As Canada prepares to host the G7 foreign ministers' meeting, Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly is poised to tackle important issues, especially regarding the rising trade tensions with the United States.

Before the meeting, Joly shared her worries about the repercussions of U.S. trade actions, stating, "If they can treat us, their closest ally, this way, then no one is safe." This remark highlights Canada's stance in the face of escalating trade disputes.

While the formal agenda will address matters like Ukraine, the Middle East, Haiti, and Venezuela, Joly intends to push for unified action in response to U.S. tariffs that have affected Canadian sectors.

Since the Trump administration imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, Canada has responded with countermeasures, implementing tariffs on about $20 billion worth of U.S. goods.

Central to the trade conflict is the issue of Canadian sovereignty, further aggravated by Donald Trump's comments that have been seen as threats of annexation.

Joly has been vocal in emphasizing that Canada will not yield to U.S. pressure.

She has pointed out the need for Canada to enhance its partnerships with European countries regarding military collaboration and defense capabilities to protect its sovereignty.

In light of the rising tensions, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has tried to minimize Trump's remarks, suggesting they stem from a belief that Canada could gain economically by becoming the 51st U.S. state.

Rubio noted, "He says that if they were to become the 51st state, we wouldn't have to worry about the border and fentanyl crossing over because we would be able to manage that."

The relationship between the United States and Canada has soured, indicated by Trump's consideration of imposing further tariffs on imports from Canada.

This ongoing trade conflict has created a sense of uncertainty regarding Canada’s independence among its populace.

According to Joly, the G7 meeting will concentrate on these urgent issues.

Rubio recognized the summit's agenda, clarifying, "That's what the meeting is about. It is not a meeting on how we're going to take over Canada," highlighting the strained relations between the two countries.

With Canada on the verge of swearing in a new prime minister, Mark Carney has also labeled the current trade strife as an "economic and sovereign crisis." He has committed to resisting Trump's attempts to assert control over Canada and Greenland, emphasizing, "The Americans desire our resources, our water, our land, our country." Outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in his farewell address, underscored the significance of defending democratic values, stating, "Democracy is not a given. Freedom is not a given. Even Canada is not a given."