Over the past months, cross-party or caucus parliamentary groups
have been established in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom in favour of increased multilateral cooperation in foreign affairs, national security and trade. These members of the Commonwealth share a multicultural parliamentary tradition, commitment to the rule of law and a history of working together in defence of democracy. The respective countries of CANZUK, as they are collectively known at the UN General Assembly, have evolved from a shared history as independent nations in the most compatible way.
As these groups evolve, five working groups have been created to coordinate discussions
surrounding trade, the Freer movement, defence, pooled procurement, and foreign policy
coordination. MP Scott Aitchison has been named the lead on both the Freer movement and trade working group.
“I am looking forward to further building on relationships with my colleagues not only in
Canada, but also Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom,” said MP Aitchison. “It is particularly exciting to head up two of the working groups.”
