Frequently Asked Questions
Why advocate free movement, trade and foreign policy cooperation between Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom?
These policies would bring tremendous economic, social and diplomatic opportunities for the CANZUK nations, encouraging amicable relationships between our citizens and governments.
Through facilitated migration, CANZUK citizens will be able to easily integrate and prosper from shared linguistic and cultural ties, while trade agreements can promote greater economic growth and prosperity within the four countries.Â
Furthermore, foreign policy cooperation will ensure security and defence collaboration between four like-minded nations and the protection of human rights and democracy internationally.
If free movement were introduced, would immigration between the CANZUK nations spiral out of control?
No. There were numerous concerns that immigration would become “one-sided” when Australia and New Zealand signed the Trans-Tasman Travel Agreement in 1973, especially given the population differences between the two countries.
However, to this day, immigration flows have remained relatively equal despite Australia’s population being six times that of New Zealand’s (24 million and 4 million, respectively).
If an equal flow of migration can exist under the Trans-Tasman Travel Agreement, there is little to suggest that migration would become uncontrollable if Canada and the UK were to join this arrangement, especially considering their social and economic similarities. The CANZUK countries have prosperous economies, exceptional qualities of life and stable employment rates, so migration would remain equally balanced between the four nations unlike what many have witnessed between EU member states.
What terms and conditions would a freedom of movement agreement encompass?
The Trans-Tasman Travel Agreement (TTTA) between Australia and New Zealand provides an ideal template for a CANZUK free movement arrangement. 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 free movement 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 free 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.
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 10% or less 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 free movement, trade and foreign policy cooperation between the CANZUK countries, but unfortunately, it is not tax-deductible at this time.