Canada is gearing up to host the G7 summit, bringing together leaders from the world’s largest economies starting this Sunday. This year’s summit comes at a crucial time, with pressing global issues on the agenda.
U.S. President Donald Trump is back in the spotlight, having intensified his trade war with several countries. This has left many nations scrambling to negotiate lower tariffs. Meanwhile, conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine continue to escalate, prompting allies to boost their defenses against threats from countries like China and Russia. The rapid rise of artificial intelligence also presents both opportunities and challenges that leaders will need to address.
For Prime Minister Mark Carney, this summit marks a significant moment as he seeks to improve relations with Trump and reestablish Canada as a key ally. The last G7 summit held in Canada in 2018 ended in tension, primarily due to trade disputes between Trump and then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Trump’s refusal to endorse the official G7 communique led to the summit being referred to as the “G6 plus one.” Experts fear a repeat of that situation could undermine both Canada and the G7 alliance.
Since taking office again this year, Trump has doubled down on his controversial policies, including new tariffs and reduced climate commitments. However, the scale of his trade wars means that leaders will likely push for their own agreements on tariffs and other issues beyond the official discussions.
This summit will be the first time Carney and Trump meet face-to-face since May. U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra emphasized that both leaders view this gathering as a pivotal moment for negotiations, suggesting that an announcement could be expected.
Canada’s priorities for the summit include enhancing global peace and security, addressing foreign interference and crime, and improving responses to natural disasters like wildfires. Carney has expressed a desire to strengthen economies by focusing on energy security, critical mineral supply chains, and the advancement of artificial intelligence.
In addition to the G7 leaders, several heads of state from outside the G7 will attend, including leaders from Mexico, Brazil, South Korea, Australia, South Africa, and Ukraine. Notably, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s attendance marks a significant moment for North American relations, especially with the upcoming review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will also be present, ensuring that discussions about the ongoing war in Ukraine remain a priority.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also been invited, despite some backlash in Canada regarding his government’s treatment of Sikh activists. Critics argue that inviting Modi could overshadow discussions on human rights. Similarly, Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman of Saudi Arabia has been invited but has not yet confirmed his attendance, raising concerns about the summit’s focus.
As Canada prepares to lead the G7, experts suggest that this is a unique opportunity for the country to shape important discussions and strengthen international ties. The summit will be a critical test for Carney, not just in managing relations with Trump, but also in fostering cooperation among all attending leaders.