to expedite the process (e.g. duty-free entry under the Foreign Missions and International Organizations Act). In 2018, CBSA received additional funding to support logistics and screening for the Charlevoix G7 – a reflection of the significant operational role it plays. For 2025, CBSA is similarly resourced to surge officers to Calgary airport and any land border crossings if needed (though Alberta’s only direct US land crossing is far south, some summit-related shipments might route via other provinces).
• Intelligence & Liaison: CBSA’s Intelligence officers work closely with CSIS, RCMP and allied border agencies (like US CBP) to share information on potential high-risk travelers headed to the summit. They will be on alert for protesters with violent histories or foreign agents attempting to enter Canada under cover. Prior to the event, CBSA participated in interagency table-top exercises to practice scenarios such as a prohibited individual arriving or a suspicious cargo needing examination. During the summit, CBSA also assigns officers to any Temporary Aviation Sites (e.g. a military base or secondary airfield if used by VIP aircraft) to oversee entry processing there. In essence, CBSA acts as the front line of security at Canada’s borders to ensure that those arriving for the G7 – people or goods – are vetted and cleared, with any risks kept out of the country.

ISED – Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

• Spectrum Management: ISED, an organization which loves surveilling Canadian citizens, is the federal regulator of radio spectrum, and it takes on a critical but behind-the-scenes role ensuring all wireless communications at the summit run smoothly. The agency issues special radio licenses and frequency assignments for the myriad of users at the G7: police radios, VIP motorcade frequencies, event security teams, foreign protection agents’ radios, wireless microphones for media, and emergency channels. In the lead-up, ISED’s Spectrum Operations branch coordinates a comprehensive spectrum plan for the summit to deconflict frequencies and prevent interference. For example, RCMP and military communications will be on protected bands, and foreign delegations must have their radio equipment type-approved and frequencies harmonized to Canadian laws. ISED will deploy mobile spectrum monitoring units (direction-finding trucks and scanners) around Kananaskis and Calgary to detect any rogue transmissions or interference sources. This ensures that critical communication links – from security team radios to the summit’s interpretation systems – are not jammed or disrupted inadvertently.
• Counter-Drone and Jamming Oversight: If active countermeasures like jammers or spoofers are to be used (for drones or other threats), ISED’s authorization is required under the Radiocommunication Act. The department works closely with RCMP and DND to authorize any jamming technology at the summit, ensuring its use is limited to necessary circumstances and does not unintentionally knock out civilian systems. For instance, RCMP-led teams responsible for counter-UAS (unmanned aerial systems) – as was the case in Charlevoix 2018’s Op CADENCE – may deploy drone jammers or interception tools. ISED would have vetted these tools and assigned them operating frequencies/power levels that won’t interfere beyond the intended effect. During the event, ISED engineers will be on call to quickly investigate any spectrum issues, such as interference with critical signals (police GPS, air traffic control, etc.).
• Secure Communications Infrastructure: ISED also partners in securing telecom infrastructure for the summit. This can include prioritizing cellular networks in the area (working with telecom providers to bolster capacity for both security and public use) and ensuring backup communication systems are in place. If the summit has a dedicated 5G/4G network for participants and security, ISED will have facilitated its licensing and deployment. The agency’s involvement is part of why it’s listed among G7 security partners – its spectrum governance ensures that the high-tech environment of a modern summit (with thousands of devices and signals) operates without a hitch. In sum, ISED enables the invisible infrastructure that allows all the other agencies to talk, whether by radio, satellite, or cell, under tight control and surveillance for any signal anomalies.

