G7 Speakers Convene in Canada to Address Global Challenges to Democracy
OTTAWA – In a significant display of unity, 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 summit. The meeting, hosted by Canadian House of Commons Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia, underscored the G7’s commitment to democratic principles and served as a platform for international collaboration in addressing the evolving global landscape. The discreet location of the meeting, a government conference centre in Chelsea, was revealed only on the morning of the event. This gathering marks a continuation of Canada’s G7 presidency, which has facilitated numerous high-level meetings throughout the year.
Speaker Scarpaleggia opened the proceedings by emphasizing the critical need for democracies to strengthen their resolve and work collectively to counter emerging threats. He highlighted the importance of open dialogue among G7 partners regarding the challenges facing democratic institutions. Among the key issues on the agenda are the ongoing war in Ukraine, the rise of populist movements, the spread of misinformation, and foreign interference in elections. The presence of Ukrainian Parliament Chairman Ruslan Stefanchuk further emphasized the G7’s continued support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and its efforts to end the conflict.
The attendance of US House Speaker Mike Johnson, a close ally of former President Donald Trump, added a layer of complexity to the discussions. Johnson’s presence sparked speculation regarding the direction of US foreign policy and its alignment with the broader G7 agenda. Given the recent shift in the US political landscape, discussions surrounding transatlantic relations and potential areas of cooperation and disagreement are expected to be central to the summit’s proceedings. The absence of Japan’s House Speaker Fukushiro Nukaga was noted, though the reasons for his non-attendance were not immediately clear.
Scarpaleggia underscored the importance of fostering political consensus within legislative chambers while mitigating the increasing polarization that poses a significant threat to democratic processes. The meeting provided an opportune moment for Speakers to share best practices and strategize on effective ways to bridge divides and promote constructive dialogue within their respective parliaments. The discussions aimed to identify common challenges and explore strategies for strengthening democratic institutions against both internal and external pressures.
The historical context of the meeting was also acknowledged. The first meeting of the Speakers of the Lower Houses of the G7 was held in Canada in 2002, signifying the enduring importance of this forum for international collaboration. The 2025 meeting builds on this tradition, reflecting the ongoing need for dialogue and cooperation among leading democratic nations. The chosen location of Chelsea, Quebec, provided a secure and conducive environment for frank and confidential discussions among the participants.
The G7 Speakers’ meeting is not merely a symbolic gathering. It represents a concrete commitment by leading democracies to work together to address common challenges. The summit provides a crucial platform for sharing experiences, coordinating strategies, and ultimately, strengthening democratic principles and institutions worldwide. The outcomes of this weekend’s meeting will likely shape future collaborations and inform policy decisions within the G7 nations and beyond. The summit concludes on Saturday, after which official statements and potential joint initiatives are expected to be announced.
