Political leaders and policy experts convened in Toronto on Saturday for the 2026 Global Progress Action Summit, a day-long forum co-hosted by Canada 2020 and the Center for American Progress Action Fund (CAPAF) focused on economic security, democracy, and global cooperation. Prime Minister Mark Carney headlined the event alongside federal ministers Mélanie Joly, Anita Anand, and François-Philippe Champagne. Former U.S. president Barack Obama attended, though current U.S. President Donald Trump did not. Joly opened the summit with a discussion featuring former U.S. transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg, during which she emphasized the global ripple effects of American policy. "What is going on in the U.S. doesn't stay in the U.S. It has an impact across the world," Joly said. Anand expanded on cross-border dynamics, stating that trade diversification is necessary due to the breakdown of the global trading order. She noted that people on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border seek long-term growth between the nations. Carney addressed ongoing tariffs on steel, aluminum, and autos, maintaining that Canada still has the best trade deal with the United States, with over 85 per cent of goods moving tariff-free. He expressed openness to deeper integration with the U.S., including a "Fortress North America" model in certain sectors, but added that Canada would pivot to new markets and products if integration stalls. "If that route is not ultimately possible, we will invest heavily in new markets and products," Carney said. "We will reward those who build, buy and produce in Canada." He also outlined Canada's upcoming AI strategy, emphasizing public demand for safe, sovereign technology that boosts economic opportunity and strengthens services. In his closing remarks, Carney urged bold economic action, stating, "We have to take risks again. Because in a crisis, fortune favors the bold." Sessions throughout the day covered artificial intelligence, digital transformation, democratic institutions, and foreign affairs.
Carney promotes deeper North American integration while preparing to abandon it if necessary, revealing a strategy built on contradiction. His call to "take risks again" comes without specifying who will bear the cost if those risks fail. The summit included no African leaders or direct references to Africa, leaving any global solidarity implied but unacted upon. No Nigerian or African economic interests were mentioned in the discussions or commitments made.
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