The Commonwealth’s Silence: Where is Our Allyship as Canada Faces Threats?

by Justin R. Langan

What does it mean to be part of a global family if, when one of your own is threatened, the rest remain silent?

The Commonwealth is built on shared values and mutual support. Yet, as Canada faces an unprecedented threat—the possibility of United States (US) annexation—where is that support? Instead of standing with a fellow Commonwealth nation, United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently failed to defend Canada in his conversation with Donald Trump, brushing aside concerns in what can only be described as throwing an ally under the bus.

Donald Trump has never hidden his admiration for strongman politics or his disregard for diplomatic norms. His rhetoric about annexing Canada—whether a joke or not—reveals something unsettling. With growing isolationism in the US and a Republican Party increasingly hostile to allies, Canada suddenly faces open discussions about absorption rather than partnership. Instead, what should have been met with immediate condemnation from world leaders has been ignored.

History shows that when a democracy is threatened, the Commonwealth stands firm. In 2022, it responded swiftly to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, imposing sanctions and providing aid. In the 1980s, it pressured South Africa to end apartheid. In both cases, the message was clear: sovereignty and democracy matter.

Yet, when it comes to Canada, the response has been silence. Where are the diplomatic statements of solidarity? Where is the denouncement of this dangerous rhetoric?

Where is the Commonwealth’s Response?

As Canada faces this uncertainty, our so-called allies in the Commonwealth remain silent. The same nations that stood together in past crises—whether condemning Russia’s invasion or sanctioning oppressive regimes—now appear indifferent as one of them faces an existential threat.

Compare this to the European Union and NATO members, who have reaffirmed their commitment to Canada’s sovereignty despite their geopolitical challenges. Even US officials who oppose Trump’s stance have dismissed his rhetoric as reckless and dangerous.

But the Commonwealth? Silence.

Let’s be clear: Canada is not asking for military intervention or seeking to be “rescued.” This is not about troops or defence strategies. It is about principled allyship and public solidarity. It is about hearing our closest friends stand up and say, “This is unacceptable.”

If the Commonwealth truly believes in democracy, sovereignty, and the strength of its members, now is the time to prove it. Otherwise, is the Commonwealth anything more than an empty shell?

The Role of Youth in Defending Canada

If our leaders won’t defend Canada, it will be up to us—the youth of the Commonwealth—to do so. If the UK, Australia, and New Zealand governments remain silent, young people must step forward.

Canada has always supported its allies in times of crisis. As our sovereignty is questioned, we need solidarity from our peers. This is not just a Canadian issue. If one Commonwealth country can be threatened without consequence, what does that say about the strength of this alliance?

Young people have the power to change this narrative. We have the platforms and networks to demand action where governments hesitate. Here’s how we can make a difference:

• Social Media Campaigns: Use hashtags like #StandWithCanada and #CommonwealthSolidarity to pressure leaders into speaking up.

• Letters to MPs: Young people across the Commonwealth should demand their representatives take a public stance.

• Youth-Led Diplomatic Efforts: Student unions, activist groups, and Commonwealth youth organizations should mobilize and issue statements of support.

This is about more than just Canada—it is about the credibility of the Commonwealth itself. Suppose we, its young people, do not demand accountability from our leaders. In that case, we are complicit in allowing these institutions to remain weak and disconnected from the values they claim to uphold.

A Call to Action

The Commonwealth is supposed to be a community built on shared values and solidarity. But solidarity is not silent. If we are truly a Commonwealth, we need to act like one.

Canada does not need to be saved, but we do need to know that our so-called allies still consider us part of their global family.

If the Commonwealth leaders won’t show up, it’s up to us—the next generation—to ensure that they do.

Justin Langan is an internationally lauded LGBTQ+ Indigenous activist residing in Ottawa, Canada. He specializes in youth empowerment, sustainability, and humanitarianism. Justin is the Executive Director of O’KANATA, holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Manitoba, and is committed to integrating traditional Indigenous knowledge with modern solutions to create sustainable, community-driven change.