Overview of the Promise

During his campaign for prime minister, Mark Carney pledged to use Canada's 2025 G7 Presidency as a platform to catalyze action in defense of shared values, specifically including efforts to protect the rules-based international order from threats aimed at undermining it. This promise emphasized proactive diplomacy, strengthening alliances, and addressing global challenges like foreign interference, authoritarianism, and geopolitical tensions.

Actions Taken During the G7 Presidency

Canada assumed the G7 Presidency in 2025, with the Leaders' Summit held in Kananaskis, Alberta, from June 15 to 17. Prime Minister Carney announced priorities ahead of the summit that aligned closely with the promise, focusing on protecting communities and the world through strengthened peace and security measures, countering foreign interference, and improving responses to transnational threats. These priorities directly addressed defending democratic values and the rules-based order.

At the summit, discussions and agreements emphasized support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflicts, which served as a key example of protecting the international order from aggressors. Carney highlighted unwavering support for Ukraine, including coordinated G7 actions against foreign interference and transnational crime. The summit also covered building energy security, accelerating digital transitions, and fortifying critical supply chains, all framed as defenses against authoritarian disruptions.

Key Outcomes and Catalytic Actions

The summit's communique and announcements included commitments to innovative financing for multilateral development banks, mobilizing private investments for sustainable development goals, and enhancing joint responses to global challenges like wildfires and climate-related issues. These steps were positioned as bolstering the rules-based order by promoting cooperation among democracies. Experts noted Carney's pragmatic leadership in navigating tensions, such as those with U.S. President Trump, who left early, yet the event was deemed successful in fostering unity on defense and security matters.

Carney's government also tied the G7 efforts to broader commitments, such as pledging to meet NATO's 2% defense spending target by 2030, which reinforces Canada's role in defending shared values. No specific new legislation was proposed or passed directly tied to the G7 outcomes, as the presidency focused on diplomatic and international agreements rather than domestic laws. However, related announcements built on existing frameworks like Canada's international assistance programs.

Alignment with Promise Components

The promise's core element—using the G7 to catalyze action in defense of values—was addressed through the summit's agenda on peace, security, and countering threats. Protecting the rules-based international order was evident in commitments to support Ukraine and counter authoritarian influences, as highlighted in official releases. While the summit has concluded, its outcomes continue to influence ongoing G7 working groups, ensuring sustained action.

Overall Status

This promise is kept.