Canada will take the lead in efforts to strengthen global supply chains for critical minerals during this week’s Group of Seven (G7) energy and environment ministers’ meeting in Toronto, according to comments from Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson reported by Reuters.
Hodgson said the government aims to move from discussion to concrete action. “We will see this week many examples of us moving beyond talks to firm commitments to fund several tools that will help secure critical minerals,” he explained. The two-day meeting begins on October 30.
Canada aims to cut China’s dominance
Most G7 nations, except Japan, rely heavily on China for materials such as rare earth magnets, lithium, and cobalt—essential for clean energy and technology manufacturing. Hodgson emphasized that Canada intends to become a key player in stabilizing supply chains for its allies. The country already produces several important metals, including nickel, copper, and cobalt.
He noted that the discussions in Toronto will include new offtake agreements. These deals allow buyers to secure future production at fixed prices, ensuring long-term access to essential resources. The meeting will also address plans to stockpile critical minerals and expand investment in mining and refining projects.
Earlier this year, G7 officials met in Chicago to consider price floors and subsidy-backed measures supporting domestic mineral production. The United States has already adopted such policies to limit reliance on Chinese imports. “What you will see on Friday is a number of concrete announcements proving that a multilateral approach to supply security works,” Hodgson added.
Trade tensions with the U.S.
The meeting comes at a sensitive moment for trade relations. U.S. President Donald Trump recently suspended talks with Canada over tariffs on steel, aluminum, and autos. Hodgson confirmed that the two countries have also discussed reviving the Keystone XL pipeline, though no date for further negotiations has been set.
“When the Americans are ready to talk, we are ready to talk,” he said.
Canada’s focus on critical minerals reflects its broader goal of supporting cleaner energy systems and reducing global dependence on China. The outcomes of this week’s meeting are expected to shape future cooperation among G7 countries on energy and resource security.