Canada has officially moved away from its designation of a "feminist foreign policy," Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Sunday. This shift marks a significant change from the policies previously advocated by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberal government. During a press conference at the G-20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Carney was questioned about whether Canada continues to apply a feminist perspective in its economic relationships with nations that limit the rights of women and LGBTQ individuals. "We have that aspect to our foreign policy, but I wouldn’t describe our foreign policy as feminist foreign policy. Those are different points, but related," Carney stated. He emphasized that while gender equality remains a priority for Canada, the country’s approach to international relations is evolving. Carney pointed out that South Africa has prioritized addressing gender-based violence and acknowledged that Canada also needs to enhance its efforts in this area. However, he clarified that this issue is not merely an economic one. "It is an issue of justice. It affects Canada. It affects everyone around that table. Different countries put a different priority on it," he said. "But by discussing strategies and approaches, my experience is that I think that’s part of our policy as well." This announcement contrasts sharply with the principles established under Trudeau's leadership, where feminism was a foundational element of Canada's international policy. Trudeau's government, which came to power in 2015, made several commitments to gender equality, including the appointment of Canada’s first gender-balanced cabinet and the initiation of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). In 2017, the Liberals introduced the Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP), which aimed to align foreign aid with United Nations goals to promote gender equality and support women. Although no formal document detailing a specific "feminist foreign policy" was published during Trudeau's time in office, cabinet members frequently referenced it. Mélanie Joly, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated in a 2023 news release, "Canada’s Feminist Foreign Policy and (FIAP) are centred on building a more gender-equal world by promoting rights-based and inclusive initiatives and supporting efforts to end sexual and gender-based violence and harmful practices such as child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation." François-Philippe Champagne, who previously led foreign affairs, remarked in February 2020, "Canada is proud to have a feminist foreign policy, not because it looks good, but because it produces tangible and measurable results." Carney's recent comments come shortly after Randeep Sarai, the Secretary of State for International Development, testified before the foreign affairs committee. Sarai asserted that Canada still applies a feminist lens to its foreign aid, emphasizing its economic benefits. "It’s not just the right thing to do. It’s a smart thing to do," he said on October 28. Carney's statements signal a notable shift in Canada's approach to international relations, moving away from the feminist framework that characterized the previous administration's policies.