Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant to travel to United Kingdom for Commonwealth Week

From: Global Affairs Canada

News release

March 11, 2024 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced today that the Honourable Robert Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, will travel to London, United Kingdom from March 11 to 13, 2024, for Commonwealth Week.

On March 11, Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant will attend ceremonial events to commemorate Commonwealth Day and to mark the 75th anniversary of the modern Commonwealth. This year’s Commonwealth theme is One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth.

On March 12, Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant will participate in the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) Meeting, a select group of Commonwealth foreign ministers focused on addressing situations in Commonwealth countries and upholding Commonwealth Charter values, including democracy and human rights.

At the CMAG meeting and throughout his visit, Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant will aim to advance Canada’s position on several priorities, including democracy, international peace and security, gender equality and human rights.

Quotes

“I look forward to commemorating Commonwealth Week and meeting with fellow Commonwealth members to advance shared priorities, including the promotion of human rights around the world. Canada is a proud member of the Commonwealth and is committed to working with other members to broaden shared understandings, build consensus and drive action for a more prosperous and inclusive future for all.”

- Robert Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs

Quick facts

  • The modern Commonwealth is a values-based association of 56 countries, most with historic links to the United Kingdom, and home to more than 2.5 billion citizens on 5 continents.

  • Canada first joined the British Commonwealth as an independent state in 1931. The modern Commonwealth came into existence in 1949 with the London Declaration, and Canada has played an important role in its evolution.

  • Canada joined the CMAG in fall 2022; this will be the third meeting in the 2022 to 2024 term at which Canada will be present.

  • Canada is the second-largest donor to the Commonwealth. In 2023 to 2024, Canada is contributing a total of over $14 million to the organization. This includes Canada’s core contributions to the Commonwealth’s 3 intergovernmental institutions, as well as additional funding to deliver on our shared education and gender-equality commitments.

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