Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)

In order to be eligible to vote, parliamentarians should be members of the association at least seven days prior to the AGM.

A delegation from the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) led by the Hon. David McGuinty, P.C., M.P., President of the UIPU and comprising the Hon. Salma Ataullahjan, Senator, Vice-President of the UIPU; the Hon. Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia, Senator; the Hon. Michelle Rempel Garner, P.C., M.P.; and Ms. Andréanne Larouche, M.P. attended the 145th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Kigali, Rwanda from October 11-15, 2022. Joined by nearly 600 parliamentarians from 120 countries, the Canadian delegation debated the overall theme, “Gender equality and gender-sensitive parliaments as drivers of change for a more resilient and peaceful world.” Canadian delegates played leadership roles in the Assembly’s adoption of a resolution on migration and human trafficking proposed by the Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights as well as a resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. They also actively participated in meetings of various subsidiary bodies focusing on women parliamentarians, young parliamentarians, peace and security, sustainable development, and health. In addition, they attended numerous side events on topics such as genocide, terrorism, and 2SLGBTQI+ matters, and held several bilateral meetings.

On September 26, 2022, the Hon. Marilou McPhedran, Senator, attended a meeting of the Steering Committee of the Twelve Plus Group in her capacity as a Bureau member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s (IPU) Sustainable Development Committee. Participants discussed several matters relating to the Group’s activities, including its priorities at the 145th Assembly in Kigali, Rwanda, confirmation of candidates for the next chair, and financial matters. The Group’s members on the Executive Committee of the IPU provided an update on their work, such as progress on various policy reviews and setting a sustainable financial outlook for the organization.

On July 6, 2022, the Hon. Marilou McPhedran, Senator, attended a meeting of the Steering Committee of the Twelve Plus Group in her capacity as a Bureau member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s (IPU) Sustainable Development Committee. Participants continued their discussion of the planned mission to Kyiv and Moscow by the IPU’s Task Force for the peaceful resolution of the war in Ukraine. Senator McPhedran emphasized the importance of the principle of neutrality as the Task Force exercises its mandate.

On July 1, 2022, the Hon. Marilou McPhedran, Senator, attended a meeting of the Steering Committee of the Twelve Plus Group in her capacity as a Bureau member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s (IPU) Sustainable Development Committee. Participants discussed the mandate of the IPU’s newly created Task Force for the peaceful resolution of the war in Ukraine and preparations for its upcoming mission to Kyiv and Moscow.

On March 15, 2022, the Hon. Marilou McPhedran, Senator, and Mr. Sven Spengemann, M.P., participated in a virtual event marking the 10th anniversary of the Plan of Action for Gender-sensitive Parliaments, a document adopted by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) at its 127th Assembly in Quebec City. This event was co-sponsored by the Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations. Senator McPhedran offered welcoming remarks, highlighting factors contributing to the underrepresentation of women in parliaments. Mr. Spengemann participated in the panel on the role of men in advancing gender equality. He emphasized recent developments in Canada, including the enactment of the Gender Equality Week Act in 2018, legislation which he had introduced in the House of Commons during the 42nd Parliament.

The Annual Parliamentary Meeting at the 66th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW66) took place virtually on March 14, 2022. Co-organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and UN Women, it brought together legislators from around the globe to discuss the theme, “The role of women’s leadership and gender-responsive parliaments in climate action.” The Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) was represented by the Hon. Salma Ataullahjan, Senator, the Hon. Rosa Galvez, Senator, the Hon. Amina Gerba, Senator, the Hon. Patti LaBoucane-Benson, Senator, the Hon. Marilou McPhedran, Senator, the Hon. Julie Miville-Dechêne, Senator, the Hon. Rosemary Moodie, Senator, the Hon. Kim Pate, Senator, Ms. Iqra Khalid, M.P., Ms. Andréanne Larouche, M.P., Ms. Lindsay Mathyssen, M.P., the Hon. Michelle Rempel Garner, P.C., M.P., and Mr. Francesco Sorbara, M.P. Participants shared their experiences regarding women’s leadership and political participation in climate action, green parliaments, as well as legal and policy reforms for gender-responsive climate action. Senator McPhedran emphasized the role that informal networks among women parliamentarians can play in advancing discussions on gender-responsive parliaments in climate action and achieving all of the Sustainable Development Goals, given their intersectionality. Senator McPhedran joined her voice to that of other participants in expressing solidarity with Ukraine’s women parliamentarians following the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine.

On March 7, 2022, the Hon. Marilou McPhedran, Senator, attended a meeting of the Steering Committee of the Twelve Plus Group in her capacity as a Bureau member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s (IPU) Sustainable Development Committee. Participants discussed several matters, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the group’s solidarity with Ukrainian parliamentarians. They also reviewed the Group’s financial matters and questions related to IPU membership. During discussions about the programme of activities for the 144th Assembly of the IPU, Senator McPhedran noted that the Canadian Group of the IPU (UIPU) had submitted proposed amendments to both the draft resolution on reframing peace processes and the draft resolution on leveraging information and communication technology in education. Participants were also briefed on key issues discussed by the Executive Committee of the IPU, including the organization’s relationship with the United Nations.