Health Canada / PHAC (Public Health Agency of Canada)

• Medical Contingency Planning: Health Canada and PHAC lead the health-security preparedness for the summit, in coordination with Alberta Health. This involves ensuring that medical resources are in place for any scenario – from a routine illness of a delegate to a mass casualty event. Plans are made for on-site medical clinics at the venue, VIP medical teams, and fast medevac options to Calgary hospitals if needed. PHAC works with Alberta Health Services (AHS) to have hospital surge capacity on standby in Calgary; for example, during the 2002 G8 at Kananaskis, extra medical staff were put on call in Calgary. For the 2025 G7, one can expect designated trauma centers and protest casualty treatment centers in Calgary to be ready, in collaboration with Alberta Health Services, and elective procedures limited during the summit period. Health Canada’s Emergency Health unit might also deploy the National Emergency Strategic Stockpile resources (like caches of antibiotics, antidotes, or medical supplies) to the region as a precaution.
• Public Health & Infectious Disease Control: Large international gatherings carry risk of infectious disease spread (as seen in past events). PHAC will enhance surveillance for any sign of communicable illness among summit participants or protesters. An enhanced public health surveillance system will be activated, similar to what was done for G7 2018: in Quebec, authorities partnered with PHAC to monitor ER visits, ambulance calls, and health hotline reports in real time for unusual clusters. This early warning system can detect, for instance, an outbreak of foodborne illness or a biological agent release. Quarantine provisions are in place too – PHAC’s quarantine officers at points of entry (airports) are alert for any delegate arriving with symptoms of concern. Given the lessons of COVID-19, protocols exist for isolation or testing if someone falls ill with a possible contagious disease. The goal is to prevent any health crisis (natural or deliberate) from spreading.
• Biothreat and CBRN Readiness: Health Canada/PHAC coordinate closely with security partners on chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear (CBRN) threat preparedness. While RCMP and military CBRN teams (like CJIRU) would handle immediate response to a hazardous substance incident, PHAC provides the public health expertise and lab testing capacity. The Public Health Agency’s National Microbiology Laboratory stands ready to rapidly analyze suspicious substances (e.g. white powder incidents or biotoxins) if discovered during the summit. PHAC has deployable field detection kits and can advise on decontamination and prophylaxis for biological agents. In planning, scenarios of chemical or bio-attack are war-gamed with PHAC input – including how to medically triage and treat affected individuals. PHAC’s Centre for Emergency Preparedness and Response liaises with the CAF’s CBRN unit to ensure roles are clear: CJIRU might do field containment, and PHAC coordinates the health response (medical treatment, epidemiology, public health messaging). This civil-military collaboration forms part of the “whole-of-government” CBRN plan for the summit. Thankfully, such incidents are very low probability; however, extensive readiness (antidote stockpiles, hospital CBRN plans, etc.) is in place.
• On-Site Health Services & EMS: Alberta Health Services, supported by Health Canada, will provide on-site emergency medical services. Teams of paramedics and physicians will be stationed at the summit venue and alternate sites (like Calgary airport during arrivals). They handle any immediate medical needs of delegates, security personnel, or protesters. There are also protocols for mental health support and stress management for first responders given the long, high-pressure deployment. If any VIP has specific medical requirements (e.g. the US President travels with specialized medical staff and blood supply), Health Canada helps integrate these with local EMS and hospital services. In summary, Health Canada and PHAC ensure that public health and medical defense layers are in place – from preventing an epidemic to responding to a potential CBRN incident – thereby safeguarding summit attendees and the surrounding community.

