Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant to attend Commonwealth Week in United Kingdom

March 12, 2023 – 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 attend Commonwealth Week events in London, United Kingdom, from March 12 to 17, 2023.

On March 13, Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant will attend events to commemorate Commonwealth Day and to mark the 10th anniversary of the Commonwealth Charter, a landmark document that helps define the organization’s key values. This year’s Commonwealth theme, Forging a Sustainable and Peaceful Common Future, reflects the shared commitment of member countries to improve the lives and opportunities of all peoples of the Commonwealth for generations to come.

On March 14 and 15, Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant will attend the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) Meeting and the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers’ Meeting to discuss shared challenges and to advance Canadian foreign policy priorities. This is Canada’s first meeting for its 2022 to 2024 term as a member of CMAG, a forum in which selected Commonwealth foreign affairs ministers or their designates discuss violations of the organization’s values and recommend measures to restore democracy and constitutional rule.

Throughout his visit, Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant will take the opportunity to discuss with Commonwealth member countries issues of mutual interest and opportunities for action, including working with members to reform the Commonwealth into a more modern, transparent and effective organization and advancing common priorities, such as tackling climate change and promoting gender equality and 2SLGBTQI+ rights.