Antigua: Amid ongoing uncertainty in trade relations with the United States, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is moving to strengthen new international partnerships. At the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda, Canada is prioritizing key issues including trade, security, and climate action.
A central focus of the summit is an initiative to double intra-Commonwealth trade by 2030. This effort aligns directly with the Carney government’s policy to reduce dependence on the United States and diversify Canada’s trade network.
Canada also aims to deepen ties across the Caribbean. Prime Minister Carney is set to hold bilateral talks with Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, alongside discussions with other Caribbean leaders to cover trade, investment, climate action, and regional security.
In addition, Canada’s commitment to provide $13 billion over the next five years to help developing nations combat climate change will feature prominently at the summit, coinciding with calls for increased financial support to help small island nations handle climate risks.
The summit is also expected to address the British Empire’s historic role in the transatlantic slave trade and calls for reparations. Canadian officials noted that Canada acknowledges the long-term impact of slavery and supports open dialogue on the matter.
Uncertainty generated by US President Donald Trump’s trade policies remains a major topic in the background of the summit. Canada views the Commonwealth platform as a key opportunity to expand cooperation with member states independently of US and Chinese influence.
