Poilievre Proposes CANZUK Alliance, Excluding the United States

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has proposed a new partnership between Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand – dubbed CANZUK – aimed at strengthening trade and aligning policies, while notably excluding the United States. The proposal was unveiled during a speech at the Centre for Policy Studies in London, U.K., on March 3, 2026, marking Poilievre’s first overseas trip as leader of the opposition.

A Modern CANZUK Partnership

Poilievre advocates for a “modern” CANZUK partnership focused on increasing free trade and reducing costs for citizens. The alliance would seek to harmonize trade and labour rules, professional recognition, product approvals, labour mobility, defence procurement, and energy policy The Star. This concept has historically not included the U.S., according to Poilievre’s office.

Leveraging Ties with Like-Minded Nations

While acknowledging the importance of Canada’s relationship with the U.S., Poilievre argued for strengthening ties with “like-minded free nations” in a period of global uncertainty The Star. The proposal echoes similar ideas previously suggested by past Conservative leaders. Poilievre stated that Canada should not declare a “rupture” with the U.S., its most important trading partner.

Speech at the Margaret Thatcher Lecture

Poilievre delivered his vision for the CANZUK alliance during the Margaret Thatcher lecture at the Centre for Policy Studies in London YouTube. The speech outlined his desire for freer trade and easier movement of people between the four nations CTV News. He also discussed the need to make life more affordable for Canadians.

Political Context

The proposal comes as Poilievre seeks to position himself and the Conservative Party as an alternative to the current government. The trip to the U.K. Represents his first international visit as Conservative leader YouTube. The CANZUK alliance is presented as a strategy to boost Canada’s leverage, particularly with Washington Politico.

This article was updated on March 4, 2026.