Calgary police requesting help from Winnipeg with G7 Summit security

Several hundred demonstrators gather on the highway outside a security checkpoint for the G8 Summit in Kananaskis, Alta. on Wednesday, June 26, 2002. A security expert, who was involved with the G8 meeting held in Kananaskis 23 years ago, expects protective measures will be even more stringent when world leaders gather for the G7 west of Calgary in June. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Dave Martin (DAVE MARTIN/Associated Press)

Winnipeg police officers could be headed to Calgary this summer to help with security for a major geopolitical summit.

A recent report to the city’s executive policy committee includes a request from the Calgary Police Service that the Winnipeg Police Service send officers to assist during the G7 Summit in Kananaskis from June 14-17.

The summit sees leaders from seven counties (Canada, the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom), along with representatives from the European Union, come together for a yearly meeting to discuss world priorities. Canada is hosting this year’s summit, while RCMP oversees security.

The report says Calgary police have asked for support from police partners “to ensure appropriate policing resources are available to maintain public safety during the Summit.”

Winnipeg police said they would have contingency plans in place to ensure the citizens of Winnipeg are not impacted.

Any decision about Winnipeg police being contracted to work elsewhere needs to be approved by city council, and a formal contract needs to be drawn up.

Calgary police will reimburse costs to Winnipeg police, including travel, per diem, and overtime.

The report will be discussed when the executive policy committee meets on April 22.

Kananaskis previously hosted the G8 summit in 2002.