Enormous security preparations in place for the G-8 summit are warranted if protests at the G-7 finance ministers meeting are any indication of what's coming to Calgary, according to Mayor Dave Bronconnier.
"If this is what happens when the finance ministers meet, what can we expect when the actual leaders are here?" Bronconnier said.
After watching television reports of violent clashes between protesters and police in Halifax, Bronconnier said he's confident police preparations for the upcoming G-8 meeting in Kananaskis are adequate if protests become raucous. Although local protest organizers have repeatedly asserted their demonstrations should be peaceful, Bronconnier said Saturday's events show that plans can go awry.
"It's not surprising. Protesters can go back on their word and that seems to be what happened," he said.
Violent protests in Halifax don't foreshadow similar acts during the G-8, according to police.
"We opened dialogue months ago to actively pursue a peaceful environment for protests to happen," said RCMP G-8 spokesman Cpl. Jamie Johnston.
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