All eyes on Donald Trump: Leaders' guide to G7 summit in Kananaskis
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What she wants: Italy's prime minister just wants to get in and out of Banff unscathed. She has a good relationship with Trump and a good relationship her European colleagues and has no major policy goals for this meeting. With her domestic situation looking slightly delicate, her aim is to make sure nothing rocks the boat.
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What she wants to avoid: The worst scenario would be a blow up between Trump and the Europeans which would force her to pick a side.
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What she really fears: Within that, tariffs are her biggest fear because they could jeopardize Italy's economy and turn the focus back on the country's perilous public finances.
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What they want: The EU's two main representatives will be focused on Ukraine and on trade. They want to persuade Trump to drop his opposition to their plan to lower the price cap on Russian oil and they are also looking for the strongest backing that they can for Ukraine's future independence and military support, and clarity on global trade.
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What they want to avoid: Any curveballs from Trump and his trade advisers that might throw their tariff negotiations off track.
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What they really fear: A major blow-up before the NATO summit. European leaders will be treading on eggshells until they have secured Trump's renewed commitment to defend NATO allies.
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Global News
an hour ago
- Global News
What are the stakes for Canada as it hosts the G7 leaders' summit?
Canada is set to host leaders from the world's largest economies for the annual G7 summit beginning Sunday, and the stakes could not be higher. U.S. President Donald Trump's multi-front trade war has countries scrambling to get their tariffs lowered. Ceasefires have failed to stick in Gaza and Ukraine. Allies are collectively focused on boosting their defences to counter China, Russia and other threat actors. And the rise of artificial intelligence has opened up opportunities and risks on multiple fronts. For Prime Minister Mark Carney, it will mark his most high-profile stage yet as he seeks to both normalize relations with Trump and reposition Canada as an important ally. Here's what to expect over the course of the summit. Avoiding past discord, with U.S. deal possible The last time Canada hosted the G7 leader's summit was in 2018, and it quickly saw tensions flare. Story continues below advertisement Trump's clashes with then-prime minister Justin Trudeau and other leaders over trade led to the U.S. not endorsing the official G7 communique, and France's foreign minister dubbed the summit the 'G6 plus one.' A repeat of that spectacle would be a 'nightmare scenario' for both Canada and the alliance, Allen Sens, a political science professor at the University of British Columbia, said in an email. 10:54 Trump 'is not finished with tariffs' Since returning to office this year, Trump has only doubled down on actions that fuelled the discord at that earlier summit: imposing sweeping tariffs on allies, reversing or reducing climate change action, and reopening dialogue with Russia. Yet the scale of Trump's trade wars this time means leaders will likely be clamouring for their own deals on tariffs and other issues beyond the official G7 communique — including Canada. Story continues below advertisement The summit will mark the first time Carney and Trump will be face-to-face since their White House meeting in May. Pete Hoekstra, the U.S. ambassador to Canada, said Wednesday the two leaders see the gathering as an 'inflection point' in their direct negotiations toward a potential new deal. 'They're both going to be at the same place, they're both going to be in Canada, and there'd be lots of questions if there isn't something that is announced,' he said at an event in Ottawa. 'Until it happens, it's still a possibility.' What else will be discussed? Carney last week announced what he said were Canada's priorities for discussions at the G7 summit, all of which are aimed at 'building stronger economies.' Story continues below advertisement The Prime Minister's Office said Ottawa's top priority will be strengthening global peace and security, which includes countering foreign interference and transnational crime, as well as improving responses to wildfires. