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Canada–Turks and Caicos Islands relations

The potential political association of the Turks and Caicos Islands along with Canada is a recurring topic perennially discussed at times in various cross sections of society of both nations,[1] and usually emerging in discourse during northern hemispheric winter.[2][3] The islands are currently a British Overseas Territory under the sovereignty of the United Kingdom which covers the territory's foreign affairs and national defence.[4][5]

Canada–Turks and Caicos Islands relations

Canada
Turks and Caicos Islands
Location of the Turks and Caicos Islands compared with Canada
Location of the Turks and Caicos Islands compared with Canada

The idea has occasionally been discussed at both the federal and provincial levels in Canada.[6] While the Canadian government has previously indicated that it would be open to exploring methods of increasing economic and social ties with the Turks and Caicos,[7] there has been no official statement on opening discussion from the Canadian government on the notion of transferring sovereignty over the territory from the United Kingdom.[8][9]

There has been informal media polls on the matter[10] but no official public opinion polling indicating support (or lack thereof) to the idea of annexation, nor a consensus in either nation on how it would happen. Furthermore, significant socioeconomic, diplomatic, constitutional, and political hurdles would need to be overcome to achieve incorporation of the islands, which has raised questions on its feasibility.[11]

History

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Main article: History of the Turks and Caicos Islands

Early years

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Canadian Prime Minister Robert Borden (1911-1920), a supporter of Canadian annexation of the Turks and Caicos Islands

In the U.K's moves towards providing responsible self-governance in the West Indies in compliance with the United Nations list of non-self-governing territories the Turks and Caicos operated as a dependency of Jamaica since 1873 with the aim of consolidating governance in the region.[12] The history of the proposal for Canada to assume some role extends back as far as 1917, when Canadian Prime Minister Robert Borden first raised the idea of Canada taking over responsibility of the islands from the United Kingdom. The idea was raised at the Imperial Conference of that year, only to be shot down by UK Prime Minister David Lloyd George, a known supporter of strong shipping ports for his home country.[8]

Reemergence of the political association movement (1970s)

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See also: Turks and Caicos Islands § 20th and 21st centuries

In 1960s with moves by Jamaica toward independence in 1962 following the collapse of the 4 years old British West Indies Federation prior to reaching Dominion status, the Turks and Caicos successfully campaigned not to be pushed into political independence simply due to the majority in Jamaica moving in that direction. The Turks and Caicos was then placed under the governance of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas with which it shares the Lucayan Archipelago chain. Interest within the Turks and Caicos in joining the Canadian confederation reemerged as a serious proposal in the early 1970s.[8] Other British possessions in the Caribbean declared independence from the United Kingdom throughout the mid-20th century, including Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago in 1962, Barbados in 1966, and, importantly for the neighbouring Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas in 1973. Due to growing sentiment in the Bahamas islands to seek political independence the Turks and Caicos again sought a separation, this time from the Bahamas before it too was granted independence in 1973 leading to a re-evaluation of the TCI's future.[citation needed]

In response to this, on 15 March 1973, the islands' territorial council prepared a petition to the Canadian government seeking a closer form of association[13] and asking Britain's permission to do so. The council sought to expand its economic integration with its large North American neighbour in the midst of a faltering domestic economy at the time.[14] An excerpt of the resolution reads:

BE IT RESOLVED AND MADE KNOWN THAT:

The State Council of the Turks and Caicos Islands desires to thank formally the Canadian People and their Government for the considerable help and advice received by these Islands from them in recent years. This State Council, recognising the urgent need for both long and short term solutions to our present constitutional, financial and economic problems, further resolves that it would welcome additional professional and technical advice from both governmental and non-governmental organisations so that we may benefit from your long and loyal membership of the British Commonwealth.

In particular, this State Council would welcome far greater official contact between our two governments and herewith cordially invite a Canadian Parliamentary Delegation to visit these Islands and advise us during these days of decision.