The Honourable David McGuinty, P.C., M.P., President of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Executive Committee Vice-President for the Twelve Plus geopolitical group, remotely participated in the sixth sitting of the 286th session of the International Executive Committee of the IPU. The meeting took place on November 25, 2021 as part of the 143rd IPU Assembly in Madrid, Spain. Members of the Executive considered new initiatives to strengthen the organization’s accountability and transparency, as well as reviewed the work of its Sub-Committee on Finance, including the proposed consolidated budget for 2022. The Executive also examined the IPU’s calendar of future activities, which includes both in-person and virtual events. The meeting was the last for Mr. McGuinty as a member of the Executive Committee. The IPU President thanked him for his four years of dedicated service and offered best wishes for his continued contribution to the IPU specifically and parliamentary diplomacy more broadly.

The Honourable David McGuinty, P.C., M.P., President of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Executive Committee Vice-President for the Twelve Plus geopolitical group, remotely participated in the fifth sitting of the 286th session of the International Executive Committee of the IPU. The meeting took place on November 24, 2021 as part of the 143rd IPU Assembly in Madrid, Spain. Members of the Executive finalized the draft IPU Strategy 2022-2026, as well as other matters related to the membership of the organization. Its recommendations were submitted to the Governing Council for endorsement by that body.

On 22 November 2021, the Hon. David McGuinty, P.C., MP, President of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU), and the Hon. Salma Ataullahjan, Senator, attended a virtual meeting of the Twelve Plus Group. During this meeting, the Group voted for candidates to fill two vacancies on the Executive Committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and one vacancy on the organization’s High-Level Advisory Group on Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism. MP McGuinty and Senator Ataullahjan were both voting members.

On 17 November 2021, the Hon. David McGuinty, P.C., MP, President of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) attended a virtual meeting of the Executive Committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. Participants discussed the situation of certain parliaments, as well as the preparations for the 143rd Assembly and 208th session of the Governing Council.

On 15 November 2021, the Hon. David McGuinty, P.C., MP, President of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU), and the Hon. Marilou McPhedran, Senator, attended a meeting of the steering committee of the Twelve Plus Group. Participants discussed several matters, including the programme of activities for the 143rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (including potential emergency items), the Group’s financial matters, sanctions against parliamentarians by foreign governments and questions related to IPU membership. They were also briefed on key issues discussed at the Executive Committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, including the adoption of a new Strategy for 2022-2026, the financial situation of the organization and its recent mission to Venezuela.

On November 12, 2021, a delegation from the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) comprising Senator Rob Black, Senator Amina Gerba and Senator Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia attended a webinar entitled “The WTO negotiations agenda at the MC12: Towards a sustainable recovery” as part of the Parliamentary Conference on the World Trade Organization (WTO). Jointly organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the European Parliament, the event was planned to coincide with the Twelfth WTO Ministerial Conference (MC12) scheduled to take place at the end of November 2021. Ambassador Dacio Castillo, Chair of the WTO’s General Council, delivered the webinar’s keynote address. In light of the passage of time since any outcome was achieved at a ministerial conference, as well as ongoing challenges in the multilateral trading system, he underscored the importance of MC12 in enabling the membership to reach critical decisions and set out a concrete direction for the organization. Participants also heard from Mr. Rajesh Aggarwal from the International Trade Centre and Ms. Anoush der Boghossian from the WTO Trade and Gender Focal Point. As part of the discussions, the participants were challenged to consider the roles parliamentarians could play in advancing such priorities as e-commerce and a green global recovery and services, as well as reforming the WTO to better integrate gender issues into its agenda.

On 9 November 2021, Mr. David McGuinty, P.C., M.P., President of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU), participated in a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). Participants continued their discussion on the draft IPU Strategy 2022–2026. During the debate, Mr. McGuinty emphasized the important role the IPU plays in enabling information sharing and collaboration between parliamentarians from all over the world. Additionally, the President of the IPU reported on his activities over the last six months and the Secretary General provided an overview of the organization’s activities since the 207th session of the Governing Council in May 2021. Finally, the Executive Committee discussed matters related to IPU membership and preparations for the forthcoming 143rd Assembly.

On November 8, 2021, a delegation from the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) comprising Senator Rob Black, Senator Amina Gerba and Senator Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia attended the webinar, “Trade and Health: Parliamentary Perspectives on MC12” as part of the Parliamentary Conference on the World Trade Organization (WTO). Jointly organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the European Parliament, the event was planned to coincide with the Twelfth WTO Ministerial Conference scheduled to take place at the end of November 2021. Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the WTO, delivered the keynote address to participants. She emphasized that the post-pandemic potential for higher levels of global trade and more even distribution of economic growth is directly linked to achieving equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines in developing countries. In this respect, she called for parliamentarians to support measures that improve links in the vaccine supply chain, encourage vaccine manufacturing in developing countries, and address intellectual property concerns. Mr. David Walker, Facilitator on the WTO response to the COVID-19 pandemic, also addressed the webinar participants. He noted that the WTO can play an important role in global efforts to address issues in trade and health in light of its comparative advantage and focus on promoting trade among its 164 member states.

The Honourable David McGuinty, P.C., M.P., President of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Executive Committee Vice-President for the Twelve Plus geopolitical group, participated in the second online sitting of the 286th session of the International Executive Committee which took place on November 2, 2021. The meeting provided the members with an opportunity to share their views about the IPU’s draft strategy for 2022–2026.