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Canada will focus on spurring economic growth by improving energy security, fortifying supply chains for critical minerals and accelerating the use of artificial intelligence. Lastly, Canada will discuss creating jobs by securing partnerships to open new markets and generate large infrastructure investments. G7 finance ministers and central bank governors who gathered in Banff last month ahead of the leaders' summit agreed to cooperate on pursuing economic growth, ensuring price stability and certainty, tackling financial crime, and supporting Ukraine. 'I would consider any communique that contains any substantive collective agreements on major issues to be a triumph, with a bland document the most likely outcome,' Sens told Global News. 1:42 G7 finance ministers agree on joint statement, no mention of tariffs David Perry, president of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, told Global News that Trump's influence will likely mean past issues of agreement — including shared initiatives on the environment and 'equity, diversity, and inclusion' — will either be less prominent or reduced altogether. Story continues below advertisement Yet he still believes agreements can be struck among the allies on issues of shared importance that go beyond the tensions Trump's tariffs have caused — particularly on energy security and artificial intelligence. The PMO said discussions will also include securing peace in Ukraine and other global conflicts, as well as 'a forward-looking agenda that engages partners beyond the G7.' Who else will attend? Other world leaders whose countries are not part of the G7 but who will attend the summit are the heads of Mexico, Brazil, South Korea, Australia, South Africa and Ukraine. The attendance of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum will mark the first time North American leaders will be together since Trump's trade wars threatened the Canada-United States-Mexico agreement on free trade (CUSMA) that's up for review next year. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said he will ensure talks at the summit and other high-level gatherings in the weeks ahead don't lead to 'hollow' agreements on the war in his country. Story continues below advertisement Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also attend at Carney's invitation, a move that has attracted criticism from diaspora groups in Canada — including members of Carney's Liberal caucus. Modi's government has been accused of being involved in violence and intimidation against Sikh activists and politicians in Canada, including the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia in 2023. 6:02 International relations expert says India should have a seat at G7 table Carney's government also invited Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman to the summit, Global News has learned, but the Saudi leader has not yet publicly accepted the invitation. NDP foreign affairs critic Heather McPherson accused the government of turning the summit into a 'showcase of tyrants' with the invitations of bin Salman and Modi during question period on Tuesday. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand responded that the G7 is 'a critical forum for global leaders to have productive and frank discussions.' Story continues below advertisement Vina Nadjibulla, vice-president of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, said Trump's election and the growing threat environment requires a 'different approach' to diplomatic relations, which is on display under Carney. The invitation to Modi was particularly necessary, she said, given the size of India's economy and strategic importance. She added that restoring the relationship with India could lead to further cooperation on the issue of transnational violence and foreign interference. 'I think we need to recognize that in today's more dangerous world, we need to be able to engage and have high-level talks with counties with whom we have serious disagreements,' she told Global News. 'Diplomacy is not a favour to our friends — it's a tool to advance our interests and protect our values.' Why Canada's leadership matters Perry said Canada will have its work cut out in chairing the G7, but agreed the timing was good that the responsibility came up this year, with Trump's trade war still in its early stages. Story continues below advertisement 'You do get to have a role in shaping things, and you do get to find yourself at a table that you arranged, literally, for a discussion that you helped set the agenda of, with the leaders of … most of the major economies in the world, including the president of the United States,' he said. 'It's a pretty unique role and opportunity for Canada.' He suggested the summit will also be a pivotal test for Carney as prime minister — not just in the relationship with Trump, but with the other leaders at that table. 'If the Prime Minister of Canada can't make good use of time with six world leaders and an opportunity of Canadian creation, he probably should be considering other lines of work,' he said.