— State Council of the Turks and Caicos Islands

In 1974, a private members' bill was introduced in the federal Canadian Parliament to explore a formal association between Canada and the Turks and Caicos. The bill, entitled "An act respecting a proposed association between Canada and the Caribbean Turks and Caicos Islands",[15] did not have the support of the government at the time, not uncommon for a bill from the backbenches, and was ultimately not brought to a vote. While the bill did not proceed in Parliament, it did bring the concept of Canadian political association back into the mainstream of Turks and Caicos Islander politics.[16]

Following the independence of its neighbouring British possessions, the Turks and Caicos received their own territorial governor as well as responsible self-government. In 1976 after the first election in this new framework, the pro-independence People's Democratic Movement (PDM) won a majority of seats in the country's House of Assembly. After election, the PDM prepared the islands for autonomy from the United Kingdom, which included a successful petition for a constitution for the islands expanding islander rights and further enhancing self-government.[17]

Height of political support (1980s)

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The two predominant political parties on the islands, the pro-independence People's Democratic Movement (PDM) and the anti-independence Progressive National Party (PNP), agreed to independence by 1982. However, a territorial election in 1982 saw a return for the then governing Progressive National Party, which halted plans for independence.[18][19] The PNP, still facing sluggish economic growth and high unemployment within the islands, instead pushed for domestic reforms and closer relations with its neighbours.[8]

One of these proposals was to renew efforts to form some type of political unity with Canada. Between 1973 and 1987, members of the territory's legislature met with members of both houses of the Canadian Parliament to discuss the advantages the islands would receive by associating closely with Canada. On 10 March 1987, Liberal Senator and former Cabinet Minister Hazen Argue tabled a motion calling for both nations to explore "the desirability and advantages of the Turks and Caicos Islands becoming a part of Canada".[13] This motion referenced the ongoing talks with members of both countries' legislatures. During debate in the Canadian Senate, Argue identified advantages that the Turks and Caicos legislature saw in association with Canada:[13]

 
Hazen Argue, author of a motion in the Canadian Senate supporting annexation in 1987.

The motion also laid out concrete steps that the nations might need to take to move towards integration; the list has since been cited as the steps that both nations would need to take if the process were to be initiated in the future:

(1) adoption of a common currency;

(2) designation of Canada's Governor General as the King's representative for the islands (thus replacing the current Governor);

(3) a closer economic association between the two countries;

(4) any change in procedures to our mutual advantage, that would assist the entry of Canadians to the Islands, and of Islanders to Canada; and

(5) provision of efficient direct air service between the two countries.

— Hazen Argue, Senate Debates, 33rd Parliament, 2nd Session : Vol. 1

Association with Canada reached an all-time peak of support amongst islanders at this time, with around 90% of its citizens supporting it. Indeed, it seemed that having the backing of a prominent former Cabinet minister would at least propel the bill into higher media attention.[20] However, commentators generally agree that the publicity of another prominent foreign affairs discussion, the Canada–United States Free Trade Agreement (which would later become the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)), distracted both politicians in Ottawa as well as Canadian media from focusing on seriously considering annexing the islands.[8] After its introduction in the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Senate, Argue's bill did not proceed to the floor.[8]

1990s to present

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The combination of NAFTA's domination in Canadian politics throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, as well as growing rights for Turks and Caicos Islanders as a dependency of the United Kingdom, are seen as leading to a decline in interest in Canada's association with the islands.[8][20] In 2002, the Parliament of the United Kingdom passed the British Overseas Territories Act 2002 which granted full British citizenship to citizens of British Overseas Territories (such as the Turks and Caicos Islands), on par with their counterparts in the United Kingdom.[21] The act directly addressed a number of concerns of the islander government in their discussions with the Canadian government asking for closer association. The act removed barriers for islanders to immigrate and work in the UK, and only served to further lower discussion in mainstream politics of unification with Canada.[citation needed]

However, the suspension of the island's self-government between 2009 and 2012 over ministerial corruption[19] has re-energized the debate over the islands' future as a British Overseas Territory. In particular, dissatisfaction with losing home rule by Britain has led some to favour independence or a change in sovereign patronage vis-a-vis Canada.[22]

Opposition

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Opposition to political association exists in both Canada and the Turks and Caicos alike. Opponents of association cite issues ranging from cultural differences, political concerns over corruption, and foreign policy implications for Canada.