From September 28 to 30, 2021, the Hon. Marilou McPhedran and the Hon. Kim Pate, Senators and members of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU), attended the First Global Parliamentary Meeting on Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). During this event jointly organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Indonesian House of Representatives, participants had the opportunity to discuss the role of parliamentarians in ensuring the realization of the SDGs by 2030. Several issues were addressed, including climate change, a fair and inclusive recovery to the COVID-19 pandemic, a fair and equal distribution of COVID-19 vaccines globally, international cooperation, the needs of vulnerable populations, global inequalities, and universal health coverage.

Senator McPhedran spoke about how the COVID-19 pandemic has reduced our chances of achieving the SDGs on schedule. She explained that missing these targets will cost us more over the long-term; as such, she argued, the world must invest in sustainable development today. She noted that the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development is warning that financing for sustainable development is at risk of collapsing. Senator McPhedran highlighted that Canada is pursuing innovation in social finance by mobilizing private capital for the public good to enhance its progress on the SDGs.

An outcome document summarizing the meeting is available on the IPU’s website

On July 21, 2021, the Hon. David McGuinty, P.C., M.P., President of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU), participated in a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). Members of the Executive Committee were updated on the progress made towards the development of the IPU Strategy 2022–2026. They also discussed issues related to future IPU events (such as the Fifth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament and the 143rd Assembly) and internal matters related to the organization’s governance.

On July 12, 2021, a delegation of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) participated in the Parliamentary Forum at the United Nations High Level Political Forum on sustainable development. The Hon. David McGuinty, P.C., M.P., President of the UIPU, the Hon. Kim Pate, Senator, the Hon. Marilou McPhedran, Senator, the Hon. Salma Ataullahjan, Senator, the Hon. Rosa Galvez, Senator, and Ms. Lindsay Mathyssen, M.P., were part of the delegation.

During this event, participants discussed the role of parliamentarians and public authorities during times of crisis. They also talked about the part played by the public sector as well as the relationship between public and private actors. Participants highlighted several of the challenges the world is facing, including the global water crisis, inequity and poverty, and climate change, and contemplated how various stakeholders can work together to better address them.

During the discussion on the main theme of the event, Senator McPhedran emphasized that the sustainable development goals (SDGs) are interconnected and that SDG 5 (gender equality and women’s empowerment) complements and reinforces the other 16 goals.

The Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) was invited to participate in the UN Women’s Generation Equality Forum (the Forum) co-hosted by Mexico and France. Taking place online from June 30 to July 2, 2021, the Forum comprised a series of conferences that together constituted the largest global feminist gathering since the 1995 UN World Conference on Women in Beijing. The Hon. David McGuinty, PC, MP, Senator Marilou McPhedran, Ms. Lindsay Mathyssen, MP, and Mr. Sven Spengemann, MP were among the Canadian parliamentary delegates attending conferences at the Forum, including the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s (IPU) side-event entitled Parliaments Act for Equal and a session on Feminist Movements and Leadership, which featured the IPU’s Secretary General and Canada’s Minister for International Development among the presenters. Senator McPhedran contributed to the discussion at the session on Feminist Movements and Leadership by highlighting the importance of stronger bridges between women parliamentarians and civil society, especially youth, and by showcasing the work of her youth advisory council, the Canadian Council of Young Feminists.

On June 29 and 30, 2021, a delegation from the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) comprising the Hon. Kim Pate, Senator, Mr. Sven Spengemann, M.P., Ms. Heather McPherson, M.P., and Ms. Andréanne Larouche, M.P. attended a virtual workshop on human rights in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The event was jointly organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. On the first day, Mr. Spengemann moderated a session on responses to the pandemic and respect for human rights. A subsequent session examined the role parliamentary committees can play in ensuring human rights are considered in pandemic response measures.

On the second day, Mr. Spengemann participated, as a panellist, in a session on how to address inequalities and structural discrimination. He noted that the most marginalized populations have been the hardest hit by COVID-19 and he highlighted recent work undertaken by committees of the Canadian House of Commons with respect to Indigenous peoples and gender equality. Mr. Spengemann emphasized that parliaments play an important role in strengthening domestic and international human rights commitments. The two-day event ended with a session on how to better connect parliaments and international human rights mechanisms during the post-pandemic recovery.

The workshop drew over 90 participants, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Michelle Bachelet. Accordingly, Canadian delegates had the opportunity to hear about the measures being taken elsewhere in the world to protect human rights during this unprecedented crisis.

On June 23, 2021, a delegation from the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) comprising Senator Rob Black, Senator Brent Cotter, Senator Victor Oh, Mr. Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, MP, and Mr. Yves Perron, MP attended the High-level parliamentary meeting: Transforming food systems for health, equity and sustainability. They were joined by over one hundred other parliamentarians, officials from various United Nations agencies and representatives from civil society. The virtual event was organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in connection with the United Nations’ Food Systems Summit taking place in September 2021. The programme focussed on two matters related to food systems: their connection with climate change and sustainability, as well as their link with malnutrition and health. Participants heard about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global, national and local food systems and the importance of commitments on all levels and by all stakeholders, including parliamentarians, to address inequalities. During the discussion, Mr. Erskine-Smith queried the potential benefits of prioritizing plant-based food systems in overcoming current challenges and pressures on sustainability and health.

