James Skinner
James is the Founder & Chief Executive of
CANZUK International in Vancouver, Canada
The Liberal Party of Canada, headed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, has officially endorsed CANZUK at its 2023 policy convention.
More than 10,000 Liberal Party of Canada members took part in the party’s Open Policy Process for the 2023 National Liberal Convention, held from May 4th to May 6th in Ottawa.
As part of the process, Liberal Party members were invited to submit policy proposals for the Party to officially adopt, which would be voted upon at the National Convention. The top 24 highest-voted policies would become official policy heading into the next election (currently scheduled for on or before October 2025).
Of the 24 highest voted upon policies, freedom of movement between Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom placed in the Top 10, with overwhelming support from party delegates.
As part of the process, Liberal Party members were invited to submit policy proposals for the Party to officially adopt, which would be voted upon at the National Convention. The top 24 highest-voted policies would become official policy heading into the next election (currently scheduled for on or before October 2025).
Of the 24 highest voted upon policies, freedom of movement between Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom placed in the Top 10, with overwhelming support from party delegates.
The proposal was sponsored by the Young Liberals of Canada, and read as follows:
WHEREAS on March 24, 2022, Canada and the UK launched negotiations for a new post-Brexit free trade agreement (FTA), but the Canadian objectives had little to say on easing travel barriers;
WHEREAS public consultations for the FTA saw two thirds of individual participants express interest in free movement with the UK with the eventual inclusion of Australia and New Zealand as well;
WHEREAS this idea sees more support in the UK than joining the Schengen Area, and many in Australia and New Zealand suggest it could help them compete with growing Asian economies;
WHEREAS free movement provides a combined 135 million people access to new global markets from multicultural cities filled with international entrepreneurs like Toronto, Sydney, and London;
WHEREAS Canada has an existing door to Europe in the UK, its second-largest partner in bilateral services trade, and easier travel to Australia and New Zealand could create a Pacific foothold; and
WHEREAS geography is often cited as a barrier to this free movement proposal, but Canada hosts twice as many British immigrants compared to Americans despite the UK being an ocean away.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Liberal Party of Canada urge the Government of Canada to establish a free movement area between Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK allowing citizens to travel, work, and live in the four countries with minimal restrictions; and Cooperate with Quebec in attracting the 19% of British citizens reporting the ability to converse in French who may have sought employment in Europe prior to Brexit.
After obtaining such high support, the policy of free movement between CANZUK countries will now become official policy of the Liberal Party of Canada. As it stands, both major parties in Canadian Politics (Liberal Party and Conservative Party) have openly endorsed CANZUK, meaning that CANZUK will certainly see further progression in Canadian politics over the coming months and years.
CANZUK International is delighted to see that our lobbying and advocacy efforts have secured endorsement from Canada’s governing party, and we will continue to engage Liberal Members of Parliament and Government Ministers on issues of free movement in the coming months.
WHEREAS on March 24, 2022, Canada and the UK launched negotiations for a new post-Brexit free trade agreement (FTA), but the Canadian objectives had little to say on easing travel barriers;
WHEREAS public consultations for the FTA saw two thirds of individual participants express interest in free movement with the UK with the eventual inclusion of Australia and New Zealand as well;
WHEREAS this idea sees more support in the UK than joining the Schengen Area, and many in Australia and New Zealand suggest it could help them compete with growing Asian economies;
WHEREAS free movement provides a combined 135 million people access to new global markets from multicultural cities filled with international entrepreneurs like Toronto, Sydney, and London;
WHEREAS Canada has an existing door to Europe in the UK, its second-largest partner in bilateral services trade, and easier travel to Australia and New Zealand could create a Pacific foothold; and
WHEREAS geography is often cited as a barrier to this free movement proposal, but Canada hosts twice as many British immigrants compared to Americans despite the UK being an ocean away.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Liberal Party of Canada urge the Government of Canada to establish a free movement area between Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK allowing citizens to travel, work, and live in the four countries with minimal restrictions; and Cooperate with Quebec in attracting the 19% of British citizens reporting the ability to converse in French who may have sought employment in Europe prior to Brexit.
After obtaining such high support, the policy of free movement between CANZUK countries will now become official policy of the Liberal Party of Canada. As it stands, both major parties in Canadian Politics (Liberal Party and Conservative Party) have openly endorsed CANZUK, meaning that CANZUK will certainly see further progression in Canadian politics over the coming months and years.
CANZUK International is delighted to see that our lobbying and advocacy efforts have secured endorsement from Canada’s governing party, and we will continue to engage Liberal Members of Parliament and Government Ministers on issues of free movement in the coming months.
Heading photo: The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick
Share this:
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Email
