G7 speakers, officials meet in Ottawa area to discuss disinformation, polarization

OTTAWA — Speaker of the House of Commons Francis Scarpaleggia welcomed his counterparts from most other G7 nations on Friday, calling it an opportunity for allies to discuss ways to tackle the challenges facing democracy.

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, who is aligned closely with President Donald Trump, was among those in attendance, along with representatives from Italy, France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the European Parliament.

The chairman of Ukraine’s parliament, was also invited to join the meetings, which were held at a government conference centre in Chelsea, Que. The location was kept secret until some media were transported there by shuttle bus on Friday morning.

Japan’s House Speaker Fukushiro Nukaga was the only G7 house official not represented. The meeting comes as Canada continues its presidency of the G7 alliance, which includes meetings of various different ministerial leaders throughout the year.

In his opening remarks, Scarpaleggia reaffirmed the G7’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and helping to bring about an end to the war.

Scarpaleggia said he hoped the meeting would allow officials to have candid discussions about the dangers facing democracy.

“Together, in the face of an increasingly unpredictable global order, we must work harder and recommit to democratic ideals and principles” such as free and fair elections, respect for human rights and a commitment to the rule of law, he said.

Scarpaleggia said he looked forward to talking about ways to “encourage political consensus while reducing polarization within our respective legislative chambers.”

The first meeting of the Speakers of the Lower Houses of the G7 was hosted by Canada in 2002.

Scarpaleggia will be in meetings with his counterparts until Saturday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 5, 2025.

Catherine Morrison, The Canadian Press