Frequently Asked Questions
Why advocate for freer movement, trade and foreign policy cooperation between Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom?
These policies would deliver significant economic, social, and diplomatic benefits for the CANZUK nations, fostering stronger relationships between our citizens and governments.
Mobility agreements would allow CANZUK citizens to undertake employment, integrate seamlessly, and thrive due to shared language, culture, and values. Enhanced trade agreements would drive economic growth and prosperity across the four countries, and foreign policy cooperation would strengthen security, defense collaboration, and the promotion of human rights and democracy on the global stage.
Mobility agreements would allow CANZUK citizens to undertake employment, integrate seamlessly, and thrive due to shared language, culture, and values. Enhanced trade agreements would drive economic growth and prosperity across the four countries, and foreign policy cooperation would strengthen security, defense collaboration, and the promotion of human rights and democracy on the global stage.
If freer movement were introduced, would immigration between the CANZUK nations spiral out of control?
No. Concerns about one-sided immigration arose when Australia and New Zealand implemented the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement in 1973, given the population disparity. However, migration flows have remained balanced to this day, even with Australia’s population now at approximately 27 million compared to New Zealand’s 5 million. If balanced migration persists under this agreement, there’s no reason to expect uncontrolled flows if Canada (population ~40 million) and the UK (~70 million) join, especially given their similar economies, high quality of life, and stable job markets.
What terms and conditions would a mobility agreement between the CANZUK countries encompass?
This would be decided through negotiations and agreements by the governments of Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, and would reflect each nations’ particular needs for skills, labour and general population requirements.
However, the Trans-Tasman Travel Agreement (TTTA) between Australia and New Zealand serves as an excellent model for a CANZUK mobility initiative. The TTTA allows citizens the freedom to travel, live and work between the two nations. However, voting rights and access to social security have been limited for New Zealanders in Australia (and vice-versa) until an application for permanent residency has been granted by the respective host country.
Permanent residency must also be granted by the host country if the applicant wishes to apply for citizenship or sponsor an individual from outside Australia and New Zealand.
Furthermore, citizens of Australia and New Zealand are not permitted to travel via the Trans-Tasman Travel Agreement if they are deemed to be a national security risk by either the Australian or New Zealand governments. This applies to citizens with serious criminal records, those who are affiliated with terrorist activities or pose health concerns to citizens of the host nation.
However, the Trans-Tasman Travel Agreement (TTTA) between Australia and New Zealand serves as an excellent model for a CANZUK mobility initiative. The TTTA allows citizens the freedom to travel, live and work between the two nations. However, voting rights and access to social security have been limited for New Zealanders in Australia (and vice-versa) until an application for permanent residency has been granted by the respective host country.
Permanent residency must also be granted by the host country if the applicant wishes to apply for citizenship or sponsor an individual from outside Australia and New Zealand.
Furthermore, citizens of Australia and New Zealand are not permitted to travel via the Trans-Tasman Travel Agreement if they are deemed to be a national security risk by either the Australian or New Zealand governments. This applies to citizens with serious criminal records, those who are affiliated with terrorist activities or pose health concerns to citizens of the host nation.
Why are there only four countries promoted for developing free movement, free trade and foreign affairs?
Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom each share the same language, Westminster parliamentary system, respect for common-law and Sovereign.
In addition, they are highly economically developed countries with sustainable economic growth rates, positive human rights records and a shared historical and cultural bond through a democratic monarchy.
With respect to mobility arrangements, citizens of these countries would integrate well with each other and transition conveniently to a new society, easily obtaining employment and assimilating with each country’s laws and customs.
Trade agreements would also be established very quickly and cooperation in international affairs would reflect each country’s ability to develop existing defence, intelligence and aid partnerships.
In addition, they are highly economically developed countries with sustainable economic growth rates, positive human rights records and a shared historical and cultural bond through a democratic monarchy.
With respect to mobility arrangements, citizens of these countries would integrate well with each other and transition conveniently to a new society, easily obtaining employment and assimilating with each country’s laws and customs.
Trade agreements would also be established very quickly and cooperation in international affairs would reflect each country’s ability to develop existing defence, intelligence and aid partnerships.
Would this be a smaller, less populated version of the European Union?
No. One of the major weaknesses with respect to the European Union is its policy of “ever closer union” and advancement of federalism. It is also a major reason why a majority of British citizens voted to leave the European Union on June 23rd, 2016.
Cooperation with respect to freer movement, free trade and foreign affairs between Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom will be built upon mutual respect for each nations customs, cultures and nationhood. Although mutual agreements will be encouraged with respect to constitutional and diplomatic matters, no effort in developing a supranational parliament, court system or currency will be made. These will remain matters for each nation individually and not considered future objectives of a CANZUK initiative.
Cooperation with respect to freer movement, free trade and foreign affairs between Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom will be built upon mutual respect for each nations customs, cultures and nationhood. Although mutual agreements will be encouraged with respect to constitutional and diplomatic matters, no effort in developing a supranational parliament, court system or currency will be made. These will remain matters for each nation individually and not considered future objectives of a CANZUK initiative.
Are you affiliated with any political parties?
We are strictly a non-partisan organization, but we support elected representatives who align with our campaign, no matter who they may be affiliated with politically. We frequently speak with political leaders and their staff to raise awareness of our campaign and seek their support for our proposals. This, in turn, helps develop change in each of the four respective parliaments.
Why is CANZUK relevant in today's global context?
In an era of geopolitical tensions, including U.S. trade protectionism and ongoing international conflicts, CANZUK offers a stable alliance of trusted partners. It promotes economic diversification, shared defense strategies, and joint responses to global challenges such as supply chain disruptions and economic shocks. By uniting four prosperous nations with aligned values, CANZUK strengthens collective influence without compromising sovereignty, making it a practical response to current uncertainties.
Is CANZUK International a charity? Is my donation tax-deductible?
CANZUK International is an advocacy organization headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.
Under Canadian law, charities are restricted to spending significant amounts of their budget on political advocacy. CANZUK International’s campaign is highly effective because so much of our work involves advocating for policy change. We just couldn’t do the work we do as a charity under the current rules.
Your donation is a very powerful contribution to helping achieve freer movement, trade and foreign policy cooperation between the CANZUK countries, but unfortunately, it is not tax-deductible at this time.
Under Canadian law, charities are restricted to spending significant amounts of their budget on political advocacy. CANZUK International’s campaign is highly effective because so much of our work involves advocating for policy change. We just couldn’t do the work we do as a charity under the current rules.
Your donation is a very powerful contribution to helping achieve freer movement, trade and foreign policy cooperation between the CANZUK countries, but unfortunately, it is not tax-deductible at this time.