
In just one month, world leaders like Donald Trump will gather in Kananaskis for the G7 summit. The Canadian Press
Travelers on Highway 2 between Edmonton and Calgary will soon see many military vehicles. This will happen for about two weeks starting Thursday. The move is part of preparations for the 2025 Group of Seven (G7) Leaders’ Summit.
What is the G7 Summit?
The G7 is a group of seven rich and powerful countries, plus the European Union. Leaders from these nations meet once a year to talk about world issues like the economy and politics. This year’s summit will happen from June 15 to 17 in Kananaskis, Alberta.
Military Moves to Support Security
The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) will transport many military vehicles from Edmonton to Calgary between May 15 and 30. This is to help with security for the summit. The RCMP leads the main safety and security efforts as part of the Integrated Safety and Security Group (ISSG).
Police shared details about the route. Military vehicles will travel on several highways: west on Highway 216 (Anthony Henday), south on Highway 2 (Queen Elizabeth II), west on Highway 201, west on Highway 1, and south on Highway 40.
To keep traffic steady, these moves will mostly happen at night. Police asked drivers to be careful near the military vehicles and to pass them with caution. The police also said they will not share details about how many vehicles are involved or the types of equipment. This is for security reasons.
Why the Military Presence?
The G7 Summit is a big event, with leaders from many countries coming together. The RCMP handles overall safety for the leaders. The Canadian Armed Forces support the RCMP by providing extra help.
The CAF offers many services, including planning support, air travel assistance, watching over rural areas, and special responses to chemical or explosive threats. They also help with aerospace defense.
What to Expect
Besides the military vehicles on the highways, people will see more military personnel in the Kananaskis area before the summit. Police said the military will work closely with the RCMP at different locations. These efforts will continue during the summit to keep everyone safe.
The presence of military vehicles and troops might cause some delays or traffic slowdowns. Police remind everyone to be patient and careful on the roads.
This heavy military movement is all about making sure the G7 Summit runs smoothly and safely. Travelers on Highway 2 should stay alert and watch for large vehicles. The security teams are working hard to protect the visiting leaders and keep the event peaceful.