Carney to meet Trump in Alberta as G7 summit begins with trade, tariffs, and security talks on the table

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Calgary on Sunday(June 15), stepping into the international spotlight as he prepares to host his first G7 Leaders’ Summit, with a one-on-one meeting with US President Donald Trump first on the agenda on Monday morning (June 16).

Carney reaches Calgary

Welcomed at the airport by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek, Carney appeared calm, accompanied by his wife Diana Fox Carney, ahead of the two-day summit in the resort town of Kananaskis.


But the mood behind the scenes is far from relaxed.

Also read: Guest list for G7 summit tells of global challenges

Carney’s scheduled 9 am sit-down with Trump will be his most delicate diplomatic test to date. While the two have held informal talks in recent weeks, they remain divided on a key sticking point, including Trump’s doubling of tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum.

In an interview on The West Block, Canada-US Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc admitted progress was "not fast enough" and warned retaliatory action may follow.

"Our hope was that we would have made more progress before the president arrives," LeBlanc said. "If we conclude that we’re not close to a deal, the country will look at further measures."

Carney, a former central banker with stints at the Bank of Canada and Bank of England, is widely respected for his economic acumen. However, diplomacy, especially with a volatile partner like Trump, is a different game altogether.

Brian Clow, a former Trudeau advisor, said bluntly: “You’ve got to go in with a plan. Trump respects strength, but he’s unpredictable.”

Trump, arriving late Sunday after staging a military parade in Washington, hinted at new trade deals but offered no specifics. “All we have to do is send a letter that says, ‘This is what you’ll pay,’” he said before departing.

Other key issues and countries attending the summit

Beyond Canada-US tensions, the summit is overshadowed by deepening conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, with both crises topping the agenda. Carney has invited leaders from India, South Korea, Brazil, and South Africa, signaling a broader global ambition.

According to the official G7 schedule, Monday’s working sessions will center on global economic and security issues, while Tuesday will include a dedicated session on energy security.

Mark Carney met British Prime Minister Keir Starmer

Earlier in Ottawa, Carney met British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, signing joint defence, AI, and cybersecurity agreements. The two leaders watched the Oilers-Panthers NHL game together.

“I’ve learned a lot from the Prime Minister,” Starmer said. “His values are those we’ll be promoting at this summit.”

FAQs

Who are the members of the G7?

The Group of Seven (G7) includes Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan. The European Union also participates in the meetings as a non-enumerated member.

When was the G7 formed?

The G7 was originally formed in 1975 as the G6 by France, West Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States to coordinate global economic policy during the oil crisis. Canada joined in 1976, becoming the G7.

Where was the last G7 Summit held, and who hosted it?

The 2024 G7 Summit was hosted by Italy in the region of Apulia (Puglia) from June 13–15, 2024. Key issues included the war in Ukraine, global food security, AI regulation, and economic stability.