This report originally appeared in Perth USAsia Centre.
By Heather Exner-Pirot, Andrew Pickford, and Wolfgang Alschner, March 4, 2026
Canada and Australia have a strategic opportunity to enhance their geopolitical influence by coordinating their resource policies, as like-minded democracies with shared political, economic, and social values, they enjoy a high degree of mutual trust that creates strong foundations for deeper collaboration in critical minerals, trade, and environmental standards.
In this report for the Perth USAsia Centre, Heather Exner-Pirot, Andrew Pickford, and Wolfgang Alschner examine how Canada and Australia can develop joint frameworks and practical capabilities to navigate and streamline complex resource governance systems, both countries can position themselves as reliable partners in an increasingly fragmented global economy. A formalized resource alliance would not only strengthen supply chain resilience but also advance their core national interests by reducing vulnerability to external coercion and market volatility.
