G7 Summit offers Canada leadership spotlight, but breakthroughs unlikely, say former Sherpas
The G7 Leaders Summit takes place in Kananaskis, Alta., near Banff from June 15-17. / UNSPLASH PHOTO
The G7 Leaders’ Summit will strengthen the global network through multilateral discussions and informal dialogues — and provide Canada with leadership opportunities — but may not advance huge breakthroughs on issues of the day, said former Sherpas in an interview with Colin Robertson on The Global Exchange podcast.
In the interview, Senator Peter Boehm, former Sherpa and Chair of the Senate’s Foreign Affairs International Trade Committee, and Senator Peter Harder, former Sherpa and Deputy Chair of the Senate’s Foreign Affairs International Trade Committee and government representative, said Canada’s Presidency offers credibility to our leadership on global issues and priorities, as it will form and advance the collective work of the G7. Equally, the summit is an opportunity for Carney.
“I think it's a great leadership opportunity for Prime Minister Carney,” said Boehm. “He is familiar with summits like this. In fact, he's represented a couple countries, but never at the head of government level. So it's a leadership opportunity for him as well as a challenge.”
Carney may face challenges from U.S. President Donald Trump, who Boehm said may be losing interest in global institutions over time, especially as the U.S. enters a period of isolationalism. Boehm suggested that Trump’s preference to bilateral discussion may impact his openness to participating with multilateral engagement.
“If the U.S. is reluctant to participate, entering a period of isolationism, it then falls, of course, to the other members to continue nurturing the body and bringing in in the U.S. as well,” he said.
Harder said the G7 relies on leader interest and engagement, and acts through multilateral representation to address global issues.
“If you have something important to launch, the G7 is the table,” he said. “It's a network, it's not an event.”
Harder expressed his confidence that the summit will advance conversations and be well-chaired by Canada, as Carney has “perfected the art” of multilateral engagements throughout his career. However, he said he does not expect massive advancements on issues.
