Pro-Palestinian Demonstrators. Image credit: X/@CaptainC63
Toronto/CMEDIA: Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s reported hosting of dinner in honour of his Italian counterpart for this evening got cancelled owing to pro-Palestinian demonstrators blocking entrances to the venue where it was set to take place.
NeitherTrudeau nor Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni were able to enter the Art Gallery of Ontario, which went into lockdown over the protests, reported Trudeau’s office.
Criticizing the federal government’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war, pro-Palestinian demonstrators in hundreds chanted Trudeau was funding a genocide.
Gathered outside the would-be attendees were confronted by demonstrators blocking their paths to entry.
However, some of the demonstrators were later escorted to the building’s entrance by police.
Ahmed Hussen, International Development Minister’s entry through the main entrance was blocked by protestors who followed Hussen for two blocks, when he tried to enter a more secure location.
Italy’s prime minister since 2022, Meloni was in town for a day of meetings with Trudeau, The two G7 leaders discussed a wide range of topics of shared interest between the two countries including what Meloni called the “very difficult Middle East crisis.”
Issuing a joint statement, the two prime ministers said their agreement that they will set out plans to collaborate over the next three to five years in priority areas to further deepen their countries’ political, economic and strategic ties.
Included in these plans were climate change, biodiversity, migration, sustainable economic growth, research and innovation including artificial intelligence, energy security and the shift to a future with sustainable energy.
The two G-7 members plan to review progress on the development of the roadmap at a meeting this June in Italy.
Before heading behind closed doors on Saturday morning, Trudeau commended Meloni’s leadership in front of reporters, adding he is looking forward to working with her to set up Canada’s term as host in 2025.
Canada and Italy are “aligned on so many things” and have a “very deep and growing economic relationship,” Trudeau said.
Toronto let 100 Hamas-supporters shouting for an “intifada” cancel an event between Two G7 Leaders tonight.
For law enforcement to get outmaneuvered by the same people shouting hate every week begs so many questions.
Tonight it’s an international Embarrassment on this city. pic.twitter.com/uIewNiTVFc— Flavio Volpe, C.M. (@FlavioVolpe1) March 3, 2024
Highlighting a number of her priorities leading the G7, including artificial intelligence, the role of the Indo-Pacific, and respecting the international rule-based order, Melani also on Saturday, emphasized support for Ukraine and the Middle East crisis.
“We are beginning a new year of our relationship trying to enhance our cooperation, and I think there are many, many topics on which we can do that,” Meloni said.
Security for the event also blocked some reporters from getting inside
