Why CANZUK?

Discover the advantages of our proposals between the CANZUK countries

CANZUK International advocates freedom of movement, free trade, coordinated foreign policy and constitutional dialogue between Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

Since our establishment in 2015, we have received significant support from the general public, Members of Parliament, political parties and non-profit organisations across the world.
However, one question we are consistently asked by supporters and critics is, why just these 4 countries?

In general, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom are more than likely to succeed and prosper under mutual economic and social policies due to their similar socio-economic circumstances. The CANZUK nations share the same majority language, the same sovereign (King Charles III), the same Westminster style parliamentary system, the same common-law legal system, the same respect for democracy, human rights and the rule of law, and the same westernised culture. As our campaign has frequently emphasised during radio and TV interviews, we are virtually the same people with “only the cover of our passports dividing us”.

If the European Union can implement an area of free movement and free trade with over 508 million citizens living in 27 different member states – all of whom speak different languages, encompass different legal systems and embrace different cultures – there is no reason why the CANZUK nations can’t also embrace these policies for its citizens.

By simply refering to socio-economic factors, we can see why closer ties between these four countries is common-sensical and logical:

  • The English speaking population in each country is very high, meaning that citizens from each country could easily integrate and assimilate into any of the other countries and likely succeed in finding employment, housing, e.t.c.
  • Life expectancy in each country is very similar, meaning similar life-style choices and health awareness with access to health care;
  • Unemployment rates are also similar yet low, meaning citizens of each country would have high chances of securing employment in the other countries;
  • Inflation rates are economically secure, implying stable economies across the CANZUK area and providing adequate circumstances for free trade agreements;
  • GDP per capita figures are economically stable, meaning a secure living wage for citizens within the CANZUK area with respect to inflation rates and a high quality of life.

Of course, these are just a few factors among many, but emphasize how compatible the CANZUK nations are with respect to formulating closer diplomatic ties.

With such similarities, the CANZUK initiative offers immense opportunities across multiple pillars, starting with freedom of movement. This policy would allow citizens to live, work, and study seamlessly across the four nations, fostering personal and professional growth while addressing economic needs. For instance, with a combined population exceeding 133 million people and unemployment rates consistently around 5-6%, free movement would enable the sharing of labor resources to fill shortages in key sectors like healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. Citizens could relocate where opportunities abound, boosting individual prosperity and overall economic productivity.

Relevant statistics underscore the potential: the CANZUK countries boast high GDP per capita figures – ranging from approximately $50,000 to $70,000 USD – ensuring that citizens contribute to and benefit from stable, high-quality living standards. This mutual exchange would not only enhance cultural ties but also drive innovation through a larger, more diverse skills pool, ultimately increasing aggregate supply and economic growth for all involved.

Building on this foundation, free trade among the CANZUK nations would eliminate tariffs, harmonize standards, and facilitate the seamless flow of goods, services, and investments, creating one of the world’s most dynamic economic blocs. Currently, the combined GDP of Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom exceeds $6.5 trillion USD, representing a powerhouse of innovation and resources.

Intra-CANZUK trade is already valued at around $3.5 trillion USD annually, but with full free trade agreements in place, this figure could expand significantly by reducing barriers and opening new markets. Such integration would benefit industries from agriculture and manufacturing to finance and digital services, leading to job creation, lower consumer prices, and enhanced competitiveness on the global stage.

For example, Australia’s resource exports could more easily supply the UK’s manufacturing needs, while Canada’s tech sector could collaborate more fluidly with New Zealand’s innovation hubs, amplifying shared strengths and fostering sustainable prosperity.

Equally compelling is the potential for coordinated foreign policy, which would amplify the collective influence of the CANZUK nations in an increasingly complex world. By aligning diplomatic efforts, these countries could promote shared values of democracy, human rights, and international stability more effectively. A key proposal involves establishing a joint military force, leveraging a combined defense budget of over $110 billion USD – the third largest globally after the United States and China. This would enable enhanced security cooperation, including regular joint military exercises that build interoperability and readiness, as demonstrated in existing collaborations through frameworks like Five Eyes intelligence sharing.

Additionally, the United Kingdom could share its permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council with Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, allowing for a unified CANZUK voice on critical global issues such as peacekeeping and conflict resolution.

With a combined population of more than 133 million and a shared commitment to multilateralism, this collaboration would not only bolster national security but also project a stronger, more cohesive presence in international forums, benefiting all citizens through greater peace, trade opportunities, and global leadership.

In general, the four countries have the ideal economies, cultures, and histories to benefit from free movement, free trade, and mutual foreign policy, making the CANZUK initiative a highly-valuable pursuit for the future. Given that the CANZUK area is so similar in terms of social, economic, cultural and historical factors, it would be folly not to promote these policies and observe the numerous benefits they would bring.

By uniting in this way, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom can forge a brighter, more prosperous path forward – one that honors our common heritage while embracing the opportunities of tomorrow, ensuring security, growth, and opportunity for generations to come.