Canada, Italy leaders cancel Toronto event for security reasons
People leave an event where Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was supposed to meet with Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau but was cancelled due to protestors outside at the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto, Ontario, Canada March 2, 2024. REUTERS
OTTAWA — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Saturday canceled a joint visit to the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto for security reasons, according to a Canadian spokesperson.
Two groups of protesters, one against Trudeau’s government and another of pro-Palestinian protesters, had gathered outside the gallery. There were also numerous police.
READ: Canada PM Trudeau condemns violence after shots fired at Jewish schools
Jenna Ghassabeh, a spokesperson for Trudeau’s office, confirmed the event was called off for security reasons but referred questions to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, which had no immediate comment.
Meloni is visiting Canada in Italy’s role as president of the Group of Seven nations for 2024 after visiting Washington on Friday.
READ: Western leaders in Kyiv, G7 pledge support for Ukraine on war anniv
Earlier in the day, Canada and Italy agreed to enhance cooperation in various areas, including energy security and the shift to a sustainable energy future, over the next three to five years, according to a statement.