Winnipeg Free Press
5 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Cities brace for large crowds at anti-Trump ‘No Kings' demonstrations across the US
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Cities large and small were preparing for major demonstrations Saturday across the U.S. against President Donald Trump, as officials urge calm, National Guard troops mobilize and Trump attends a military parade in Washington to mark the Army's 250th anniversary. A flagship 'No Kings' march and rally are planned in Philadelphia, but no events are scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., where the military parade will take place on Trump's birthday The demonstrations are gaining additional fuel from protests flaring up around the country over federal immigration enforcement raids and Trump ordering National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles where protesters blocked a freeway and set cars on fire. Police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets and flash-bang grenades while officials enforced curfews in Los Angeles and Democratic governors called Trump's Guard deployment 'an alarming abuse of power' that 'shows the Trump administration does not trust local law enforcement.' Governors and city officials vowed to protect the right to protest and to show no tolerance for violence. Republican governors in Virginia, Texas, Nebraska and Missouri are mobilizing National Guard troops to help law enforcement manage demonstrations. There will be 'zero tolerance' for violence, destruction or disrupting traffic, and 'if you violate the law, you're going to be arrested,' Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin told reporters Friday. In Missouri, Gov. Mike Kehoe issued a similar message, vowing to take a proactive approach and not to 'wait for chaos to ensue.' Nebraska's governor on Friday also signed an emergency proclamation for activating his state's National Guard, a step his office called 'a precautionary measure in reaction to recent instances of civil unrest across the country.' Organizers say that one march will go to the gates of Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, where Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis warned demonstrators that the 'line is very clear' and not to cross it. Governors also urged calm. On social media, Washington state Gov. Bob Ferguson, a Democrat, called for peaceful protests over the weekend, to ensure Trump doesn't send military to the state. 'Donald Trump wants to be able to say that we cannot handle our own public safety in Washington state,' Ferguson said. In a statement Friday, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, urged 'protestors to remain peaceful and calm as they exercise their First Amendment right to make their voices heard.' Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, said his administration and state police are working with police in Philadelphia ahead of what organizers estimate could be a crowd approaching 100,000 people. Philadelphia's top prosecutor, District Attorney Larry Krasner, warned that anyone coming to Philadelphia to break the law or immigration agents exceeding their authority will face arrest. He invoked civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. as a guide for demonstrators. 'If you are doing what Martin Luther King would have done, you're going to be fine,' Krasner told a news conference. Some law enforcement agencies announced they were ramping up efforts for the weekend. In California, state troopers will be on 'tactical alert,' which means all days off are cancelled for all officers. Why is it called 'No Kings'? The 'No Kings' theme was orchestrated by the 50501 Movement, to support democracy and against what they call the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration. The name 50501 stands for 50 states, 50 protests, one movement. Protests earlier this year have denounced Trump and billionaire adviser Elon Musk. Protesters have called for Trump to be 'dethroned' as they compare his actions to that of a king and not a democratically elected president. Why are they protesting on Saturday? The No Kings Day of Defiance has been organized to reject authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics and the militarization of the country's democracy, according to a statement by organizers. Organizers intend for the protests to counter the Army's 250th anniversary celebration — which Trump has ratcheted up to include a military parade, which is estimated to cost $25 million to $45 million that the Army expects to attract as many as 200,000 people. The event will feature hundreds of military vehicles and aircraft and thousands of soldiers. It also happens to be Trump's 79th birthday and Flag Day. 'The flag doesn't belong to President Trump. It belongs to us,' the 'No Kings' website says. 'On June 14th, we're showing up everywhere he isn't — to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings.' What is planned at the 'No Kings' protests? Protests in nearly 2,000 locations are scheduled around the country, from city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, organizers said. Demonstrations are expected to include speeches and marches, organizers said in a call Wednesday. The group says a core principle behind all 'No Kings' events is a commitment to nonviolent action, and participants are expected to seek to de-escalate any confrontation. No weapons of any kind should be taken to 'No Kings' events, according to the website. How many people are expected to participate? The No Kings Day of Defiance is expected to be the largest single-day mobilization since Trump returned to office, organizers said. Organizers said they are preparing for millions of people to take to the streets across all 50 states and commonwealths.
