As world leaders arrive in Alberta, PM Mark Carney faces critical tests on Iran, Ukraine, climate, and trade at his first G7 summit. Here’s what to watch.
Global Leaders Gather in Kananaskis Amid Rising Tensions
The 2025 G7 Summit kicked off Monday at a secluded mountain lodge in Kananaskis, Alberta, where leaders of the world’s wealthiest democracies convened under Canada’s chairmanship. Prime Minister Mark Carney is hosting his first major international summit as head of state, at a time when global crises—from war in the Middle East to economic slowdown—are testing international cooperation.
A Sudden Shift in Agenda
Carney originally aimed to center the summit around three pillars: boosting the global economy, strengthening security partnerships, and reducing Canada’s reliance on the U.S. However, the recent escalation between Israel and Iran has reshaped priorities, with emergency discussions on regional stability now dominating early meetings. Officials say Carney will be measured by how he navigates the unpredictable presence of U.S. President Donald Trump, who has already arrived in Alberta for bilateral talks.
All Eyes on Trump-Carney Dynamics
This summit marks Trump’s second G7 visit to Canada, the first being the contentious 2018 Charlevoix summit, which ended in chaos and a now-iconic photo of global leaders confronting him. With Trump’s return to office last November, the stakes are higher. While Carney greeted Trump with diplomatic gifts from the local golf course, their closed-door talks Monday morning are expected to cover tariffs, trade reform, and migration—areas where the leaders remain sharply divided.
No Final Communiqué, but Focused Deliverables
In a departure from tradition, Canada has opted to scrap the typical final communiqué in favor of short joint statements on critical topics including wildfires, AI policy, and mineral supply chains. This move is designed to prevent the disunity that marred past summits and instead highlight concrete, consensus-driven outcomes. Forest fires are especially top of mind, with smoke from Alberta’s burning boreal forests visible near the summit venue—a vivid reminder of the climate crisis.
Ukraine, Sanctions, and Security
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is among the invited guests, pressing for renewed sanctions against Russia and financial backing for reconstruction. A dedicated session on Ukraine is scheduled for Tuesday morning. Carney has made countering foreign interference another key priority, raising the likelihood of tense exchanges with non-G7 invitees from emerging powers, including India and Brazil.
Controversial Guests Spark Domestic Debate
The summit’s guest list has drawn attention. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was invited despite strained diplomatic ties stemming from the 2023 killing of a Sikh separatist leader in British Columbia. His presence is seen as an attempt by Carney to re-engage a rising global power, though it has stirred backlash among Sikh Canadians. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and leaders from South Korea, Indonesia, and South Africa are also attending, reflecting Carney’s ambition to broaden the G7’s global reach.
Summit Outcome Will Shape Canada’s Global Role
How Carney steers this high-stakes gathering could define Canada’s role on the world stage for years. With the G7 grappling with economic uncertainty, military conflict, and internal divisions, the Alberta summit is not just a diplomatic event—it’s a test of global leadership in an era of fragmentation.
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