Confronting today’s challenges, united in a common cause
Fifty years ago, the G7 was created at a moment of crisis. Faced with financial upheaval, a stagflationary shock and geopolitical tensions, a small group of advanced economies came together – not to retreat into isolationism, but to build a platform for cooperation, stability and shared prosperity. In the decades since, the G7 has proven its enduring value: as a forum for frank dialogue, principled disagreement and decisive action.
In 2025, the need for this forum has only increased.
We are navigating a global economy under pressure – from trade tensions and disruptive technologies to rising geopolitical instability. The foundations of international peace and economic security, long taken for granted, are being tested. At this inflection point, the G7 must rise to meet the scale of these crises with purpose and with force.
I look forward to welcoming my fellow G7 leaders to Kananaskis, Alberta, this June, as Canada assumes the presidency on the G7’s 50th anniversary. This will be a moment to confront the challenges of our time, united in common cause.
I have attended G7 summits before – through my roles at the Department of Finance, as governor of the Bank of Canada and as governor of the Bank of England. Those experiences have given me a deep understanding of what makes the G7 effective and, crucially, where it must do better. I bring those lessons and that focus with me.
Canada’s agenda will have three core imperatives: securing our communities and a safer world, building energy security and accelerating the digital transition, and investing in partnerships of the future. Nowhere are these objectives more timely and strategic than with critical mineral supply chains that allow Canada to lead trusted, reliable partnerships to fuel the technologies of the future.
In practical terms, our agenda means driving artificial intelligence adoption across public and private sectors; unlocking the full potential of quantum technology to grow our economies and solve global challenges; and mounting a multilateral effort to better prevent, fight and recover from wildfires, which are on the rise in Canada and around the world. We will discuss global pressures driving migration and measures to ensure the lawful, humanitarian and economically beneficial movement of peoples. We will push back against foreign interference with a focus on transnational repression because the rights of our citizens and state sovereignty are non-negotiable. Finally, we will deepen partnerships and catalyse enormous private investment to build stronger infrastructure, higher-paying jobs and careers for our citizens, and dynamic markets where businesses can compete and succeed.
Canada also remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty against Russia’s war of aggression. I have invited President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and NATO secretary general Mark Rutte to join us in Kananaskis to reaffirm our collective resolve.
The G7 Kananaskis Summit will be forward looking. We are engaging not only our G7 allies but also partners beyond, recognising that our long-term security and prosperity will depend on building coalitions with reliable partners and with mutual respect. Canada has also engaged with leaders and stakeholders from across the country – including Indigenous partners, provinces and territories, business, civil society, and academia – to develop an agenda that resonates with Canadians.
Canada’s presidency is an opportunity for Canada and for Canadians. An opportunity to meet the challenges of our time, to affirm our values with longstanding partners, and to build a stronger G7 alliance. And it will serve as a moment to showcase the best of Canada, our world-class expertise, our country’s extraordinary natural beauty and wealth of resources, and who we are as Canadians – the true north, strong and free.
