Carney seeks stronger trade and diplomatic ties at Commonwealth summit

ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA — Prime Minister Mark Carney is participating in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting on Tuesday, November 3, as Canada seeks to strengthen international trade partnerships and expand its diplomatic engagement amid growing global economic uncertainty.

The gathering brings together leaders from the Commonwealth’s 56 member countries to discuss trade, investment, climate resilience, international security and cooperation on shared political and economic challenges.

Carney began his visit with a meeting with Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne, followed by a working breakfast with Caribbean leaders. Discussions focused on expanding bilateral trade and investment, energy cooperation, climate adaptation and the particular challenges facing small island developing states.

The Canadian prime minister is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Guyanese President Irfaan Ali and Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama.

The summit comes as Ottawa pursues a broader strategy of diversifying Canada’s commercial relationships and reducing its economic vulnerability to the United States, where ongoing trade disputes and tariffs have complicated bilateral relations.

For Canada, the Commonwealth provides a diplomatic platform linking major economies and developing countries across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe and the Pacific.

Carney is expected to participate in two executive sessions and attend a reception and dinner hosted by King Charles III before returning to Ottawa.

The government’s participation reflects its efforts to expand international partnerships while navigating an increasingly uncertain global trade environment.