 
Turks and Caicos Islander with a Canadian Flag, 1974

After a 2009 report from a UK commission of inquiry, the British government suspended self-government for the islands over findings of significant corruption in the Turks and Caicos' government. The Premier of the islands, Michael Misick, resigned in the wake of the suspension and was viewed as a central component to dispensing political favours to other connected elites. Critics contend that issues such as those with self-government, the second time it has occurred in the history of the territory, would make the Turks and Caicos an unsuitable candidate for inclusion in Canada's strong democratic values.[8][23]

Canada has maintained a foreign policy as a peacekeeping middle power,[16] and its commitment to multiculturalism and multilateralism[24] has led some to decry expansionist policies as inconsistent with these values. Supporters counter that association would not occur without the consent of the islands' population and thus would be in furtherance of, rather than detrimental to, Canada's values of multiculturalism.[18]

Proposed methods of political association

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See also: Amendments to the Constitution of Canada

There are multiple proposals for political union, all with certain supporters and detractors, and many variations within each.

In every method, the consent of at least the federal Canadian Parliament and the governing authorities of the Turks and Caicos would be necessary for association.[25] Thus, overwhelming public support in both countries would have to support political association for it to occur. The United Kingdom would be involved in these negotiations; however, the official position of the UK Government has been to support the self-determination of its overseas territories,[26] and thus would not prevent the Turks and Caicos from becoming a part of Canada if the citizens of the islands supported that move.[11] This position was reaffirmed by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office with respect to the Turks and Caicos in 1987.[27]

All methods of political association would require an amendment to the Canadian Constitution.[28]

Establishment as a new province

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The establishment of the islands as a new province in their own right would provide the maximum level of autonomy for the Turks and Caicos under all proposed methods of association by putting it legally on a par with the existing 10 provinces. Rufus Ewing, the Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, has said this method would be the most desirable form of association for the islanders.[29]

However, becoming a province would also be the most politically challenging method, as it would require amending under the general procedure of the Canadian Constitution Act of 1982, requiring the support of the federal parliament and two-thirds of provincial legislatures that represent more than 50% of the Canadian population. It is improbable that this number could be achieved, as the addition of a new province has the potential to divide federal payments to existing provinces.[8] It is likely that incorporation of the less affluent Turks and Caicos would result in the islands siphoning funds from equalization payments from other less wealthy provinces, reducing their chances of supporting this method.[30]

Establishment as a territory

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The incorporation of the Turks and Caicos Islands as a territory of Canada would be the simplest method of annexation from a legal and constitutional standpoint. The establishment of territories requires a simple act of the federal parliament, and does not require any action on the part of the provinces. A similar procedure was used in 1993 to establish Nunavut.[31]

Incorporation into an existing province

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Some proponents of political association have suggested that incorporation into an existing province would be the most feasible method of annexation. This method would skirt the normal process for amending the Canadian Constitution by taking advantage of the less rigorous formula under Section 43 of the Constitution Act, 1982. This prescribes that portions of the constitution affecting only one province can be amended with the consent of the federal Parliament and the legislature of that province. Thus, it is probable that political association could be achieved using this method with general public support throughout Canada in addition to support from one willing province, as well as public support in the Turks and Caicos.

This proposal has already been officially supported by one province, Nova Scotia, in April 2004 when its legislature adopted a resolution explicitly inviting the government of the Turks and Caicos to explore joining Canada as a part of that province. The full text of the resolution reads:[32]

Whereas the Turks and Caicos is a Caribbean treasure consisting of 40 islands and a population of almost 19,000 people that is currently governed as a British territory; and

Whereas the Government of Turks and Caicos has expressed an interest in joining Canada; and

Whereas the Province of Nova Scotia has a long and proud history of conducting trade with the Caribbean;

Therefore be it resolved that the Government of Nova Scotia initiate discussions with the Turks and Caicos to become part of the Province of Nova Scotia and encourage the Government of Canada to welcome the Turks and Caicos as part of our country.