Winnipeg Free Press
5 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
The Army is set to celebrate 250 years with a parade that coincides with Trump's birthday
WASHINGTON (AP) — The massive military parade that President Donald Trump has long wanted is set to step off from the Lincoln Memorial on Saturday evening, with tanks, bands and thousands of troops. And the biggest question marks are whether it will be overshadowed or delayed by either the weather in Washington or planned protests elsewhere around the country. Falling on Trump's 79th birthday, the parade was added just a few weeks ago to the Army's long-planned 250th anniversary celebration. It has triggered criticism for its price tag of up to $45 million and the possibility that the lumbering tanks could tear up city streets. The Army has taken a variety of steps to protect the streets, including laying metal plates down along the route. The daylong display of America's Army comes as Trump has shown his willingness to use his fighting forces in ways other U.S. presidents have typically avoided, inviting an array of lawsuits and accusations that he is politicizing the military. He has deployed the California National Guard and U.S. Marines to provide security during Los Angeles protests tied to immigration raids. It marks the first time in 60 years that a president activated the National Guard on federal orders inside a state without a governor's permission, and California Gov. Gavin Newsom has filed a lawsuit to stop the deployments. Earlier in the week, Trump raised eyebrows during a speech at Fort Bragg when members of the 82nd Airborne Division were directed to stand behind Trump and they booed and cheered during his incendiary remarks, including condemnation of his predecessor, Joe Biden. There also was a pop-up 'Make America Great Again' merchandise stand nearby selling souvenirs to troops in uniform. The Defense Department has a doctrine that prohibits troops from participating in political activity while in uniform. Members of Congress and military leaders have expressed concerns about the political displays during the speech at Fort Bragg. Trump so far has shrugged off concerns about the parade cost, the rainy forecast and the potential for protests. 'What a day it will be!!!' Trump wrote on his social media site, adding later that he hoped the weather would cooperate but that if it doesn't, 'that brings you good luck. That's OK too. Doesn't matter. Doesn't affect the tanks at all. Doesn't affect the soldiers. They're used to it. They're tough. Smart.' As for the protests, he warned that 'they will be met with very big force.' The 'No Kings' rallies planned in hundreds of cities nationwide are meant to counter what organizers say are Trump's plans to feed his ego on his 79th birthday and Flag Day. No protests are scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., however, and officials have said they so far have no indication of any security threat. About 6 in 10 Americans say Saturday's parade is 'not a good use' of government money, including the vast majority of people, 78%, who neither approve nor disapprove of the parade overall, according to a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The parade will wind down Constitution Avenue, which is already lined with security fencing and barriers. Army helicopters and aircraft will fly above, and the march will be capped off by a parachute jump, a concert featuring 'God Bless the U.S.A.' singer Lee Greenwood and fireworks. With rain expected, there is a chance the parade could be interrupted by thunderstorms. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly has said the march will go on rain or shine. But it could be delayed if there is lightning, with authorities quick to empty the expansive National Mall if it happens during major events. The parade fulfills Trump's expressed desire for a big parade that he tried to get done in his first presidential term after seeing one in France on Bastille Day in 2017. Trump said that after watching the two-hour procession along the famed Champs-Élysées, he wanted an even grander one on Pennsylvania Avenue. The Army expects as many as 200,000 people could attend the festival and parade. The festival will begin around 9:30 a.m. EDT and feature fitness competitions, demonstrations, equipment displays, music and a cake-cutting ceremony. The parade is set to begin at 6:30 p.m. EDT, but parts of it — including the horse-drawn caissons and other units — start at the Pentagon, head over a bridge and meet up with some of the heavier tanks and equipment. Officials did not want the more-than-60-ton M1A1 Abrams tanks and Stryker vehicles crossing the bridge. Timed down to the minute, the march will be divided into sections by history — with equipment and troops in full dress from each period. It will include a total of 6,169 soldiers and 128 Army tanks, armored personnel carriers and artillery, while 62 aircraft fly overhead. At the end of the parade, Trump will swear in 250 new or reenlisting troops, and the Army's Golden Knights parachute team will jump onto the Mall. That will be followed by the concert and fireworks. ____ Associated Press writers Michelle L. Price and Tara Copp contributed to this report.
