G7 Officials Convene in Ottawa to Address Global Legislative Challenges

OTTAWA – Today, Canada hosts U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson and officials from the G7 countries, along with representatives from Ukraine, in the Ottawa area. This gathering marks a significant moment in Canada’s G7 presidency, with Speaker of the House of Commons Francis Scarpaleggia leading discussions until Saturday.

The meetings aim to address pressing challenges facing legislators worldwide and emphasize the role of parliamentary diplomacy. Canada has invited the chair of Ukraine’s parliament and key parliamentary officials from G7 nations, although Fukushiro Nukaga, the Speaker of Japan’s House, will not be in attendance.

Focus Areas for Legislative Collaboration

According to Scarpaleggia’s office, the agenda includes various working sessions that will tackle themes such as online disinformation and the need for “fostering respectful debate” amid increasing political polarization and violence against lawmakers. These discussions are crucial as countries navigate the evolving political landscape and its impact on democratic processes.

The first meeting of the Speakers of the Lower Houses of the G7 was hosted by Canada in 2002. Since then, these gatherings have become a platform for legislators to collaborate on common issues, enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation among nations.

As the world faces a myriad of challenges, the importance of dialogue among legislative bodies cannot be overstated. This gathering in Ottawa represents a concerted effort to strengthen international ties and promote stability through shared values and cooperative governance.

This report was first published on September 5, 2025, by The Canadian Press and highlights Canada’s ongoing commitment to leading discussions on global legislative cooperation.