NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has become the first Canadian political figure to advocate for uninviting U.S. President Donald Trump from the forthcoming G7 summit in Canada.
“Why would we invite someone who threatens our sovereignty and economic well-being? Why would we invite someone who threatens the economic well-being of allies and threatens the world’s stability? Why would we allow a convicted criminal into our country?” Singh stated.
Singh, speaking in Quebec on Wednesday at the Montreal Council on Foreign Relations, emphasized continued support for Ukraine and the recognition of Palestinian statehood.
The G7, comprising seven of the world’s wealthiest nations and the European Union, rotates its presidency annually, culminating in a leaders’ summit. Canada is set to host this year’s summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, from June 15 to 17.
When approached for a response to Singh’s remarks, the Prime Minister’s Office declined to comment. Energy Minister Jonathan Wilkinson criticized Singh’s proposal, suggesting it “made very little sense” and urged Singh to seek advisors who could provide more thoughtful positions.
“President Trump obviously has said a number of things that have offended Canadians,” Wilkinson noted. “I have been very offended and I have been quite angry about some of the things that he has said.
“We need to find pathways to work with the Americans. We are not going to sort of cut ourselves off and float into the ocean. They are going to be our neighbours going forward.”
In addition to excluding Trump, Singh advocates for the summit to focus on building a unified front against the U.S. president.
“Canada’s turn as host of the G7 should be a summit on how the world can work together to resist Donald Trump,” Singh asserted.
Beyond the G7, Singh committed to strengthening diplomatic and economic alliances with nations such as Mexico, New Zealand, and Australia to counteract Trump’s policies.
Singh also labeled Trump a “fascist,” echoing previous comments from former NDP leader Tom Mulcair.
“What do you call a guy who threatens his allies including with the use of military force, spreads disinformation, proclaims he is above the law and fires anyone who won’t do what he says — even those in law enforcement and the military? A fascist,” Singh remarked.
NDP MP Charlie Angus has sponsored a petition initiated by Albertan Gerard Aldridge, which has garnered over 23,000 signatures. The petition urges the Canadian government to deny Trump entry due to his criminal conviction and actions while in office.
Angus has also backed a petition to revoke the Canadian citizenship of Trump ally Elon Musk.
Singh’s foreign policy address at the Montreal Council on Foreign Relations outlined additional commitments an NDP government would undertake, including increasing foreign aid.
“Unlike Pierre Poilievre who promises to cut foreign aid, I will increase Canadian foreign aid to achieve the goals that the Liberals have abandoned,” Singh pledged.
The NDP also proposes establishing a “quick response force” ready to deploy on United Nations peacekeeping missions.
Singh reiterated the party’s support for enhancing the Canadian Armed Forces with advanced tools and replacing outdated equipment.
He also called for investments in new marine and rescue stations and strengthening the Canadian Rangers.
However, Singh did not commit to meeting NATO’s target of allocating two percent of gross domestic product to defense spending.
Canada is among eight NATO allies estimated to be falling short of this target and has faced ongoing criticism from partners. A NATO report from last year estimated Canada’s defense spending at approximately 1.37 percent of GDP in 2024.
In January, Canada’s defense minister committed to reaching the spending target by 2027.
Source: Swifteradio.com
