Canada and the Commonwealth

On this page

• History
• Mandate and institutions
• Intergovernmental organizations
• Commonwealth Secretariat
• Commonwealth of Learning
• Commonwealth Foundation

History

The modern Commonwealth is a voluntary association of , most with historic links to the United Kingdom and home to 2.7 billion people over five continents. Member countries have pledged to govern in accordance with the values of the , which espouses a commitment to developing free and democratic societies and promoting peace and prosperity to improve the lives of their citizens.

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. Canadian diplomat Arnold Smith served as the first Commonwealth Secretary-General from 1965 to 1975.

The seventh Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Ghana’s former Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, took office on April 1, 2025. Secretary-General Botchwey is the first African woman to hold the post.

Queen Elizabeth II served as the Head of Commonwealth during her 70-year reign, a role which has now passed to King Charles III.

Mandate and institutions

The mandate of the Commonwealth is to serve the needs of its member governments and their citizens in political, economic and social development. The Commonwealth also provides a forum for deliberation, problem solving, consensual decision-making and action on matters of importance to its membership.

The priorities of the Commonwealth Secretariat include promoting and protecting democracy and good governance; supporting sustainable development, resilience and climate action; and advocating for small and vulnerable states, helping to strengthen their climate and financial resilience, as well as inclusion in the global order.

Commonwealth Day is celebrated on every second Monday of March. The 2025 Commonwealth Day theme, ‘Together We Thrive’, reminds us that by working together, the countries of the Commonwealth can better face today’s challenges and collaborate on a brighter future for the generations to come.

Canada participates in the  every two years, providing leaders a forum to discuss matters of mutual interest, review progress on prior commitments and establish organizational mandates. Canada has hosted CHOGM twice, in 1973 in Ottawa and in 1987 in Vancouver.

The most recent CHOGM was held in Apia, Samoa, in October 2024. Key included the Leaders’ Statement and Samoa Communiqué, as well as the Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration; the Commonwealth Principles on Freedom of Expression and the Role of the Media; and the Youth Declaration.

CHOGM 2024 was significant as the first Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting hosted by a small Pacific Island developing country and the first with King Charles III as the Head of the Commonwealth.

Heads also accepted Antigua and Barbuda’s offer to host CHOGM in 2026.

Since 2022, Canada has been a member of the , a rotating group of nine Commonwealth foreign ministers that addresses country situations and recommends measures for upholding Commonwealth Charter values, including democracy and human rights. Canada has accepted a second term on CMAG until 2026.

Within the Government of Canada, 抖淫视频 acts as the lead for Canada’s overall relationship with the Commonwealth. There is close collaboration with other government departments, reflecting the organization’s actions in diverse areas, such as climate change and the environment, education, gender equality, ocean sustainability, democracy, freedom of expression, and the rule of law.

Intergovernmental organizations

The Commonwealth includes 3 intergovernmental organizations:

1. the Commonwealth Secretariat
2. the Commonwealth of Learning
3. the Commonwealth Foundation

Canada is the second largest donor to the Commonwealth and contributed a total of $14.1 million to the organizations in 2024-2025.

Commonwealth Secretariat

Established in 1965, the :

• convenes summits and high-level meetings
• executes plans of the Commonwealth Heads of Government
• promotes Commonwealth values and principles
• facilitates the work of the Commonwealth organizations as defined in its strategic plan
• coordinates several election monitoring missions each year

The Secretary-General uses her good offices to support democratic processes and to prevent or help resolve conflicts.

In 2024-2025, Canada contributed $8.2 million to the Commonwealth Secretariat.

Commonwealth of Learning

The , established in 1987 as a legacy of Canada hosting the CHOGM, is a global leader and champion in the use of open, distance, and technology-enabled learning that reduce barriers to high quality, inclusive education, and skills training. It works collaboratively with governmental and non-governmental institutions to enhance access to innovative learning solutions throughout the Commonwealth. These initiatives contribute to enhanced outcomes for students, for sustainable economies, and more inclusive societies.

Canada is the Commonwealth of Learning’s host (located in the Vancouver area) and largest donor. In addition to core funding, Canada supports a project titled Empowering Women and Girls in the Commonwealth, which promotes gender equality by providing education and skills training to 75,000 women and girls. The project will enable learners to better support themselves and their families, and to contribute to improved economic opportunities in their communities.

In 2024-2025, Canada contributed $4.6 million to the Commonwealth of Learning.

Commonwealth Foundation

The  is committed to encouraging Commonwealth citizens to actively engage in all facets of their governance by protecting and promoting vibrant and free civil societies in all Commonwealth countries. Its work advances the values of the Commonwealth Charter, with a strategic focus on three core thematic areas: health justice, climate justice, and freedom of expression. Gender equality, the perspectives of young people and the specific needs of small and vulnerable states, are incorporated throughout its initiatives.

In 2024-2025, Canada contributed $1.3 million to the Commonwealth Foundation.