PRIME MINISTER STEPHEN HARPER CONCLUDES SUCCESSFUL G-7 SUMMIT IN ELMAU

Introduction

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today concluded a two day trip to Elmau, Germany, where he participated in the 2015 G-7 Summit. During the Summit, G-7 leaders discussed key foreign policy and security challenges, including Russia’s continued aggression in Ukraine, as well as the threat posed by the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

Leaders also emphasized that global economic growth remains persistently weak and increasingly uneven. They explored ways in which the G-7 could play a leadership role in efforts to strengthen the recovery, particularly in boosting near-term demand and implementing structural reforms.

Development issues, including food security, health, and women’s economic empowerment were also discussed. Prime Minister Harper urged his G-7 partners to continue global momentum on maternal, newborn and child health. Leaders also examined how best to respond to future global public health crises, particularly in light of lessons learned from the Ebola outbreak in West Africa.

In keeping with Canada’s commitment to address transnational organized crime, Prime Minister Harper announced further support to combat the criminal networks seeking to launch marine migrant smuggling ventures that target Canada.

Quick Facts

• The G-7 is a forum for the leaders of the world’s most industrialized nations to find common ground in addressing some of the most challenging global issues. While the leaders of these countries are in regular contact, they meet in summit format once a year.
• The G-7 Summit brings together the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union.

Quotes

“I am pleased with the results coming out of this year’s G-7 Summit. Members were united in demonstrating solidarity on continuing to apply pressure on Russia until it withdraws from Ukrainian territory and in their commitment to defeat terrorist groups like ISIS and Boko Haram.” – Prime Minister Stephen Harper

“Leaders also made solid progress on ways to further stimulate the global economy and on pressing social issues, including the empowerment of women, health crisis preparation and the environment. I would like to thank Chancellor Angela Merkel for hosting this year’s successful Summit and for Germany’s leadership during its presidency of the G-7.” – Prime Minister Stephen Harper

“Our Government remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of Canadians. That is why I was pleased to announce further support to fight human smuggling networks, which seek to undermine our territorial integrity, put lives at risk, and pose a direct threat to Canada’s security.” – Prime Minister Stephen Harper

Related Product

• Continuing the Fight against Human Smuggling