Comparison

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Politics and government

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See also: Politics of Canada and Politics of the Turks and Caicos Islands

Both Canada and the Turks and Caicos Islands operate under a Westminster system of government, and share King Charles III as their head of state (in his capacity as King of Canada and King of the United Kingdom, respectively). While Canada is a sovereign, independent state that shares Charles III as its monarch in free association with the other Commonwealth realms, the Turks and Caicos Islands are an internally self-governing British overseas territory, in which the British monarch is represented by a resident Governor.

The foreign relations of the Turks and Caicos Islands are the responsibility of the United Kingdom, which is fulfilled through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The FCDO is headed by the Foreign Secretary, a member of the Government of the United Kingdom. Despite the United Kingdom's oversight of the territory's foreign affairs, the Turks and Caicos Islands participate in the Caribbean Community as an associate member.[33] The Caribbean Community is an intergovernmental organisation composed of 15 members and 5 associate members that promotes economic integration of the Caribbean.

Canada is a "full democracy"[34] with a tradition of liberalism[35] and strong rule of law.[36] Canada has consistently ranked very highly on the Democracy Index; in 2019, it tied for 7th in the world for strength of democracy.[34] The Turks and Caicos Islands have faced significant challenges in combating corruption[37][23][38] and have twice lost their right to self-government since first achieving that status in 1976:[39] once in 1986[40] and again in 2009;[38] both times due to corruption of ministerial and public positions.

See also

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Further reading

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  • Here's why Canada doesn't have a Caribbean province
  • https://www.parl.ca/DocumentViewer/en/IIA/visit-report/8497445/page-9
  • Staff writer (6 September 2022). "Canada–Turks-Caicos Islands relations". Foreign Affairs. www.international.gc.ca. Government of Canada. Retrieved 8 May 2024.

