With just one week remaining until the G7 leaders convene in Alberta, Prime Minister Mark Carney has outlined his priorities for the summit, which will take place in Kananaskis from June 15 to 17. Carney's agenda aims to address significant international issues while navigating a complex guest list that highlights tensions in Canada’s foreign relations.

On Saturday, Carney emphasized that Canada will pursue agreements and coordinated action on three main objectives. The first priority is to enhance peace and security, which includes countering foreign interference and transnational crime, as well as improving responses to wildfires.

The second focus is on building energy security and accelerating the digital transition. This involves strengthening critical mineral supply chains and leveraging artificial intelligence to stimulate economic growth.

Finally, Carney stated that Canada aims to forge new partnerships that will attract substantial private investment. This investment is intended to bolster infrastructure, create higher-paying jobs, and foster competitive markets for businesses.

These international goals align closely with Carney's domestic initiatives. Recently, the Liberal government introduced the One Canadian Economy bill, designed to eliminate internal trade barriers and expedite nation-building infrastructure projects, such as pipelines. This legislation is seen as a strategy to fortify Canada against economic pressures from the United States.

Many provinces are eager to engage with Carney's nation-building plans, particularly those looking to increase critical mineral extraction. British Columbia's Energy Minister Adrian Dix highlighted the North Coast Transmission Line project, which aims to expand the province's electricity system and facilitate more mineral extraction in the northwest. "It's a project that exists. We're working with First Nations on [it] right now. That's a significant project," Dix stated.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford is advocating for the designation of the mineral-rich Ring of Fire as a special economic zone. This would allow cabinet to exempt companies and projects from provincial laws and regulations. Ford has prioritized the Ring of Fire in his discussions with Carney regarding potential nation-building projects.

However, Carney's invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sparked controversy. This comes in the wake of allegations from the RCMP linking the Indian government to serious crimes in Canada, including murder and extortion. Carney defended the invitation, stating that Canada and India have agreed to continue law enforcement dialogue, indicating some progress in their relationship.

Liberal MP Sukh Dhaliwal, representing the Surrey riding where Canadian Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar was killed, expressed concerns from his constituents regarding Modi's invitation. The Sikh Federation of Canada labeled the invitation as "a grave insult."

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has also been invited to the G7 summit, but her attendance remains uncertain. This uncertainty reflects ongoing diplomatic tensions, as some Canadian premiers have suggested pursuing a new trade agreement solely with the United States, sidelining Mexico.

Arturo Sarukhán, a former Mexican ambassador to the U.S., urged Sheinbaum to attend, suggesting it could help reset relations between Canada and Mexico. He noted that a meeting between Carney and Sheinbaum could facilitate discussions with Donald Trump regarding the renegotiation of the North American free trade deal.

Sarukhán warned that the outcome of these negotiations might lead to separate trade agreements between the U.S. and Canada, and between the U.S. and Mexico, which could undermine North American competitiveness in the global market.