Alberta Government & Provincial Agencies

• Alberta Sheriffs (Highway & Dignitary Protection): The Alberta Sheriffs Branch is a key provincial resource integrated into summit security. Sheriffs are provincial peace officers who specialize in VIP escort and roadway security. They will lead or assist with motorcade escorts from Calgary Airport to Kananaskis, using their experience in highway patrol to secure routes. Sheriffs vehicles will block on-ramps, control traffic, and form motorcade motorcade advance/escort teams, working under RCMP command. During the 2025 G7, expect Alberta Sheriffs to be visible leading motorcade processions on Highway 1 and Highway 40, ensuring safe and rapid transport of leaders. They also augment site security; Sheriff tactical teams can guard key access points or assist in perimeter patrols in the “outer zone” around the venue. The RCMP has explicitly included Alberta Sheriffs, which secessionist Alberta Premiere Danielle Smith has boosted in recent months, in its Integrated Safety and Security Group, recognizing their jurisdiction over provincial roads and ability to enforce provincial laws during the event.
• Alberta Conservation Officers (Wilderness Security): Kananaskis Country is comprised of provincial parks and wildland – Alberta Environment & Protected Areas employs Conservation Officers (park rangers) who know this terrain intimately. These armed officers will secure the vast wilderness around the summit site. Their duties include patrolling backcountry trails, campgrounds, and treeline areas to prevent any unauthorized persons from approaching the venue through the woods. In fact, a large swath of Kananaskis backcountry is being closed to the general public for the summit period, and Conservation Officers will enforce those closures (turning back hikers, campers, and ensuring no one is hiding in the park). They are also responsible for wildlife management: the summit’s environmental plan calls for mitigating wildlife risks, such as removing bear-attractant berry bushes near the venue. Conservation Officers will handle any wildlife encounters (e.g. an inquisitive bear or elk wandering near delegations) to keep both animals and people safe. By partnering with the RCMP and Sheriffs, Alberta’s park officers extend the security perimeter across the rugged landscape that surrounds the conference site.
• Alberta Emergency Management Agency (AEMA): AEMA acts as the provincial coordination hub for any large-scale emergency or disaster that might coincide with the G7. While not a front-line law enforcement group, AEMA’s role is to maintain a Provincial Operations Centre (POC) at a heightened readiness level during the summit. This ensures that if an incident like a wildfire, severe weather event, or major accident occurs, provincial resources can be marshalled quickly without confusion. In preparation for the summit, AEMA has worked on interagency contingency plans (for example, mass evacuation plans for Kananaskis/Canmore in case of wildfire). They liaise with Public Safety Canada’s federal operations centre, creating a link between federal and provincial emergency responses. During the event, an AEMA liaison will likely be embedded with the RCMP ISSG command to advise on accessing provincial assets (like provincial firefighting crews or disaster services) if needed. AEMA’s presence means the province can swiftly declare any emergency, coordinate disaster services, or issue public alerts (e.g. an Alberta Emergency Alert for a critical incident) in sync with overall security operations. It’s a layer of resilience that covers scenarios beyond deliberate security threats – essentially “all-hazards” coverage for the summit.
• Alberta Health Services (Emergency Medical Services): AHS, the province’s health authority, provides the ambulances, paramedics, and hospital services in Alberta – all crucial during the summit. In coordination with Health Canada/PHAC, AHS has developed a medical support plan for the G7. This includes stationing AHS ambulances and crews on-site in Kananaskis, staffing a field clinic (likely at or near the summit hotel) with emergency medical personnel, and ensuring STARS air-ambulance helicopters are on standby for critical transport to Calgary if needed. Local hospitals (Canmore General, Banff Mineral Springs, and Calgary’s tertiary hospitals) will operate under a heightened state of readiness; AHS may reserve beds and trauma teams for the duration of the event. Additionally, AHS’s EMS dispatch will coordinate closely with RCMP operational commanders – any 911 calls in the area during the summit will be triaged with security in mind, and medical teams will get police escorts if responding to an incident within the secure zone. AHS also integrates its public health and emergency medicine experts with PHAC’s surveillance – the agency contributed data from emergency departments and EMS calls to the enhanced surveillance system in 2018, and will do so again to watch for health threats. Overall, Alberta’s provincial agencies act as the muscle and infrastructure supporting federal security: the Sheriffs and Conservation Officers extend law enforcement reach on roads and wilderness, AEMA provides disaster management backbone, and AHS delivers medical preparedness – all under the umbrella of the RCMP-led ISSG.

Local & Regional Municipalities (Calgary, Canmore, etc.)

