World leaders convened today in Kananaskis, Alberta, for this year’s G7 summit, set against the region’s mountain backdrop. Over the next two days, leaders will tackle key global issues, including the war in Ukraine and the rise of artificial intelligence.
Notably, Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump met in person for the first time since their Oval Office talks in May.Closed-Door Talks, Few Details following a “long and substantive” meeting between Carney and Trump, Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc offered little detail, citing a mutual agreement to keep discussions confidential. LeBlanc and Canada’s U.S. ambassador, Kirsten Hillman, confirmed another round of talks is scheduled with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer before week’s end.
Climate, Development Off the TableUnlike last year’s G7 in Italy under President Joe Biden, which prioritized climate action, poverty reduction, and African partnerships, this year’s summit avoids those themes. According to G7 analyst John Kirton, the agenda was streamlined to avoid pushback from Trump. “There’s no point putting them on the agenda if the Americans will just refuse to discuss them,” Kirton said.
With the summit agenda dominated by global conflicts and defence concerns, broader development issues have been sidelined — a shift reflecting both current geopolitical tensions and Trump’s influence on the summit’s tone.
