March 10, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs; and the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, today issued the following statement:

“Canada is proud to be a partner in the Commonwealth, a unique forum whose members share core commitments to democratic values, good governance and human rights. This year’s Commonwealth Day theme—Together We Thrive—reminds us that collaboration through the Commonwealth helps its 56 member countries advance mutual interests.

“Among our commitments, Canada contributed over $14 million to the Commonwealth in fiscal year 2024-2025, making it the forum’s second-largest funder. This funding includes support for the Burnaby, British Columbia-based Commonwealth of Learning, which plays a key role in bringing open, distance and technology-enabled learning to students in developing countries.

“Additionally, Canada is serving a second two-year term as part of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group, in which we are working to ensure that all members respect the shared values of the Commonwealth Charter.

“Canada looks forward to working together with incoming Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey to modernize and reform the Commonwealth and ensure it meets the needs of its membership in a quickly changing world. We are also pleased that Antigua and Barbuda have offered to host the biannual Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2026.”