Against the breathtaking backdrop of Charlevoix’s rolling hills, Prime Minister Anita Anand stood resolute as she closed Canada’s hosting of the 2025 G7 Summit yesterday, emphasizing that in an era of mounting global instability, Canada’s commitment to multilateral cooperation remains “unshakeable and non-negotiable.”
“The challenges we face today—climate change, economic uncertainty, democratic backsliding, and technological disruption—cannot be solved by any one nation acting alone,” Anand told reporters at the final press conference. “This summit has reinforced what we already knew: effective global governance requires genuine collaboration.”
The three-day gathering brought together leaders from the world’s most advanced economies amid escalating tensions between China and Western nations, ongoing concerns about Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, and widening economic disparities exacerbated by the lingering effects of the pandemic. According to diplomatic sources present at the closed-door sessions, discussions were “frank and occasionally heated,” particularly regarding trade policies and climate commitments.
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, who played a critical role in negotiating the summit’s final communiqué, emphasized that the document represents “substantial progress” on several fronts. “We’ve secured concrete pledges on climate finance, unanimous support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, and a framework for addressing artificial intelligence governance,” Joly stated. The 32-page document outlines specific timelines and accountability measures—a departure from previous summits’ more aspirational language.
Financial markets responded positively to the summit’s outcomes, with the Toronto Stock Exchange recording a 1.2% increase following the release of the leaders’ joint statement on economic cooperation. The communiqué includes provisions for coordinating monetary policies and strengthening supply chain resilience—priorities that Canadian officials had placed at the top of the agenda.
Economic analysts from the Royal Bank of Canada note that the summit’s focus on trade diversification could benefit Canadian exports, potentially adding 0.3% to GDP growth over the next fiscal year. “The emphasis on secure supply chains and critical minerals presents a significant opportunity for Canada’s resource sector,” explained RBC chief economist Craig Wright in an analysis published this morning.
Climate activists, however, expressed disappointment with what they described as “incremental commitments” that fall short of the transformative action needed. The Climate Action Network Canada criticized the summit’s outcomes as “repackaging existing promises” rather than establishing the bold new targets scientists say are necessary to avert catastrophic warming.
Indigenous leaders who participated in pre-summit consultations offered mixed reviews. Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse acknowledged progress on Indigenous inclusion in economic development initiatives but noted that “meaningful consultation requires more than ceremonial acknowledgment.”
Perhaps the most contentious aspect of the summit was the leaders’ approach to China. The final communiqué stops short of explicitly condemning Beijing’s trade practices but includes stronger language on human rights and “coercive economic measures” than previous G7 statements. When pressed on whether this represented a diplomatic compromise, Anand emphasized Canada’s “principled approach” to foreign policy.
“We will not shy away from defending our values and interests,” she stated, “but we recognize that constructive engagement remains essential, even—perhaps especially—with those nations with whom we have profound disagreements.”
The summit’s security operation, involving over 4,000 personnel and costing an estimated $330 million, proceeded without major incidents despite concerns about potential protests. A small demonstration of approximately 200 anti-globalization activists remained peaceful under the watchful eye of Quebec provincial police.
As Canada passes the G7 presidency to Italy for 2026, questions remain about the bloc’s continuing relevance in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape. Critics point to the growing influence of the G20 and other multilateral forums that include emerging powers such as India, Brazil, and Indonesia.
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, who has been instrumental in shaping Canada’s international economic policy, defended the G7’s continued importance. “The G7 represents a coalition of democracies committed to a rules-based international order,” Freeland told reporters. “That shared commitment to democratic values creates a foundation for cooperation that other forums simply cannot replicate.”
As world leaders departed Charlevoix yesterday evening, the summit’s long-term impact remains uncertain. Will this gathering be remembered as a moment when democratic nations recommitted to collective action, or merely another example of lofty rhetoric without meaningful follow-through? The answer may depend less on the words in the communiqué than on the actions governments take in the critical months ahead.
