March 13, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada 

Robert Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, has concluded a productive visit to London, United Kingdom, where he attended Commonwealth Week events between March 11 and 13, 2025. 

While in London, Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant represented Canada at the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group meeting, where members confirmed the Commonwealth’s key roles in contributing to peace, security, and human rights. 

The Group reinforced their commitment to multilateralism, international cooperation, and the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all member states of the Commonwealth.

He also met with incoming Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey to discuss how the Commonwealth can be modernized to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of its members in a rapidly changing world. Additionally, the Parliamentary Secretary met with leaders from other Commonwealth countries to explore opportunities for greater collaboration on shared values, such as the promotion of democracy, human rights and good governance. 

During the visit, Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant announced that Canada will provide $7.8 million to the Commonwealth of Learning over 3 years. The Commonwealth of Learning is an intergovernmental organization mandated by Commonwealth leaders to provide access to quality education and learning opportunities throughout the organization’s membership. Canada’s funding will enable the organization to continue its critical work expanding the use of open, distance and technology-enabled learning across the Commonwealth.