VANCOUVER – Canada once held a strong reputation as a reliable middle power, respected for steady leadership, economic stability, and a clear voice among world democracies. In the past, its presence at the G7 table reflected this status.
During the administrations of Justin Trudeau and, later, Mark Carney, many observers say Canada’s global influence has faded. Critics point out that the country now seems to follow international trends, sometimes at the expense of its priorities.
Canada has missed out on important meetings, like recent talks focused on Ukraine, and some allies now see it as less of a key player. This article looks at how Canada’s global image has suffered, how it has lost ground in major discussions, what close alignment with the World Economic Forum (WEF) has meant, and why it now struggles to keep up with rapid changes around the world.
Canada’s Place in the G7
Canada joined the G7 in 1976, not only because of its economic weight, but also due to its reputation for thoughtful diplomacy. The country helped shape major policies and promoted values like democracy and human rights. Canada’s record in peacekeeping, environmental programs, and disaster aid helped it stand out among its peers. During the Cold War, the country acted as a go-between for the US and Europe, building bridges within the alliance.
Previous governments, no matter their stripe, hosted important G7 summits. The Toronto Summit in 1988 and the Huntsville Summit in 2010 demonstrated Canada’s ability to bring world leaders together to tackle major issues, from economic reforms to healthcare in developing countries. At the 2018 G7 summit in Charlevoix, Quebec, Canada secured almost $3.8 billion for girls’ education in conflict zones, proving it could still drive global initiatives.
Despite these successes, growing criticism has emerged since 2015. Many believe that the Liberal government shifted focus from real policy to symbolic actions. The 2018 summit, for instance, ended with disagreement between then-US President Donald Trump and Trudeau, which broke the usual unity seen at these gatherings. These events signalled a turn in Canada’s influence among allies, worsened by internal disagreements and foreign policy decisions that have been called shortsighted.
Shut Out of Ukraine Talks: A New Low
Canada suffered a major setback to its international role in early 2025. When the White House hosted allies for discussions about the war in Ukraine, Canada was left off the invite list.
This was surprising since Canada had donated $5 billion to help Ukraine, hoping to unlock frozen Russian assets for Kyiv. Yet, other G7 nations, including the US, UK, France, and Germany, discussed major decisions without Canadian input. Social media posts captured the frustration, with users calling Canada “irrelevant unless someone wants money from us.”
Missing from such talks shows just how much Canada’s reputation has slipped. In recent years, Canada worked hard on efforts like Russia sanctions, yet its exclusion shows that partners no longer see it as essential for tough negotiations.
Instead, Canada is viewed as a source of funding but not of leadership or strategy. In the past, Canada played a big part in shaping NATO’s strategy in Eastern Europe and bringing G7 members together on big security issues, but its role has changed.
Close Ties to the World Economic Forum
One key reason for this shift, according to many critics, is the Liberal government’s strong ties with the World Economic Forum. Figures like Justin Trudeau, Chrystia Freeland, and Mark Carney have appeared at WEF events or held WEF-linked roles.
Trudeau and Freeland were named Young Global Leaders by the forum, and Freeland joined its board of trustees. Carney, a former central banker, is seen as closely linked to WEF ideas like stakeholder capitalism and goals for net-zero emissions.
Canadian policy has picked up several WEF-backed projects, like digital ID programs and the Agile Nations Charter. Some critics argue these efforts skipped proper debate in Parliament. These policies are described as modern, but many Canadians worry about loss of privacy and less control over personal choices, deepening mistrust in federal leadership.
Canada’s adoption of WEF-inspired ideas has also created distance between Ottawa and Washington, especially since the US, under its most recent administration, showed more skepticism toward groups like the WEF.
Changing Global Dynamics and Canada’s Slow Response
Major shifts in global politics and economics have changed the way countries work together. The G7 is often seen as less important today, with new groups like BRICS+ (which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) gaining ground. Under Liberal leadership, Canada kept its focus on a mostly Western approach, struggling to respond to broader changes.
When it comes to climate action, Canada’s track record is mixed. The Liberals signed on to agreements like the Paris climate deal and promoted plans such as the Ocean Plastics Charter. At the same time, critics point to support for projects like the Keystone XL pipeline as evidence of mixed messages.
During the 2023 G7 climate meetings, Canada pushed back against Japan’s proposal to delay closing coal plants but did not step forward to lead global moves on ending the use of fossil fuels. As a result, environmental groups have called Ottawa’s approach inadequate. Meanwhile, groups like the G20, which include China and India, are having a bigger say on climate issues, and the G7 seems to be losing impact.
Canada is also under growing pressure from US tariffs, which have hurt relations inside the G7 and reminded everyone of the country’s heavy reliance on American markets. Liberal policies focused on things like carbon pricing and supporting renewable energy have not fully addressed these economic pressures.
Canada could do more in areas such as critical minerals and building better supply chains, but critics note there is no clear plan. This has left Canada vulnerable, especially as countries like China make big moves to secure resources.
Domestic Discontent and Missed Chances
Inside Canada, the Liberal government faces its share of criticism over a lack of direction and leadership. The switch from Trudeau to Carney in 2025 did not bring the change many hoped for. Instead, some see a continuation of policies influenced by the WEF, not a true reset. This has led to rising frustration among voters and groups who believe Ottawa’s priorities are not matching the needs of Canadians.
Voices from civil society and opposition parties, including figures like Leslyn Lewis, point out that the government’s focus on global partnerships sometimes takes priority over everyday concerns at home. These critics argue that Canada’s leaders should do more to protect jobs, address security, and boost the country’s voice abroad.
Canada’s drop in status on the world stage is the result of several combined factors: missing key international meetings, close alignment with WEF policies, and slow response to a fast-changing world order.
While past governments from both sides of the aisle helped build Canada’s trusted reputation, recent years have seen a slide that many believe could be reversed with a greater focus on the country’s strengths, more direct engagement with major partners, and policies that respond to the changing needs of Canadians and the rest of the world.
