Toronto: The Canadian government has firmly stated that there is “no way” Russia will be allowed back into the G7, a group made up of seven wealthy countries. Canada is hosting the G7 meeting this year in Kananaskis, Alberta, from June 15 to 17.
During a press conference at the Munich Security Conference in Germany, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly said there will be no invitation for Russia to return. When asked if this was discussed with other countries, she responded, “No, we didn’t. I am telling you Canada’s position: No way this will happen.”
Russia was kicked out of the G8 group back in 2014 after it took control of Crimea, a part of Ukraine. Recently, US President Donald Trump expressed that he wanted Russia to be part of the group again, saying, “I’d love to have them back. It was a mistake to throw them out.”
Canada first proposed that Russia leave the G8 during Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s time. Responding to Trump’s comments, the current leader of the Conservative Party, Pierre Poilievre, said on social media, “Russia should not be welcomed back into the G7. Their illegal actions in Crimea still stand.”
Canada is facing political changes as well. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced plans to resign once a new party leader is chosen, which should happen by March 9. This means he will not be the Prime Minister during the G7 summit.
India, which was invited to past G7 meetings since 2019, might not be invited this year due to current tensions. These tensions escalated after Trudeau alleged that Indian agents might be linked to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan activist in Surrey, British Columbia, three months earlier. New Delhi has denied these claims and reduced its number of Canadian diplomats in India.
As of now, Canada hasn’t announced which countries will be invited to this year’s G7, marking the 50th anniversary of the group.
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