From June 16 to 18, 2021, a delegation of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) comprising Senator Julie Miville-Dechêne, Senator Robert Black, Senator Marilou McPhedran, Mr. Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, M.P. and Ms. Marilène Gill, M.P. attended the virtual World e-Parliament Conference 2021. This event was organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Centre for Innovation in Parliament (CIP) to foster the exchange of good practices and inter-parliamentary cooperation with respect to innovation and the digital transition. During the three-day event, Canadian delegates participated in several Q&A sessions and roundtables covering five themes: towards the digital parliament; infrastructure; data in digital parliaments; enabling digital parliamentarians; and artificial intelligence. Researchers from the CIP also shared key findings from their forthcoming e-Parliament report. Notably, they revealed that parliamentary modernisation has accelerated and that parliaments have become more agile, finding iterative solutions, adopting new tools and pivoting quickly to address emerging needs. During this event, the changes made and tools adopted by parliaments to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic were discussed at length by participants from all around the world.

On 28 and 29 April 2021, a delegation from the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) comprising Ms. Iqra Khalid, MP, Ms. Lindsay Mathyssen, MP, and Ms. Michelle Rempel Garner, MP attended the Seventh Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians. The theme of the virtual conference was Post-COVID-19 recovery: A youth-responsive approach. Over 120 parliamentarians from 84 countries in addition to representatives from governments, international organizations, civil society, youth organizations, academia and the private sector participated in discussions organized into four sessions: youth participation; education; health; and economic empowerment.

Ms. Khalid was a featured panelist during the fourth session on economic empowerment. In her remarks, Ms. Khalid highlighted Canada’s efforts at empowering youth and mitigating the pandemic’s negative impact on youth employment. For the benefit of Canada’s future prosperity and post-pandemic recovery, she emphasized the importance of investing in programs that help Canadian youth find quality economic and employment opportunities in the private, not-for-profit and public sectors, as well as develop skills and access essential training. In particular, she noted the value of supporting young people from marginalized and racialized communities who already face multiple barriers and risk long-lasting consequences from the pandemic’s economic disruption.

The conference’s outcome document provides additional information on the deliberations, best practices and recommendations for action. Finally, the conference coincided with the launch of the IPU’S 2021 report on Youth participation in national parliaments; notably, the report highlights that the proportion of parliamentarians under the age of 30 remains “extremely low,” at only 2.6 per cent globally.

Canada hosted the Fourth Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians in 2017.

Drafting Committee on the draft resolution on Mainstreaming digitalization and the circular economy to achieve the SDGs, particularly responsible consumption and production

On April 21, 2021, the Hon. Salma Ataullahjan, Senator, chaired a meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) on gender-sensitive parliaments and gender-responsive legal reforms. The Hon. Kim Pate, Senator, Ms. Iqra Khalid, MP, Ms. Yasmin Ratansi, MP, and Ms. Lindsay Mathyssen, MP, also attended the meeting, which was moderated by Ms. Sandra Pepera of the National Democratic Institute. In her opening remarks, Senator Ataullahjan noted that the theme of the session was of the utmost importance since crises are never gender neutral and often exacerbate existing inequalities. She also emphasized the important role the world’s parliamentarians can play in ensuring that their respective countries adopt a gender-sensitive response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, she observed that any response to the pandemic that does not consider gender equality will not be sustainable.

During the meeting, Canadian delegates heard from Ms. Esther Anyakun (MP, Uganda), Ms. Beatrice Duncan (UN Women), Ms. Zeina Hilal (manager of gender partnerships and youth participation at the IPU), Ms. Nahla Haidar (UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women), and Ms. Fiona O’Loughlin (Senator, Ireland). They also heard from their Asian, African, European and South American colleagues about measures being debated and implemented in their parliaments.

This meeting was the last of a series entitled “Inter-Parliamentary Dialogue on Gender-Responsive Recovery Post COVID-19.”

The Honourable David McGuinty, P.C., M.P., President of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) and the IPU Executive Committee Vice-President for the Twelve Plus geopolitical group, participated in the sixth online sitting of the 285th session of the International Executive Committee which took place on April 19, 2021. The meeting provided the members with an opportunity to share their views about the IPU’s strategy for 2022–2026 as well as items pertaining to the future business of the Executive Committee.

On 14 April 2021, the Hon. Salma Ataullahjan, Senator, the Hon. Kim Pate, Senator, Ms. Iqra Khalid, MP, and Ms. Yasmin Ratansi, MP, attended a meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) on violence against women and girls. The session was moderated by former Canadian MP, Ms. Paddy Torsney, P.C., Permanent Observer of the IPU to the United Nations (UN). Participants described violence against women and girls as a shadow pandemic which has been intensified by the current global health crisis, in part due to the reduction in services and supports available to women. It was noted that the COVID-19 pandemic is threatening the progress made towards gender equality and that violence against women and girls is itself rooted in gender inequality

During the meeting, Canadian delegates were able to hear from parliamentarians from Bangladesh, Bahrain, the Philippines, Syria, Tanzania, Turkey, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Azerbaijan, Fiji, Nicaragua, Benin, Madagascar and Ecuador, and from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean. The UN Under-Secretary-General, Ms. Pramila Patten, addressed participants through a pre-recorded video. Dr. Dubravka Šimonovic (UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women), Dr. Giovanna Lauro (vice president of Programs and Research at Promundo) and Mr. Khamsavath Chanthavysouk (policy specialist at UN Women) also made presentations.

This meeting was the second of a series entitled “Inter-Parliamentary Dialogue on Gender-Responsive Recovery Post COVID-19.”