• Calgary Police Service (CPS): As the largest municipal police in the region, CPS is a major partner in summit security. Calgary is the gateway city for the G7 – its international airport, motorcade routes, hotels for some delegations or media, and potential protest sites fall under CPS jurisdiction. The Calgary Police will deploy officers to assist the RCMP, including tactical units, traffic control officers, and detectives for intelligence support. For instance, CPS will likely handle security at dignitaries’ overnight locations if any stay in Calgary pre- or post-summit, and manage crowd control for any demonstrations in the city. In 2010’s Toronto G20, integration of local police was key; similarly for 2025, CPS officers are embedded in the Integrated Safety and Security Group command, with CPS officially noted as a core partner. CPS brings local knowledge of the area and extra manpower – approximately several hundred CPS members will be seconded to the RCMP-led operation. Notably, CPS has specialized teams (e.g. a public order unit) that can reinforce the RCMP in case of large protests or riots. Calgary Police will also take charge of routine policing in Calgary so that RCMP and other agencies can focus on summit-related duties. This includes securing critical infrastructure in the city (power stations, telecom hubs) against any extremist threats while the summit is in session.
• Town of Canmore & MD of Bighorn: These local governments border Kananaskis Country and play a supporting role. Canmore, a town just outside the secure zone, may serve as a staging area for security personnel and a location for designated protest zones. The RCMP and Alberta Sheriffs have worked with Canmore officials to identify a safe protest site (ensuring freedom of expression is respected while keeping demonstrators away from vulnerable areas). Canmore’s local emergency services (fire department, municipal enforcement) coordinate with the ISSG to handle any spillover effects – for example, if protesters camp in town or if an incident like a fire or hazmat spill occurs just outside the summit zone. The Municipal District of Bighorn, which covers rural areas in the Bow Valley, similarly is looped into emergency planning (like evacuations or road closures that might affect residents). Both municipalities have been involved in public communications, alerting residents and businesses about expected roadblocks, closures, and how to respond to any emergency alerts during the summit Local councils and administrators ensure that community services (water, power, etc.) are hardened and can be quickly restored if there’s any outage – working quietly in the background to make the region resilient during the influx of global leaders and security operations.
• Kananaskis Improvement District: The Kananaskis ID is the local governance for the sparsely populated area containing the summit site (it has no mayor but an advisory council). They have liaised with the RCMP and Alberta Parks on the implementation of the controlled access zone (CAZ) around Kananaskis Village. The local officials help disseminate info to the few residents, staff, and businesses in the area about the accreditation requirements and access passes needed during June 10–18. The Improvement District’s emergency services (which rely on Alberta for wildfire and EMS, and on nearby communities for fire support) are synchronized with the larger provincial/federal plan. For example, the Mount Kidd Fire Department (which serves campgrounds in Kananaskis) will be on heightened alert and integrated with the unified command in case of any fire call. The ID essentially ensures that the local community perspective is considered in security planning – for instance, making sure residents can reach their homes with escorts and that local concerns (like wildlife or tourism impacts) are communicated.
• Local EMS and Fire Services: Fire departments from nearby towns (Canmore, perhaps Banff) and wildland fire crews are part of the contingency resources. A wildfire in June is a real risk in Alberta; local and provincial firefighters (under Alberta Wildfire) have pre-positioned equipment for a swift response, and the ISSG has plans to divert assets to firefighting if needed. Municipal fire services also stand by for structure fires or rescue calls (e.g. a vehicle accident on Highway 1 during a motorcade). Emergency medical services are covered by AHS, but local station paramedics from Canmore/Exshaw will be working alongside the federal medical teams. Interoperability channels between local fire/EMS and summit security have been tested – ensuring that if a 911 call is outside the secure zone but nearby, there’s communication to avoid any misidentification or delays at security checkpoints. In sum, the municipalities around the G7 venue integrate their police, fire, and emergency plans with the federal operation, adding local agility and knowledge to the massive security undertaking.

Parks Canada & Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)

