Frequently Asked Questions
Where and when is the next Summit being held?
- The United Kingdom will host in 2013.
Where was the last Summit?
- The last Summit was held in Camp David, United States of America on May 18-19, 2012.
What happens at the Summit?
- The Summit is a rare chance for the democratically elected Leaders of the G8 countries to meet, discuss common challenges, and decide on some common responses.
What was accomplished at Camp David?
Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the closing of the G-8 Summit:
Prime Minister Stephen Harper made the following remarks at Camp David, Maryland:
“Once again, let me begin by thanking President Obama for his warm hospitality, and for his leadership of this summit.
“G-8 members talked frankly about global economic uncertainty.
“Thanks to strong fundamentals Canada’s economy is performing exceptionally well by international standards.
“However, we are part of a global recovery that remains very fragile.
“In anticipation of broader economic discussions at the G-20 next month.
“I encourage G-8 colleagues to recognize that fiscal consolidation and economic growth go hand and hand.
“For instance, Canada’s Economic Action Plan 2012 makes important labour market, innovation policy, and regulatory reforms and focuses on opening new markets while also making reasonable reductions in government spending to eliminate the deficit in the medium term.
“I met France’s new President, François Hollande, for the first time.
“We reflected on a relationship that is one of Canada’s most important.
“We also discussed the enormous potential of a Canada-EU trade agreement to create jobs in both of our countries.
“Today’s Camp David G-8 Accountability Report on foreign aid follows the path in Muskoka that we established.
“Building on that, I was pleased yesterday to announce a substantial new investment in transformative programs to fight hunger in Africa.
“This summit also reaffirmed our Deauville commitment to support North African and Middle Eastern countries in transition.
“I also reiterated Canada’s position that world leaders must continue to address the human rights situation in Syria, and I underscored our continuing grave concerns about nuclear proliferation in Iran and North Korea.”
What is the G8?
- The G8 (Group of 8) is an informal group of eight countries: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. Each year, G8 Leaders and representatives from the European Union meet to discuss broad economic and foreign policies.
Why is Canada a member of the G8?
- It is in the interest of Canadians that Canada participates in international discussions with its key partners. G8 membership enables Canada to pursue its broad foreign and economic policy agenda and interests, and to help shape global developments on a range of issues, including responses to global crises.
How many G8 Summits has Canada hosted?
- Muskoka (2010) was the fifth Summit Canada has hosted. The previous four Summits were held in Ottawa-Montebello (1981), Toronto (1988), Halifax (1995) and Kananaskis (2002).
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