In her capacity as President of the Committee on Middle East Questions of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the Honourable Senator Salma Ataullahjan chaired a virtual meeting of the committee on April 14, 2021. The session offered members a timely opportunity to discuss the many developments that have taken place in the region since the committee last met in July 2020. As per its mandate, the committee focuses on tracking and supporting the peace process between Israel and Palestine, as well as peace, security and dialogue through the region. It will report on its activities at the next meeting of the Governing Council taking place virtually at the end of May 2021 as part of the IPU’s 142nd Assembly.

The 142nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) took place for the first time in virtual format. Over 750 parliamentarians from over 130 member parliaments debated the overall theme, “Overcoming the pandemic today and building a better tomorrow: the role of parliaments.” They also adopted two resolutions proposed by the Standing Committee on Peace and International Security as well as the Standing Committee on Sustainable Development, elected new officers to various positions and participated in meetings of different subsidiary bodies among other agenda items.

The Honourable David McGuinty, P.C., M.P., President of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Executive Committee Vice-President for the Twelve Plus geopolitical group, participated in the fifth online sitting of the 285th session of the International Executive Committee which took place on April 9, 2021. Members discussed a number of issues relating to the situations in some IPU member parliaments and their implications for these member parliaments’ participation in the organization.

On April 7, 2021, the Hon. Salma Ataullahjan, Senator, the Hon. Kim Pate, Senator, Ms. Iqra Khalid, MP, and Ms. Yasmin Ratansi, MP, attended a meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) on women’s economic empowerment during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Senator Ataullahjan highlighted that Canadian women have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. She also noted that the Government of Canada recently launched a “Feminist Response and Recovery Fund” to support women and girls impacted by this crisis. For her part, Ms. Khalid explained that the pandemic raises questions of physical and financial security for women.

During the meeting, Canadian delegates were able to hear from and exchange with parliamentarians from Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, Ireland, Cyprus, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, Madagascar, Seychelles, Montenegro, and Fiji. Panellists from the World Economic Forum, UN Women, Oxfam Great Britain and the Equal Pay International Coalition also made presentations. Panellists and parliamentarians discussed the unique ways in which this global crisis is affecting women and girls, as well as the various measures that have been taken – or that need to be taken – by governments.

This meeting was the first of a series entitled “Inter-Parliamentary Dialogue on Gender-Responsive Recovery Post COVID-19.”

On March 24, 2021, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) hosted a virtual event titled “We Have Your Back” - Breaking the cycle from online harassment to threats to violence against women and girl leaders, as a side event to the United Nations’ 65th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. The Government of Canada was one of twelve event co-sponsors. During the discussion, panelists explained how social media platforms and digital spaces are being used to harass women and girl leaders, in some cases starting a cycle of behaviour that escalates to threats and acts of violence.

Presenters emphasized the gendered treatment of parliamentarians and other public figures online, noting that women face a higher degree of personal abuse and aggressive behaviour. As many presenters observed, beyond negatively impacting the lives of those who are targeted, online harassment undermines democracy and limits free speech by discouraging women and girls from being politically active.

The honourable Dr. Hedy Fry, PC, MP participated in a panel of parliamentarians sharing their experiences of, and opinions on, online harassment. In her remarks, Dr. Fry highlighted that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the growing trend of gender-based harassment and violence and spoke about the actions Canada is taking to address the issue domestically and internationally. The honourable Donna Dasko, Senator, attended the event on behalf of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU).

The Annual Parliamentary Meeting at the 65th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW65) took place virtually on March 23, 2021. Co-organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and UN Women, it brought together legislators from around the globe, along with representatives of relevant UN organizations and civil society groups, to discuss the theme, “What will it take to reach gender parity in political participation in a post-COVID-19 world?” The Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) was represented by Senator Donna Dasko, Senator Rosa Galvez, Senator Marilou McPhedran, Ms. Iqra Khalid, MP, Ms. Heather McPherson, MP, and Ms. Julie Vignola, MP.

Ms. McPherson was a featured panellist. In her remarks, she noted that Canada has made progress in increasing women’s political participation, particularly in terms of nearly achieving a critical mass of women parliamentarians in the House of Commons (29.5%) and gender parity in the Senate (49.5%). She also highlighted the growing number of women assuming leadership roles in public life, noting the appointment of the first female Minister of Finance as well as the prominent role played by women Chief Public Health Officers in guiding Canada’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She underscored the importance of improving the diversity of women’s representation by increasing the political opportunities and experiences offered to racialized, Indigenous and young women, as well as women with disabilities, especially at the level of political parties. She also emphasized the need for legislation and public policy measures related to financial support, access to child care, and the prevention of online harassment of women in politics to overcome barriers that otherwise discourage women from considering a political career. Ms. McPherson highlighted Canada’s role in supporting women globally through its Feminist International Assistance Policy, but also pointed out that Canadian contributions to development assistance has been in decline.

Senator McPhedran sought out best practices from the event’s participants regarding regulations or legislation in place or under development to address online harassment of women in politics, particularly in light of the impact of these experiences on their families and career choices. Ms. Vignola emphasized the role that education plays in building young girls’ and boys’ skills and self-belief to promote their confidence and interest in political careers.

