As Canada’s relationship with the United States reaches its lowest point in over a century, political leaders are actively working to strengthen ties with historic Commonwealth allies, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.
With U.S. President Donald Trump repeatedly threatening tariffs and making statements that undermine Canadian sovereignty and economic stability, government officials and policy experts are advocating for a renewed focus on Commonwealth partnerships. The push for a closer CANZUK alliance—a proposed bloc between Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the U.K.—is gaining momentum, with proponents highlighting shared values, a common language, and deep historical ties.
“We need to make sure we don’t end up in a situation where the United States holds all the cards,” said James Skinner, CEO of CANZUK International. “Canada has a golden opportunity to look elsewhere and explore deeper economic and defense ties with its closest allies.”
Former Conservative leader Erin O’Toole, a longtime supporter of CANZUK, echoed these sentiments, calling for closer trade relations, integrated security cooperation, and enhanced mobility rights for citizens across the four countries.
In response to shifting geopolitical dynamics, Canadian leaders have ramped up diplomatic engagement with Commonwealth nations:
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has held two calls with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the past three weeks to discuss economic and trade security.
- Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly met with her British counterpart this week, stating that “more than ever, we need to be close to the U.K.”
- International Trade Minister Mary Ng recently led a Team Canada trade mission to Australia, reinforcing economic cooperation.
Despite past trade disputes over agricultural policies and market access, Canadian leaders are expressing a renewed commitment to overcoming these challenges to create a stronger, more resilient trade and security alliance.
Across party lines, there is increasing support for deepening Commonwealth ties:
- Liberal leadership candidate Mark Carney has emphasized the need to diversify trade relationships, stating, “We were friends with our neighbors. Now they’re just our neighbors.”
- Fellow Liberal leadership contender Frank Baylis has gone further, proposing a new economic bloc based on CANZUK.
- A spokesperson for Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre confirmed his party’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with like-minded allies.
As Canada faces economic and security uncertainty amid its deteriorating U.S. relationship, leaders from both major parties agree that rev
Courtesy CTV News