Canada and the G7
The Group of Seven (G7) is an informal partnership of advanced economies. Members include Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, along with the European Union.
On this page
Overview
The G7 brings together advanced democratic economies to address global challenges. Leaders, ministers and officials meet regularly to coordinate responses to economic, security and other international issues. Over the years, key areas of cooperation have included:
- global economic stability and resilience
- international peace and security
- emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence
As a G7 member, Canada works with members to advance priorities that support Canadians, secure partnerships, and help build a more resilient global economy.
How the G7 works
Canada joined the G7 in 1976. Leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States formed the group to coordinate responses to global economic challenges. The European Union began participating in 1977.
The G7 operates by consensus and does not have a treaty or permanent secretariat.
Annual presidency and meetings
The presidency rotates each year among member countries in the following order:
- France
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- Japan
- Italy
- Canada
The European Union does not take part in the rotation.
The G7 member holding the presidency:
- sets priorities for the year
- hosts the G7 Leaders’ Summit
- organizes ministerial meetings and related events
Work throughout the year
The G7 works year-round, not only during the Leaders’ Summit. Leaders and ministers may hold additional meetings to address urgent global challenges. Ministers, expert groups and working groups meet regularly to advance commitments
Engagement with stakeholders
Independent stakeholder groups, known as G7 engagement groups, provide recommendations each year. Many hold their own meetings or summits before the Leaders’ Summit.
Engagement groups include:
- Business 7 (B7)
- Civil Society 7 (C7)
- Labour 7 (L7)
- Science 7 (S7)
- Think Tank 7 (T7)
- Women 7 (W7)
- Youth 7 (Y7)
Canadian officials also engage with civil society organizations throughout the year to inform Canada’s participation in the G7.
Gender Equality Advisory Council
In 2018, Canada created the G7 Gender Equality Advisory Council (GEAC). This independent body provides recommendations to advance gender equality in the G7 and globally.
One example of GEAC’s impact is the G7 Dashboard for Gender Gaps, launched in 2022 following a GEAC recommendation. The G7 Dashboard on Gender Gaps provides an annual overview of gender gaps covering a range of topics across G7 countries.
The GEAC has met nearly every year since its creation, including during Canada’s G7 presidency in 2025.
Canada’s G7 presidencies
G7 Summit in Kananaskis
Canada held the 2025 G7 Presidency and hosted the Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, from June 15-17. The G7 in 2025 advanced work under shared priorities of protecting our communities and the world, building energy security and accelerating the digital transition, and securing the partnerships of the future.
At the Kananaskis Summit, leaders agreed to work collectively in multiple areas of work, including
- Securing critical minerals supply chains
- Adopting, powering, and sharing artificial intelligence
- Collaborating on quantum innovation
- Preventing, fighting, and recovering from wildfires
- Countering foreign interference, including transnational repression
- Fighting transnational crime, such as migrant smuggling
Canada also engaged non G7 partners throughout its presidency, including G7 engagement groups, the private sector, civil society, and Indigenous Peoples. Canada also actioned and followed up on leaders’ commitments by convening ministerial meetings.
Meetings of G7 ministers in 2025:
- Finance
- Foreign Affairs
- Development
- Interior and Security
- Labour and Employment
- Energy and Environment
- Digital Technology
Canada’s 2025 G7 Presidency advanced practical and measurable progress.
As G7 President, Canada delivered historic investments and forged new partnerships, positioning itself as a steadfast defender of multilateralism, a force for peace and cooperation, and a global leader in multiple fields including energy, technology, and defence.
Canada’s past G7 presidencies
Canada has hosted seven G7 Leaders’ Summits to date:
- Kananaskis, Alberta (2025)
- Charlevoix, Quebec (2018)
- Muskoka, Ontario (2010)
- Kananaskis, Alberta (2002)
- Halifax, Nova Scotia (1995)
- Toronto, Ontario (1988)
- Ottawa-Montebello, Ontario-Quebec (1981)
Canada has demonstrated global leadership in past G7 presidencies. For example, in 2018, the Charlevoix Summit delivered a landmark CAN$4.4 billion global commitment supporting girls’ and women’s education, especially in crisis and conflict settings. And in 2010, the Muskoka Initiative mobilized US$7.3 billion for maternal, newborn, and child health.
Reports
Explore official reports that highlight Canada’s active role and contributions to the G7, outlining key priorities and outcomes from each summit.
- G7 Comprehensive Accountability Report
- G7 Financial Report on Agri-Food Systems
- 2025 G7 Nuclear Safety and Security Group Chair’s Report
News, declarations and statements
Latest official Government of Canada news items, declarations, statements, and announcements.
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