Ahead of the Group of Seven (G7) summit, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is taking a more tempered approach toward U.S. President Donald Trump, as trade issues remain central to the discussions. Earlier in the year, Carney drew attention for remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos that positioned Canada and other middle powers as defending a rules-based global order and resisting “coercion” by larger countries. Multiple outlets report that, in the current lead-up to the G7, Carney is easing the tone of his messaging toward Washington.
A key element of the shift involves comments attributed to Trump suggesting Canada could become the “51st state.” Rather than directly escalating the dispute, Carney’s approach is described as downplaying those remarks. The outlets also link the timing to the broader stakes for Canada–U.S. trade, with leaders expected to engage on economic relationships and policy direction as part of the G7 context. Overall, the reporting depicts a move from sharper rhetoric earlier in the year toward a more cautious stance while maintaining Canada’s focus on trade and its interests within the international system.
