Carney tells Caribbean leaders trade relationship 'scratches the surface' of potential

Prime Minister Mark Carney said trade between Canada and the Caribbean has barely begun to reach its potential during a meeting with regional leaders on Tuesday. He spoke at a working breakfast on the opening day of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda. Carney noted that over a million Canadians have roots in the Caribbean region. He said the existing trade of about $4 billion a year only scratches the surface of what could be achieved.

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand joined Carney for the breakfast with heads of state and foreign ministers from 12 Caribbean nations. The prime minister presented each leader with a bottle of maple syrup bearing his personal brand. In his remarks, Carney said building closer ties of friendship is the best response to a changing world. According to a background document from the Prime Minister's Office, the leaders discussed expanding trade, opening new markets and strengthening supply chains.

The leaders also talked about regional security and the pressing challenge of climate change for small island states. Carney began his day by meeting privately with Antigua and Barbuda's Prime Minister Gaston Browne. Browne told Carney that Canada is a very influential middle power within the Commonwealth. "And as we have discussions to make the Commonwealth more consequential, your contribution will be extremely valuable," Browne added.

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Carney praised Browne for hosting what he called an important meeting at a crucial time. A readout from their meeting said they discussed strengthening the partnership between their two countries. They focused on co-operation in areas like trade, energy, climate resilience and tourism. Antigua's high commissioner to Canada, Ronald Sanders, had said before the trip that he hoped Canada's historically close relationship with the Caribbean could be rebuilt.

Carney later attended a lunch hosted by King Charles III for new Commonwealth heads of government. The Prime Minister's Office said the event allowed for informal discussions with the King and other leaders. It was also meant to reaffirm shared commitments to democracy and sustainable development. This was the first such meeting since Carney became prime minister in March 2025.

During his one-day visit, Carney also held bilateral meetings with the leaders of Australia, Guyana and Ghana. The Commonwealth is a coalition of 56 countries, most with historical links to Britain. Officials said the summit is a platform for Canada to expand trade and strategic co-operation with member nations. Canada currently conducts $100 billion in trade with Commonwealth countries.

With files from The Canadian Press, The Globe and Mail and iPolitics