Canada hosts G7 summit amid global tensions, trade wars, and rising AI risks. PM Carney seeks influence, diplomacy, and economic partnerships.
Global Challenges Define Canada’s Role as G7 Host
Canada is hosting the Group of Seven (G7) summit beginning Sunday, drawing world leaders to discuss global security, economic growth, and the rising threat of foreign interference. With global conflict, economic instability, and the rise of artificial intelligence reshaping the international order, the stakes are unusually high. For Prime Minister Mark Carney, this summit represents both a diplomatic test and a moment to assert Canada’s leadership on the world stage.
Trump, Trade, and the Memory of 2018
This is Canada’s first time hosting the G7 since the fractious 2018 summit, when U.S. President Donald Trump clashed publicly with then-prime minister Justin Trudeau and refused to sign the final communique. Now back in office, Trump brings heightened unpredictability, having reignited trade wars and reversed several international agreements. Observers warn that another diplomatic breakdown would be damaging to Canada’s reputation and the G7’s unity.
Prime Minister Carney will meet Trump face-to-face for the first time since their May White House meeting. Both sides see the summit as a potential turning point in trade negotiations. U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra hinted at possible announcements during the summit but stopped short of confirming any deal.
Canada’s Agenda: Security, AI, and Economic Resilience
The Canadian government has outlined an ambitious summit agenda focused on “building stronger economies.” Ottawa aims to lead discussions on global peace and security, countering foreign interference, and tackling organized crime. Domestically relevant topics like wildfire response and critical mineral supply chains will also be on the table.
Canada is expected to champion the responsible use of artificial intelligence and the need for modern infrastructure investments that open new markets. Recent agreements among G7 finance ministers on price stability, support for Ukraine, and financial crime prevention provide a framework for deeper collaboration.
Broader Participation Reflects Shifting Alliances
In addition to the core G7 nations, Canada has invited leaders from Mexico, Brazil, South Korea, Australia, South Africa, and Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to press for meaningful support, warning against symbolic resolutions that fail to deter Russian aggression.
The presence of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum signals renewed focus on North American cooperation ahead of next year’s CUSMA review. However, the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stirred controversy in Canada, given allegations of Indian government involvement in the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Critics also condemned the invitation extended to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, though he has yet to confirm attendance.
Despite criticism, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand defended the broader guest list, calling the G7 “a critical forum” for honest global dialogue. Policy experts argue that engaging with strategic — even controversial — players is essential in today’s volatile climate.
A Defining Test for Canada’s Prime Minister
Analysts view the summit as a pivotal moment for Prime Minister Carney, who assumed office with a mandate to restore Canada’s global influence. Chairing the G7 gives him rare influence over the agenda and tone of discussions with the world’s most powerful leaders.
David Perry, president of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, called it a “unique opportunity” for Canada to shape conversations on everything from AI to trade to Ukraine. But he also noted that failure to secure tangible outcomes or maintain unity could weaken Canada’s standing.
“If the Prime Minister of Canada can’t make good use of time with six world leaders and an opportunity of Canadian creation, he probably should be considering other lines of work,” Perry remarked bluntly.
Diplomacy in a Divided World
As Canada prepares to welcome the world’s most influential leaders, it does so in the shadow of geopolitical instability and rising authoritarianism. The G7 summit offers a high-stakes platform for dialogue and cooperation — and a critical test of Canada’s diplomatic capacity in an increasingly divided world. Whether Canada can build consensus, secure deals, and navigate tension will determine not just the outcome of this summit, but the country’s global role in the years to come.