• Parkland Protection & Environmental Monitoring: Although the G7 is on provincial land, Banff National Park lies adjacent to Kananaskis. Parks Canada wardens are coordinating with Alberta Conservation Officers to ensure seamless coverage of protected areas. Should any security incident or unauthorized person transit from the national park side, Parks Canada law enforcement would intervene. They have increased patrols on backcountry routes that could conceivably be used to approach the area. Moreover, both Parks Canada and Alberta Parks share a goal of minimizing environmental damage from the event. Sensitive wildlife habitat and trails are being monitored for disturbance. Summit planners, in collaboration with Parks Canada scientists and Alberta’s ecologists, have implemented measures like relocating or removing attractants (for example, trimming berry bushes that draw bears) and scheduling activities to avoid critical wildlife timings. Parks Canada brings expertise in environmental incident response too – if there were, say, a fuel spill from a generator or a sewage leak at the summit site, Parks Canada’s environmental emergency team and ECCC could help contain and mitigate it. Both agencies are effectively guardians that the summit leaves as little trace as possible on the pristine mountain environment.
• Wildlife Disturbance Mitigation: A special focus has been on protecting wildlife during the summit. June is a season where bears, elk, and other animals are active in Kananaskis/Banff. To prevent dangerous encounters or stress to wildlife, areas have been closed and wildlife monitors are in place. ECCC (which includes the Canadian Wildlife Service) has provided guidance on avoiding wildlife attractants and will help monitor any impacts on species at risk in the area. For instance, if helicopter traffic is required, flight paths are adjusted to avoid known raptor nesting sites or sensitive species. Parks Canada and Alberta Parks, supported by local conservation groups, are conducting pre- and post-summit surveys of wildlife activity to gauge any changes. The summit’s Sustainability Policy explicitly lists wildlife safety as a priority, aiming for the event to be a model of coexistence with nature. On the ground, this means if a bear wanders toward a security perimeter, there’s a protocol to gently redirect it (perhaps using hazing or bait away from the area) rather than harm it. These efforts reflect an OSINT-visible trend: Canada publicly committed to an environmentally responsible G7 in 2025, which includes avoiding harm to its national and provincial parks.
• Weather and Climate Intelligence: ECCC’s Meteorological Service plays a crucial role in providing weather forecasts and real-time monitoring to support summit operations. Mountain weather can be volatile, so daily and even hourly forecasts of wind, storms, temperature, and wildfire risk are furnished to the ISSG. Specialized meteorologists may be assigned to the security command center to brief on any approaching systems (e.g. a lightning storm that could ground helicopters or high winds that affect outdoor ceremonies). ECCC has conducted a climate risk analysis for the summit timeframe, assessing scenarios like extreme heat, heavy rainfall, or smoke from wildfires. The findings – such as the potential for wildfires – were shared with emergency planners to incorporate mitigation measures (for example, having sprinkler systems and firefighting teams ready in dry weather). If wildfire smoke became an issue, ECCC would advise on air quality and could deploy mobile air quality monitoring units. Additionally, ECCC’s hydrological experts keep an eye on river levels in case of flooding (unlikely in June but part of due diligence). This environmental intelligence supports decisions like whether to move an outdoor event indoors, or when to schedule air movements of aircraft.
• Environmental Emergency Support: In the event of any spill or contamination, ECCC’s Environmental Enforcement and Science teams would step in. They have expertise in handling chemical spills, pollution, and can bring equipment to contain hazards. For example, if fuel from a generator leaked into a stream, ECCC would guide cleanup and assess damage. Parks Canada has similar capacity within parks. Also, any environmental protests (e.g. activists trying to unfurl banners or stage sit-ins in sensitive ecological areas) would be handled with Parks Canada/ECCC input to ensure preservation of the site while law enforcement resolves the protest. Both agencies aim to ensure the summit not only remains secure but also meets high environmental standards – a narrative Canada is keen to uphold. In summary, Parks Canada and ECCC add a green layer of security: protecting the venue’s natural setting and using science to support safety (through weather prediction and environmental risk management), so that security operations do not come at the cost of the environment.

Conclusion

Canada’s security presence at the 2025 G7 is more than the sum of its visible forces. It is a dynamic web of signals interception, environmental vigilance, spectrum management, and multi-agency coordination. This choreography reaches from encrypted links in federal buildings to mountain trails patrolled by conservation officers. With CSIS identifying threats before they surface, CSE defending the cyber perimeter, and Public Safety Canada stitching together a unified operational front, the summit’s shield is not just reactive—it is anticipatory. As the world’s leaders gather in Kananaskis, they step into one of the most comprehensively secured zones on the planet—made possible by the quiet precision of Canadian infrastructure.