Carney’s first foreign policy test begins at G7 — amid Middle East crisis and Trump’s trade war

Prime Minister Mark Carney is gearing up to host a crucial three-day summit in the Rocky Mountains, where leaders from the world’s most powerful democratic countries will gather to address pressing global challenges. The summit, set to take place in Kananaskis, Alta., will focus on key issues such as war and peace, energy security, artificial intelligence, and strengthening partnerships for the future.

One of the top priorities on Carney’s agenda is addressing U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade actions against Canada and other G7 countries. The ongoing trade disputes have created tensions among the G7 members, and finding a resolution will be a key focus of the discussions.

In addition to trade, the summit will also address the escalating wildfires in Western Canada. Leaders will explore ways to enhance joint responses to climate disasters, with a potential focus on establishing a “wildfire charter” to address these natural disasters more effectively.

However, the recent Israeli strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities could overshadow the official agenda of the summit. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East will likely be a topic of discussion among the leaders, adding another layer of complexity to the already packed schedule.

The guest list for the summit includes leaders from India, Brazil, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, South Korea, Ukraine, Mexico, and Australia, along with representatives from the UN, NATO, EU, and the World Bank. This diverse group of attendees reflects Carney’s commitment to addressing global challenges with input from leaders across the world.

While previous G7 summits have ended with joint communique, Canada has opted for a different approach this time. Instead of a lengthy document that all leaders must agree on, Carney is focusing on securing short joint statements that highlight concrete actions and outcomes in key areas. This streamlined approach aims to avoid the discord that followed the 2018 G7 summit in Quebec, where Trump’s reluctance to sign on to climate change measures led to a public spat with Trudeau.

As tensions rise in the Middle East and trade disputes continue to strain relationships among G7 members, Carney faces a challenging task in ensuring a successful summit. By focusing on areas of potential consensus, such as defense spending, AI, and combating dangerous drugs like fentanyl, Carney hopes to demonstrate Canada’s leadership on the global stage and navigate through the complexities of international diplomacy.