Why the G7 is a big moment for Mark Carneypublished at 15:53 British Summer Time
BBC News, Toronto
Canada chairs the G7 this year and is hosting some of the world’s wealthiest countries. It has promised a set of streamlined priorities focused around the global economy and security.
It’s Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first major international gathering as Canada’s leader.
Here are five challenges ahead:
Iran derails plans – This summit was set to be a test of his ability to meet three lofty goals he advanced for Canada – but now the Iran issue has suddenly shot to the top of the G7 agenda, a subject on which finding agreement will be tricky.
The Trump factor – The summit is taking place amid a global trade war started by Trump, who is using tariffs as a way to rebalance trading relationships.
Avoiding a walkout like in 2018 – This will be Trump’s second time in Canada as US president, the first being a discordant summit in Charlevoix, Quebec, in 2018 shortly after he slapped steel and aluminium tariffs on Canada, Mexico and Europe.
Forest fires, AI, critical minerals and Ukraine – Canada’s priorities for the confab are sharply focused on building stronger economies and strengthening peace and security, including harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and fortifying critical mineral supply chains.
Geopolitical minefields – As host, Canada has invited leaders not permanently attached to the seven-member group, including India’s Narendra Modi – amid deeply strained relations between the two countries.
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