June 16, 2025

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I welcome you here, and I’d like to acknowledge the history of this place.

We are on the traditional territory of the Blackfoot Confederacy Nations of the Kainai, Piikani, and Siksika, and the Stoney Nakoda Nations comprised of the Bearspaw, Chiniki, and Goodstoney First Nations, and the Tsuut’ina First Nation.

We also acknowledge the Otipemisiwak Métis People and Government who reside on this territory and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.

I hope you are enjoying what this land offers. The trees, the clear lakes and rivers, the stunning mountains.

Sadly, not far from this beautiful scenery, many communities are battling wildfires. People across Western Canada have been forced to leave their homes and communities behind. The surrounding habitat and wildlife have been destroyed by fire.

We are fortunate to be here together today. This year marks 50 years since the G7 process began - five decades of cooperation among members. Leaders of the G-6 first met in 1975, in Rambouillet, France. It was their response to a world shaken by economic uncertainty. With that first Summit, the Group of Six declared their united commitment to work together on global issues. Together, they would face crisis and uncertainty head on, with boldness, creativity and conviction. Canada joined the following year. 

In Kananaskis, we can use this time together to strengthen the future of our energy security. There is great power in working and learning together, with mutual respect.

Working together is also the only way we can transfer hope to our young people. I had some brief discussions tonight  with some delegates, head of states, about how important it is to engage our young people. The population is changing very rapidly. Even where I come from in the Arctic, most of the people that live in the north are young people, we really have to get them engaged. 

We need to be listening to each other. Being curious about different points of view. It’s a good place to start. That is the value in diplomacy. We accept that we don’t have to agree. And then we carry on with the conversation. By getting to know our neighbours, we gain a greater understanding of their ideas. Of their struggles.

The power of your conversations here will bring new paths to peace. New paths to energy security. New prosperity to our citizens. As we move from place to place, From hotel to highway to meeting rooms, We are just one part of a much bigger picture. An interconnected system of air, water, land, and wildlife. Each part of that system of nature is necessary, and each relies on the others. And so it is with us.

On behalf of all Canadians – thank you for what you bring to this Summit. I wish you productive conversations tomorrow. Right now, let’s enjoy this chance to talk to each other.

I would like to raise my glass to all of the leaders in this room: May you embrace the power of our unity, and its ability to further peace and security in the world.