Interventions from women parliamentarians from the African, Asia-Pacific, Arab, European and Latin American regions highlighted other aspects of the theme. Among other issues, participants reflected on how COVID-19 has undermined progress in women’s political participation and gender equality, as well as how it is driving change by exposing the importance of including women in decision-making positions and pandemic responses measures. Many participants also underscored the importance of data in tracking progress in women’s political participation and referenced the IPU’s annual report, Women in Parliament 2020: The year in review, as well as the map, Women in Politics: 2021, jointly produced by the IPU and UN Women, to document the rankings of countries around the world in this aspect.

The discussions at the Annual Parliamentary Meeting contribute to the deliberations of the CSW65 as well as the decisions of the 142nd Assembly of the IPU (May 2021), which will focus on overcoming the pandemic and ensuring post-COVID recovery. The IPU and UN Women will continue their deliberations in a series of co-organized Strategic Inter-parliamentary Dialogues scheduled to take place virtually on several dates in April on the theme, “Gender-responsive recovery post COVID-19.”

The Honourable David McGuinty, P.C., M.P., President of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Executive Committee Vice-President for the Twelve Plus geopolitical group, participated in the fourth online sitting of the 285th session of the International Executive Committee which took place on March 22, 2021. Among other agenda items, members reviewed preparations for the 142nd IPU Assembly taking place virtually in May and made decisions related to the revision of the IPU’s strategy for 2022–2026.

On 9 March 2021, the honourable Salma Ataullahjan, Senator, attended the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s (IPU) 45th Session of the Bureau of Women Parliamentarians. She joined other members of the Bureau from Cyprus, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sweden, and Thailand among others, as well as its President, Ms. Susan Kihika (Kenya), to review the IPU’s recent and upcoming activities on gender equality. These included the release of the IPU’s 2020 Women in Parliament report and related infographic. Senator Ataullahjan highlighted progress towards gender equality in both chambers of the Parliament of Canada, underscoring that the Senate had achieved gender parity. She also provided an update on the economic and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Canadian women generally, and on care workers, refugees, members of the Indigenous and underrepresented communities specifically, as well as an update on the vaccination rollout. During the Bureau’s discussion of gender equality as a possible theme for the IPU’s 143rd Assembly scheduled for November 2021 in Rwanda – a theme inspired by the host’s achievements in gender parity - Senator Ataullahjan underlined the importance of including the experiences of marginalized, racialized and Indigenous women. She also volunteered to attend on behalf of the Bureau’s president virtual meetings of various IPU bodies related to the 142nd Assembly that is taking place virtually 24 to 27 May 2021. The Bureau itself will continue to meet online over the coming weeks to prepare for the virtual session of the IPU’s Forum of Women Parliamentarians as part of the related meetings of the 142nd Assembly.

On 17 and 18 February, a delegation from the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) participated in the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s (IPU) Annual Parliamentary Hearing at the United Nations. Held in a virtual format for the first time, the theme of this year’s annual hearing was Fighting corruption to restore trust in government and improve development prospects. Senator Salma Ataullahjan, Senator Marilou McPhedran, Hon. David McGuinty, PC, MP, Ms. Marilène Gill, MP, and Ms. Stephanie Kusie, MP participated in the event .

The hearing included remarks by United Nations General Assembly President Volkan Bozkir, and IPU President, Duarte Pacheco, as well as a video address from United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres. The keynote speech, entitled How corruption undermines democracy and development: the need for parliamentary engagement, was delivered by Ms. Delia Ferreira Rubio, Chair of the Board of Transparency International. During a panel on gender-sensitive anti-corruption policies, Senator McPhedran made a statement highlighting gender parity in the Senate of Canada and gender-sensitive aspects of the Government of Canada’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic as best practices and asked panelists about the role of gender quotas for members of parliaments in the fight against corruption.

During a panel on key anti-corruption measures, Senator Ataullahjan asked panelists how anti-corruption measures can be better designed to facilitate effective enforcement and implementation and Mr. McGuinty highlighted the effectiveness of imposing targeted sanctions against corrupt foreign officials, such as through Canada’s Sergei Magnitsky Law.

The Honourable David McGuinty, P.C., M.P., President of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Executive Committee Vice-President for the Twelve Plus geopolitical group, and Sven Spengemann, M.P., member of the Bureau of the IPU Committee on Democracy and Human Rights, were invited to an informal virtual meeting of the Twelve Plus Group’s Steering Committee on 15 February 2021. They joined other delegates from Belgium, France, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine and the United Kingdom who also hold offices on the four standing committees of the IPU. Arda Gerkens (Netherlands) chaired the meeting, her first since being elected to the position by the Twelve Plus Group membership on 26 October 2020. Attendees were briefed on developments at the IPU’s recent Executive Committee meetings. They also discussed various administrative matters in anticipation of future decision-making meetings of the geopolitical group.

The Twelve Plus Group is a collective of 47 IPU member states that caucus together to discuss key issues and coordinate action regarding IPU matters.

The Honourable David McGuinty, P.C., M.P., President of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Executive Committee Vice-President for the Twelve Plus geopolitical group, participated in the third sitting of the 285th session of the International Executive Committee which took place virtually on 8 February 2021. Members continued their consideration of the legislative situation in Venezuela as well as recent developments in Myanmar. They also received an update regarding efforts to achieve universal membership. The International Executive Committee also approved various administrative matters for recommendation to the Governing Council at its next session.