References

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  1. ^ Staff writer. "Turks and Caicos: Canada's 11th Province?". Ministry of Tourism - Turks & Caicos Islands. visittci.com. Providenciales, TCIs: Visit Turks and Caicos Islands. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  2. ^ Stuart, Ian A. "Canada and the Turks & Caicos: The Full Story". craigmarlatt.com. Vol 11, No. 2. Canadian Parliamentary Review. Turks & Caicos Development Organization of Canada. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  3. ^ Mcginn, Dave (6 June 2014). "Does Turks and Caicos even want to join Canada? We sent a reporter to find out". life/travel (destinations ed.). The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  4. ^ Waitzman, Eren (18 May 2023). "In Focus: UK's relationship with its overseas territories". Library. lordslibrary.parliament.uk/. U.K. Parliament. U.K. House of Lords. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  5. ^ Loft (20 January 2023). "Research Briefing: The Overseas Territories: An introduction and relations with the UK". Library. commonslibrary.parliament.uk. U.K. Parliament. U.K. House of Commons. Retrieved 8 May 2014.
  6. ^ Russell, Andrew (6 April 2016). "Reality check: Should Canada adopt Turks and Caicos as its 11th province?". Global National. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  7. ^ Staff, wrtier (21 July 2013). "Turks and Caicos frustrates Tory MP's plan to woo island colony into becoming Canada's 11th province". National Post. Postmedia Network Inc. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i "The 11th province?". Retrieved 3 April 2020.
  9. ^ [1]
  10. ^ Staff, writer (26 May 2014). "Turks and Caicos - Canada's 11th province?". News. CTV. Ottawa: Bell Media. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
  11. ^ a b GESSELL, PAUL. "Canada's fantasy islands | Maclean's | 30 March 1987". Maclean's | The Complete Archive. Retrieved 3 April 2020.
  12. ^ Cahoon, Ben (2019). "Turks and Caicos Islands". worldstatesmen.org. World Statesmen Encyclopedia. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
  13. ^ a b c "Senate Debates, 33rd Parliament, 2nd Session : ... - Canadian Parliamentary Historical Resources". parl.canadiana.ca. Retrieved 3 April 2020.
  14. ^ "The Montreal Gazette - Google News Archive Search". news.google.com. Retrieved 3 April 2020.
  15. ^ Canada. Parliament. House of Commons (1974). Journals of the House of Commons of Canada - Second session of the twenty-ninth Parliament of Canada, 1974. Robarts - University of Toronto. Ottawa : Queen's Printer.
  16. ^ a b Denton, Herbert H. (29 May 1987). "CANADA HEARS SIREN CALL OF ISLANDS IN THE SUN". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2 April 2020.
  17. ^ "The Turks and Caicos Islands (Constitution) Order 1976". www.legislation.gov.uk. Retrieved 3 April 2020.
  18. ^ a b Staff writer. "About the Turks and Caicos Government". Ministry of Tourism - Turks & Caicos Islands. visittci.com. Providenciales, TCIs: Visit Turks and Caicos Islands. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  19. ^ a b "Turks and Caicos Islands | Location, People, & History". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  20. ^ a b "Could the Turks and Caicos Islands join Canada to become the 11th province? | News". dailyhive.com. Retrieved 3 April 2020.
  21. ^ "British Overseas Territories Act 2002". www.legislation.gov.uk. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  22. ^ "Clinging to Comforts of Colonialism in Turks and Caicos : Islanders, Uneasy at Notion of Full Independence, Weigh Canadian Ties". Los Angeles Times. 4 October 1987. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  23. ^ a b Auld, Robert (7 October 2008). "Turks and Caicos Islands Commission of Inquiry 2008-2009" (PDF). assets.publishing.service.gov.uk.
  24. ^ Banerjee, Ajit M.; Sharma, Murari R. (2007). Reinventing the United Nations. New Delhi: Prentice-Hall of India. ISBN 978-81-203-3282-9. OCLC 294882382.
  25. ^ CONTI, ERIKA (1 September 2008). "The Referendum for Self-Determination: Is It Still a Solution? The Never Ending Dispute over Western Sahara". African Journal of International and Comparative Law. 16 (2): 178–196. doi:10.3366/E0954889008000169. ISSN 0954-8890.
  26. ^ "British Overseas Territories: Self-determination of States:Written question - 33851". UK Parliament. Retrieved 2 April 2020.
  27. ^ Denton, Herbert (1987). "CANADA HEARS SIREN CALL OF ISLANDS IN THE SUN". The Washington Post.
  28. ^ Branch, Legislative Services (30 July 2015). "Consolidated federal laws of canada, Access to Information Act". laws-lois.justice.gc.ca. Archived from the original on 26 March 2019. Retrieved 26 May 2019.
  29. ^ News; Canada (1 July 2013). "Turks and Caicos could be like a tiny Nunavut or Canada's 11th province | National Post". National Post. Retrieved 3 April 2020. {{cite news}}: |last1= has generic name (help)
  30. ^ "Does Turks and Caicos even want to join Canada? We sent a reporter to find out". Retrieved 2 April 2020.
  31. ^ Branch, Legislative Services (15 July 2019). "Consolidated federal laws of canada, Nunavut Act". laws-lois.justice.gc.ca. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  32. ^ "Debates and Proceedings | Wednesday, April 21, 2004". Nova Scotia Legislature. 12 April 2010. Retrieved 2 April 2020.
  33. ^ Demographics of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Caribbean Community - Turks and Caicos Islands profile
  34. ^ a b "EIU Democracy Index 2019 - World Democracy Report". www.eiu.com. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  35. ^ Westhues, Anne; Wharf, Brian (25 May 2012). Canadian social policy : issues and perspectives (Fifth ed.). Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. ISBN 978-1-55458-409-3. OCLC 759030019.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  36. ^ Taub, Amanda (27 June 2017). "Canada's Secret to Resisting the West's Populist Wave". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  37. ^ "About the Turks and Caicos Government". Visit Turks and Caicos Islands. Retrieved 3 April 2020.
  38. ^ a b Jones, Sam (14 August 2009). "UK seizes control of Turks and Caicos over sleaze allegations". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  39. ^ "The Turks and Caicos Islands (Constitution) Order 1976". www.legislation.gov.uk. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  40. ^ "Turks and Caicos Islands (Hansard, 25 July 1986)". api.parliament.uk. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
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