OTTAWA — Canada has unveiled its priorities for the G7 leaders’ summit just one week before it gets underway in Alberta as the government defends its decision to invite India to the summit.
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s office says Ottawa’s top priority for the summit will be strengthening global peace and security, which includes countering foreign interference and transnational crime, as well as improving responses to wildfires.
His office also says Canada will focus on spurring economic growth by improving energy security, fortifying supply chains for critical minerals and accelerating the use of artificial intelligence.
Lastly, Canada will discuss creating jobs by securing partnerships to open new markets and generate large infrastructure investments.
In addition, Canada plans to use its invitation for guests outside the group to discuss how to secure a lasting peace in Ukraine, and to “build coalitions with reliable partners.”
Carney is hosting the summit in Kananaskis, Alta., from June 15 to 17, welcoming U.S. President Donald Trump on his first visit to Canada during this presidential term.
Canada is expecting to welcome leaders of the other liberal democracies that make up the G7: the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, Italy and the European Union.
Analysts say the summit has come together under a time crunch, with Ottawa choosing the June date months ago before former prime minister Justin Trudeau resigned and a federal election campaign — which traditionally slows work in the public service.
In addition to the G7 members, the host country can invite other leaders in order to give priority nations a voice at the summit.
Carney revealed on Friday he had extended an invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, despite the RCMP accusing New Delhi of widespread acts of murder, extortion and coercion primarily against Sikh activists in Canada, including an assassination near Vancouver two years ago.
