G7 Summit 2025: A crucial test for Mark Carney amid global crises

As global leaders gather in Kananaskis, Alberta, for the 2025 G7 Summit, newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney faces a pivotal moment.

With Canada hosting amid overlapping global crises, Carney is navigating an increasingly volatile landscape while trying to establish his international leadership credentials. Here are five key dynamics shaping this year's summit:

1. Iran Conflict Disrupts Carney's Agenda

Carney had intended to centre the summit on economic resilience, North American trade reform, and decreasing Canadian reliance on the U.S. However, escalating tensions with Iran—now dominating the summit—are testing his ability to lead diplomatically. G7 consensus on Iran will be difficult, especially with diverging positions on sanctions and regional security.

2. Managing Trump’s Volatility

Carney’s interactions with President Donald Trump are under intense scrutiny. Trump’s history of upending summits—including the infamous 2018 G7 walkout in Quebec—looms large. Carney must walk a fine line: showing strength without alienating Trump, who remains a divisive figure in the G7. Their one-on-one meeting on Monday morning will set the tone.

3. Forest Fires, AI, and Critical Minerals Top Canada’s Agenda

Despite distractions, Canada is pushing focused outcomes:

• AI governance
• Wildfire response collaboration
• Critical mineral supply chain security
• Ukraine support and sanctions against Russia
• Wildfire smoke visible in the Rockies may offer a visceral reminder of climate urgency—especially after Canada’s record-setting 2023 fire season.
   

4. No Final Communiqué: Avoiding Charlevoix 2.0

To prevent another summit collapse, such as the one in 2018, Canada has scrapped the traditional final communiqué, instead opting for short joint statements on key topics. Carney has publicly stated his lesson from the past: "Be consistent—what you say in private, say in public."

5. A Tense Guest List and Global Optics

Carney’s invitation list includes controversial attendees:

India’s PM Narendra Modi, amid unresolved fallout over the killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada;

Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy, advocating for stronger anti-Russia sanctions;

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum, meeting Trump for the first time;

Carney has emphasized broad global inclusion, inviting leaders from South Africa, Brazil, Indonesia, South Korea, and Australia to address emerging global power dynamics.

In Summary:
This G7 is more than a summit—it's a stress test for Carney's leadership and Canada's role on the world stage. With trade, conflict, and climate all colliding, the stakes are high, and the spotlight is firmly on the host.

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