Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is calling for Canada to strengthen its ties with the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, pitching a new plan to bind Canada closer to these nations. Speaking in London, Poilievre advocated for a modernized CANZUK partnership that extends beyond existing trade agreements to encompass deeper defence cooperation and reduced trade regulations.
Poilievre's proposal includes removing barriers to trade, recognizing professional credentials across the four countries, expanding skilled labor mobility, and deepening capital markets. He argued for a "regulatory presumption of equivalence," where products approved in one country are automatically deemed safe in all four. Poilievre believes this pact would help guard against shared threats from countries like China and Russia.
The Conservative leader also addressed trade matters, noting that regulatory barriers in the UK are blocking meaningful access to the UK market for Canadian beef producers and ought to be eliminated. If he becomes Prime Minister, Poilievre said he would advance policies allowing automatic professional recognition for doctors, nurses, engineers, and other professionals.
Poilievre's London visit marks his first overseas trip as Opposition leader. His speech was delivered at the annual Margaret Thatcher Lecture hosted by the Centre for Policy Studies, a leading centre-right think tank in the U. K.. Poilievre's focus on global trade pressures comes amid concerns about the fragmentation of global trade agreements.
