Alberta grants job-protected leave for reservists during G7 Summit

The Alberta government has approved a temporary regulation providing job-protected leave for Alberta-based Canadian Armed Forces reservists so they can fulfill their service obligations while taking on expanded duties during the G7 Leaders' Summit in Kananaskis this June.

The regulation, announced by Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade Matt Jones, takes effect March 31 and expires August 31, 2025. It enables reservists to take leave for operations and activities related to the summit, including pre- and post-deployment duties.

"This provides our province’s reservists with a rare opportunity to serve during a significant world event that has not been held in Alberta since 2002," said Justin Wright, Alberta’s Military Liaison.

RCMP to lead security operations for 2025 G7 Summit

The RCMP will lead security operations for the 2025 G7 Leaders' Summit in Kananaskis, working with Canadian and international partners to ensure a safe and secure event. Their responsibilities include protecting Summit sites, managing restricted areas, conducting risk assessments, coordinating emergency responses, and managing traffic and crowds.

The RCMP will also lead the Integrated Safety and Security Group, which unites law enforcement, safety, and security agencies to ensure a coordinated approach to Summit security. To ensure security at the G7 summit, a controlled access zone (CAZ) will surround key venues from June 10 to June 18, 2025.

Controlled Access Zone

CAZ Boundaries:

• North: Mount Lorette Ponds on Highway 40.

• West: Heavy security along Highway 742; eastern slope trails closed.

• South: Galatea Creek parking lot on Highway 40.

• East: Eastern mountain ridgeline of Kananaskis Valley.

Access will be restricted to authorized personnel, residents, and businesses. Accreditation will be required, with vehicle screening areas set up on Highway 40 near Mount Lorette Ponds.

Trail and Area Closures

Several key trails and day-use areas will be closed or limited during the summit period. Closed trails include:

• Rummel Pass Trail

• Rummel Ridge Trail

• Buller Pass Trail

• Sparrowhawk Trail

• Read's Tower Route

• Mount Bogart Route

• Spencer Creek Trail

• Little Lougheed Trail

• Spurling Creek

• West Wind Pass Trail

• High Rockies Trail

Trails open up to the CAZ boundary include:

• Three Sisters Parkway

• Mount Lougheed Viewpoint

• McGillivray Creek Trailhead

• Heart Creek Trailhead

• Quaite Valley Trailhead

• Barrier Lake

• Stoney Trail

• Wasootch Ridge Trailhead

• Sawmill Trailhead

• Chester Lake Trailhead

Air Restrictions

Temporary airspace restrictions will be enforced over the summit area, including a no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft, including drones. Exact boundaries and timing will be announced ahead of the summit in coordination with Transport Canada.

The G7 Leaders' Summit returns to Kananaskis in June, marking Alberta’s first time hosting the event since 2002.

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