The Honourable David McGuinty, P.C., M.P., President of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Executive Committee Vice-President for the Twelve Plus geopolitical group, participated in the second sitting of the 285th session of the International Executive Committee which took place virtually on 22 January 2021. Members agreed to a roadmap for developing the organization’s Strategy 2022–2026 as well as the schedule of activities for 2021 while also emphasising the importance of flexibility and greater consideration of the possibility for holding hybrid events. Members also held preliminary discussions about the legislative situation in Venezuela, and will continue their consideration of this matter at the next meeting of the International Executive Committee.

On 20 January 2021, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) organized a webinar entitled, “Reforming the Security Council: When?”, the third in a series of briefings for parliamentarians on United Nations processes. The event brought together approximately 120 participants from over 40 countries, including eight members of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) : Senator Rob Black, Senator Patti LaBoucane-Benson, Senator Marilou McPhedran, Senator Kate Pate, Senator Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia, Senator Raymonde Saint-Germain, Ms. Iqra Khalid, MP, and Mr. Sameer Zuberi, MP. The briefing began with summaries of three proposals for UN Security Council reform as presented by a representative of each proposing group: Italy on behalf of the Uniting for Consensus group (to which Canada belongs); India of the G4 group comprising as well Brazil, Japan and Germany; and the Ezulwini Consensus on behalf of the African group. The session highlighted points of convergence, such as general agreement that the membership of the Security Council should be increased in order to improve representation of underrepresented regions. Participants also heard diverging views about expanding the categories of membership (e.g., longer-term seats), increasing the number of permanent members, as well as extending veto authority and limiting its application.

The Honourable David McGuinty, P.C., M.P., President of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Executive Committee Vice-President for the Twelve Plus geopolitical group, participated in a session of the International Executive Committee by videoconference on 18 January 2021. The meeting was the first one chaired by the new IPU President, Duarte Pacheco (Portugal), who was elected at the 206th Extraordinary Virtual Session of the IPU’s Governing Council in November 2020. Members discussed several items related to the IPU’s calendar of events, including the 142nd Assembly. They also considered the future direction of the IPU, specifically the modalities for developing the organization’s Strategy 2022–2026 and for achieving universal membership. The International Executive Committee expects to hold additional meetings to continue the discussion on these and other matters.

Members of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) were invited to participate in the Third Expert Roundtable on the Common Principles for Support to Parliaments co-organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Parliament of Uganda. The roundtable took place virtually on December 9, 2020 and featured presentations by several experts and parliamentarians from around the world who engage in parliamentary monitoring and evaluation. Participants raised several aspects of parliamentary monitoring and evaluation, notably its relationship with accountability, public trust, and the importance of buy-in on the part of all stakeholders.

On December 3, 2020, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the European Parliament co-hosted a discussion on international trade policies that could help to mitigate the global economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. The event brought together approximately 50 participants, including parliamentarians and representatives from various international organizations. The webinar featured presentations by Mr. Duarte Pacheco, president of the IPU; Ms. Pamela Coke-Hamilton, executive director of the International Trade Centre; Ms. Kathleen Van Brempt, member of the European Parliament; and Mr. Juan Antonio Coloma, member of the Senate of Chile.

Speakers emphasized that international trade should remain a key focus of economic development policies in a post-COVID-19 global economy. In addition, they highlighted various aspects of international trade and economic policies that could be considered by countries and parliamentarians to ensure a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient global economic recovery. Participants discussed the importance of reinvigorating multilateral trade negotiations and strengthening the dispute-settlement mechanism of the World Trade Organization, as well as the need to ensure free and fair trade in health goods and access to COVID-19 vaccines. In addition, they discussed the role that trade policies can play in reducing poverty, fighting climate change, promoting labor rights, and facilitating the participation of developing countries in the global economy.

On 25 November 2020, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) co-hosted with the Kofi Annan Foundation a virtual session on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The event brought together over 60 participants, including parliamentarians as well as representatives from various international organizations and civil society groups. The Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) was represented by Senator Marilou McPhedran, Senator Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia, MP, Mr. Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, MP, Ms. Iqra Khalid, MP, Ms. Lindsay Mathyssen, MP, and Mr. Sven Spengemann, MP. The session featured presentations by Mr. Martin Chungong, Secretary General of the IPU; Ms. Anita Bhatia, UN Women; Ms. Hilary Gbedemah, Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women Committee; and Ms. Carmen Alanis, Former Chief Justice of Mexico. The session highlighted various aspects of the issue of violence against women, including its growing prevalence as a “shadow pandemic” in the context of the COVID-19 crisis, the importance of including women and men in approaches to address the problem, and the role parliamentarians play in enacting key legislation to address the many barriers that persist. Many participants and panelists also stressed the need for reliable data on violence against women specifically and gender equality generally in order to better inform more effective public policies.

On November 18, 2020 the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Office of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth (OSGEY) co-organized a virtual meeting on Young Women’s Political Participation and Leadership.

The main objectives of the event were to increase the interest in participation of young women in politics, to recognize and understand the challenges faced by young women who are engaging in political leadership, to allow participants to share experiences and build capacity, to identify strategic solutions, and to develop a call to action. Following the opening session, the meeting was divided into three working sessions: i. Building Capacity and Mobilizing Support, ii. Campaigning and Elections, and iii. Occupying Office and Creating Change from Within.

Senator Ataullahjan of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU), in her capacity as President of the Committee on Middle East Questions and Member of the IPU Bureau of Women Parliamentarians, was invited to share her insights and recommendations as a panellist for the third session, Occupying Office and Creating Change from Within. The Senator spoke of the need to create safe spaces for women, the importance of mentoring young women, and the role the press and political parties can play. She emphasized that the best thing women can do is to be champions for each other. During the Q&A Senator Ataullahjan also shared her experience in running for the presidency of the IPU.

