G7 Speakers Convene in Canada to Address Global Challenges to Democracy
OTTAWA – In a significant display of unity and collaboration, Speakers of the lower houses of the G7 nations, along with representatives from the European Parliament and Ukraine, gathered in Chelsea, Quebec, on Friday for a two-day meeting to address the escalating threats to democracy worldwide. Hosted by Canadian House of Commons Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia, the meeting underscored the G7’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and finding solutions to the complex challenges facing democratic institutions globally. The discreet location of the meeting, a government conference centre in Chelsea, was revealed only shortly before the event.
The presence of U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a close ally of President Donald Trump, added a layer of intrigue to the gathering, given the ongoing debates surrounding the political climate in the United States. Representatives from France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the European Parliament also participated actively in the discussions. Notably absent was Japan’s House Speaker Fukushiro Nukaga. The meeting coincided with Canada’s presidency of the G7, which entails a series of gatherings throughout the year focusing on various critical global issues.
In his opening address, Speaker Scarpaleggia emphasized the G7’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amid the ongoing conflict. He called upon the assembled leaders to engage in frank and open discussions about the multifaceted dangers confronting democratic systems. “Together, in the face of an increasingly unpredictable global order, we must work harder and recommit to democratic ideals and principles,” Scarpaleggia declared, highlighting the importance of free and fair elections, respect for human rights, and adherence to the rule of law.
A central theme of the meeting revolved around the growing polarization within legislative chambers and the urgent need to foster political consensus. Scarpaleggia expressed his eagerness to explore strategies for bridging divides and promoting constructive dialogue within parliaments. He underscored the significance of the G7’s collective efforts in safeguarding democratic values and strengthening democratic institutions in the face of rising authoritarianism and misinformation.
The gathering provided a platform for the Speakers to share best practices, exchange insights, and forge stronger partnerships to address shared challenges. The presence of the chairman of Ukraine’s parliament emphasized the international community’s solidarity with Ukraine and its commitment to supporting the country’s democratic aspirations. The discussions focused on practical measures to enhance democratic resilience, combat disinformation, and promote inclusivity and participation in the political process.
This meeting marked a continuation of a tradition initiated in 2002 when Canada first hosted the Speakers of the G7 lower houses. It serves as a vital forum for strengthening inter-parliamentary cooperation and reaffirming the G7’s commitment to defending democratic values and promoting a rules-based international order. The outcomes of the discussions are expected to shape future collaborations and inform policy decisions aimed at bolstering democracy worldwide. The meeting concluded on Saturday, with participants expressing optimism about the potential for collective action to safeguard democratic principles in an increasingly complex global landscape.