Canada has still not set a date for the North American Leaders' Summit, raising the possibility it won't take place this year. United States President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau listen to Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador speak during a joint news conference as they take their seats for a meeting at the at the North American Leaders Summit, in Mexico City, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
OTTAWA – Canada has yet to set a date for the North American Leaders’ Summit, but Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he’s still aiming to host the gathering this year.
Hosting duties rotate between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico for the annual series of meetings on transnational issues such as immigration and drug trafficking.
Canada agreed last year to host the next summit, and Mexican Foreign Affairs Minister Alicia Bárcena said in February that it would take place in Quebec in April.
Global Affairs Canada would not say whether it will take place this year, or where, though Trudeau says the Liberals “still intend to hold it in 2024.”
Mexico heads to the polls on June 2, while the U.S. election takes place Nov. 5.
Bruce Heyman, U.S. ambassador to Canada during the Obama administration, says the most important thing is that the summit eventually happen, adding these meetings could help limit the effect of trade and border restrictions if Donald Trump is elected.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 16, 2024.
