In Niagara‑on‑the‑Lake, Ontario, top diplomats from the Group of Seven (G7) industrial democracies assembled, at a moment when relations between the United States and its long-time allies—such as Canada—are under strain. The issues in focus include defence spending, trade disputes, and doubts about the U.S.-led ceasefire proposal in Gaza, alongside efforts to bring peace to the Russia-Ukraine war.
Canada Hosts Amid Trade Friction
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand told the Associated Press that despite the trade pressure, “the relationship has to continue across a range of issues.” She is hosting U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his counterparts from Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Japan over two days starting Tuesday.
Rubio emphasised the meeting’s priority: “We’re tackling a range of critical issues with one main focus: putting the safety and security of Americans FIRST,” according to a social-media post.
Wider Invitations and Middle East Focus
Anand extended invites to foreign ministers from Australia, Brazil, India, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, South Korea, South Africa and Ukraine, marking a broader outreach beyond the G7 core. One key topic for Tuesday night: advancing long-term peace and stability in the Middle East. “The peace plan must be upheld,” Anand stated.
Ukraine Relief, Winter-Readiness Efforts
Early Wednesday, the G7 ministers will meet directly with Ukraine’s foreign minister. Meanwhile the UK government pledged £13 million (about US $17 million) to help rebuild Ukraine’s power, heating and water infrastructure as winter looms and Russian attacks intensify. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said Russian President Vladimir Putin is “trying to plunge Ukraine into darkness and the cold,” and the support will help keep the lights and heating on. Canada has just made a similar pledge.
Tough Relations With Neighbour Canada
Canada’s year hosting the G7 has been overshadowed by strained ties with the United States—mainly because of trade friction after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on Canadian imports. One flashpoint was an Ontario provincial government ad in the U.S., which led the President to suspend trade talks. Further tension: the spring’s suggestion by Trump that Canada should become the U.S.’s 51st state. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney apologised for the ad and said he’s ready when the U.S. is prepared to reopen trade talks.
Defence Spending and NATO Pressure
A big source of disagreement: defence spending. All G7 members except Japan are in the **North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and President Trump has demanded all alliance partners commit 5 % of their annual GDP toward defence. Some nations have agreed, others haven’t. Among G7-NATO members, Canada and Italy lag furthest behind that target. Minister Anand confirmed that Canada aims to hit 5 % of GDP by 2035.
Disagreements Over Gaza and Russia
The war in Gaza and the conflict in Ukraine reveal further divisions: Britain, Canada and France announced they would recognise a Palestinian state, regardless of a full settlement to the Gaza conflict. Meanwhile on Ukraine, most G7 members have taken a harder line on Russia than the U.S. has under Trump.
Agenda Beyond Conflict
Other topics on the agenda: tad trade, but also energy and critical minerals – key elements for smart-phones, fighter jets and broader national security. Canada holds 34 minerals and metals listed by the U.S. Pentagon as critical, underscoring the nation’s strategic role.
Anand noted that while trade discussions are needed, the relationship spans many other “touch-points.” She said Rubio asked her during a recent Washington breakfast to help bring countries together to build support for the Gaza cease-fire plan and a future reconstruction conference.
