Carney Joins Commonwealth Leaders in Antigua as Trade Tops Summit Agenda

Prime Minister Mark Carney is in Antigua and Barbuda on Tuesday for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, a one-day visit focused on trade, investment and deepening ties with the 56-member organisation, according to The Canadian Press. The 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, known as CHOGM 2026, is being held in St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda, on November 3–4, chaired by Antiguan Prime Minister Gaston Browne under the theme "Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth." King Charles III, head of the Commonwealth, is attending with Queen Camilla. Carney's itinerary began with a meeting with Browne, followed by a working breakfast with Caribbean leaders and the meeting's opening ceremony, according to his published schedule. He is also due to meet Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Guyanese President Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, before departing for Ottawa late on Tuesday, ahead of the leaders' retreat on Jumby Bay Island and the Canadian federal budget. Canadian officials said Carney's participation is intended to strengthen economic relationships and support Canada's efforts to diversify trade away from the United States, according to the Prime Minister's Office. The summit is also expected to address climate resilience and renewable energy cooperation. This is Carney's first participation at CHOGM. Antigua and Barbuda is the smallest country to have hosted a Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, according to summit organisers.