Ottawa/Kananaskis, June 13, 2025 — As Canada prepares to host the 51st G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta from June 15–17, experts assert that the substantial public expenditure is justified by the diplomatic and economic benefits the event brings.
Sources report that while the full cost remains forthcoming, it echoes past high-expense global meetings: the 2018 summit in Charlevoix cost CAD 375 million, with CAD 222 million spent solely by the RCMP. Similarly, the 2002 Kananaskis G8 event carried a total price tag of approximately US $300 million, with over $200 million allocated to security.
Despite the steep expense, analysts emphasise the event’s strategic returns. Hosting the summit enhances Canada’s visibility on the global stage, offering Prime Minister Mark Carney a platform to lead discussions on energy security, digital innovation, AI, and critical minerals.
Academic voices, including those from Johns Hopkins and the Atlantic Council, suggest the summit is a pivotal moment for Canada to align its domestic agenda with global priorities and build a united front on economic sovereignty, technology cooperation, and trade friction.
Security remains the largest line item: the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have allocated CAD 46.3 million thus far, with costs expected to rise once accounting for provincial and federal security mobilisations.
Nonetheless, experts agree the investment is a diplomatic “price of admission” for influencing decisions on pressing global issues — from AI governance to supply chain resiliency. The summit not only provides immediate economic activity for Alberta but also long-term political dividends.
