Parliamentary Secretary Robert Oliphant to travel to United Kingdom for Commonwealth Week events
News release
March 10, 2025 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Robert Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, will attend Commonwealth Week events in London, United Kingdom, from March 11 to 13, 2025.
While in London, Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant will participate in the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group Meeting, which comprises foreign ministers from Commonwealth countries and is focused on addressing issues in the Commonwealth countries and upholding the Commonwealth Charter. During the meeting and throughout his visit, Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant will seek to advance Canada’s priorities, including the promotion of democracy, international peace and security, gender equality and human rights.
Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant will meet with Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey ahead of her assuming the office of Secretary-General of the Commonwealth on April 1, 2025. They will discuss opportunities to maximize the effectiveness of the Commonwealth Secretariat.
Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant will also attend bilateral meetings to discuss key global issues and explore opportunities for greater collaboration among Commonwealth members. These discussions will reinforce Canada’s commitment to multilateralism, international cooperation and the territorial integrity and sovereignty of its members.
Quotes
“As part of the multilateral system, the Commonwealth is a vital platform for dialogue, cooperation and action on global challenges. I look forward to collaborating with fellow representatives of Commonwealth countries to strengthen democracy, uphold human rights and foster international peace and security. Canada remains committed to working collaboratively to build a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.”
- Robert Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Quick facts
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The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 independent and equal countries, most of which have historic links to the United Kingdom, and which represent more than 2.7 billion people across five continents.
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The Commonwealth’s mandate is to serve the political, economic and social development needs of its member countries while providing a forum for consensus building and collective action on global issues.
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Canada joined the British Commonwealth as an independent state in 1931. The modern Commonwealth was formed through the London Declaration in 1949, and Canada has played a key role in its development since then. Last year, members celebrated the Commonwealth’s 75th anniversary.
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Canada, as the Commonwealth’s second-largest financial contributor, continues to invest in programs that promote democracy, human rights, education and gender equality across member states.
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Commonwealth Day is celebrated each year on the second Monday of March, serving as an opportunity to reflect on the shared values and commitments of the Commonwealth’s diverse members.
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