Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks at a Sunday press conference in Johannesburg during the G20 summit. He has moved away from the feminist foreign policy approach used by former prime minister Justin Trudeau. The Canadian Press
Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada no longer follows what past Liberal governments called a feminist foreign policy. His comments mark a clear break from the approach promoted by Justin Trudeau and his former cabinet ministers. Carney made the statement during a press conference in Johannesburg, where he attended a major G20 summit.
Carney explained that issues like gender equality remain important, but he will not label the country’s foreign policy as feminist. The shift ends years of public commitment to that approach.
A Policy That Never Became Official
The previous government announced a feminist foreign policy in 2017 and continued using the term publicly for years. Officials even promised a detailed document in 2020. However, no completed policy ever reached the public.
Trudeau’s foreign ministers spoke about the approach often. In 2020, François-Philippe Champagne said, “Canada is proud to have a feminist foreign policy.” The government also introduced a feminist foreign-aid strategy that same year, aiming for almost all bilateral aid projects to support gender equality.
Carney has not followed that model. His mandate letters to ministers did not mention feminism or gender equality. He also has not named a replacement for the country’s first ambassador on women, peace, and security.
G20 Summit Highlights Tensions
Carney’s comments came during a historic G20 meeting, the first held on African soil. Leaders of the world’s largest economies met to discuss global issues, including gender-related concerns, which South Africa emphasized strongly.
U.S. President Donald Trump skipped the summit. His absence stood out, especially since he also opposed the joint declaration released by G20 members. Carney said multilateral cooperation remains strong despite Trump’s views.
“That is a consensus of governments representing three-quarters of the world’s population,” he said. Carney stressed that broad participation shows progress, even as global cooperation faces major tests.
Carney’s African Visit and New Talks
Carney’s trip to South Africa marked his first visit to sub-Saharan Africa as Prime Minister. He announced new talks on a potential investment protection deal with South Africa. He said Canada also completed talks on a nuclear co-operation agreement and will welcome a South African trade mission next year.
Carney also spoke with an African Union leader about increasing Canada’s engagement with the continent’s new free-trade agreement. But he admitted Africa is not his top priority. He said Canada must focus on countries where returns on trade and investment are higher.
Relations With the United States
Carney said he has not spoken recently with Trump. He expects they will speak within two weeks but says no pressing issue requires urgent discussion. He added that Canada remains ready to talk trade whenever the United States is prepared.