On 18 November 2020, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) hosted a virtual session on “Reviewing United Nations peacebuilding,” the second in a series of briefings for its membership on United Nations (UN) processes. The event brought together over 60 participants and featured presentations by Ms. Jaqueline O’Neill, Canada’s Ambassador for Women, Peace and Security; Mr. Oscar Taranco, UN Assistant Secretary-General, Peacebuilding Support Office; and Ambassador Liberata Mulamula, representing the group of Independent Eminent Persons on peacebuilding. It was attended by Senator Marilou McPhedran, Senator Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia and Ms. Lindsay Mathyssen, MP from the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU). Among the topics discussed were the challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic to national and global efforts at sustaining peacebuilding and preventing conflict, continued commitments regarding solidarity and common approaches – particularly to avoid regression in collaborative achievements, and the various elements required for effective implementation frameworks. During the question and answer period, Senator McPhedran emphasized the importance of accountability and of ensuring that funding efforts are not distracting from those required to achieve and implement agreements.

On 17 November 2020, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) organized a webinar on “Universal health coverage [UHC] in times of COVID-19 ¬– Parliamentary best practices and challenges.” Members of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union UIPU) participated, two of whom, Rachel Blaney, MP and Sven Spengemann, MP were featured presenters together with Dr. Pechdau Tohmeena from Thailand’s House of Representatives and David Clarke from the World Health Organization. Senator Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia also attended.

In her remarks, Ms. Blaney highlighted the key role played by Tommy Douglas in introducing UHC to Canada over fifty years ago, noting that it has become one of Canada’s most valued institutions. While emphasizing that many Canadians have benefitted from UHC, she also observed that challenges continue to exist, in particular for seniors, women, and racialized communities. She stated that these challenges have been notably exacerbated in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. As well, she underscored the role that the Canadian parliament is playing in considering options to expand Canada’s health system to include a national pharmacare program and in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr. Spengemann acknowledged that, while Canada has a high global ranking regarding UHC, the system is not perfect. Among the challenges Canada faces as it strives to implement UHC more broadly is the country’s vast geography and the related difficulty of accessing remote communities. He highlighted the difficulties faced by Indigenous peoples as well as recommendations by national and international processes that call on their healthcare rights to be upheld. He also underscored the importance of national as well as global collaboration to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly where the development and distribution of vaccines are concerned. In this respect, he noted the contributions Canada has made to the global effort.

The webinar, which was attended by over 80 participants, was intended as an initial step in holding parliaments to account for the implementation of the IPU resolution, “Achieving universal health coverage by 2030: The role of parliaments in ensuring the right to health,” adopted at the 141st Assembly in October 2019.

On 10 November 2020, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) hosted a virtual session of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2020 Parliamentary Roundtable, Building trust in a time of COVID-19 response and post-COVID-19 recovery. Mr. Liu Zhenmin, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs and Mr. Martin Chungong, IPU Secretary General, provided opening remarks. Participants included parliamentarians from various IPU member parliaments, including the Parliament of Canada, as well as other stakeholders. They emphasized the opportunities presented by the Internet, as well as the challenges surrounding the spreading misinformation. In this context, the discussion highlighted the importance of inter-parliamentary dialogue and parliamentary leadership in sharing best practices, especially with regard to security and working with industry. Participants agreed that parliaments need to work proactively to rebuild the trust that has been eroded by misinformation. Many discussed the establishment of Internet access as a basic human right in their country, as well as the importance of bridging the digital divide between the technology “haves” and the “have-nots,” including improved digital literacy. The session also took note of the need to reform current Internet governance models and the role of global agreements on data, e-commerce among others in this respect, as well as the importance of increased participation by young parliamentarians in these matters.

The 206th Session of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Governing Council (Extraordinary Virtual Session) took place 1–3 November 2020. The Governing Council is the primary oversight body of the IPU and is made up of representatives from all member parliaments. It has a variety of subsidiary bodies which report to it, including the Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians, the Committee on Middle East Questions and the Forum of Women Parliamentarians. Decisions of the Governing Council are most often taken by consensus. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent restrictions to international travel, the session took place with a reduced agenda, focusing primarily on the election of the President for the 2020-2023 term, the IPU’s budget, decisions of the Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians, and future meetings of the IPU. Over 400 Council members from 144 national parliaments participated, of which 40% were women and 25% young parliamentarians. The Canadian delegation comprised:

• the Honourable David McGuinty, P.C., M.P., President of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) and Vice-President of the IPU Executive Committee for the Twelve Plus Group (official delegate);

• the Honourable Salma Ataullahjan, Senator, Vice-President of the UIPU, Chair of the IPU Committee on Middle East Questions, and Bureau member of the IPU’s Forum of Women Parliamentarians (observer);

• the Honourable Senator Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia, Senator, Member of the Executive of the UIPU (official delegate);

• Ms. Marilène Gill, M.P., Member of the Executive of the UIPU (observer); and

• Ms. Stephanie Kusie, M.P. (official delegate).

The Asia-Pacific Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union met in advance of the 206th virtual session of the Governing Council. The Honourable Salma Ataullahjan, Senator, represented Canada at the meeting.

The agenda included briefings on recent activities by the IPU’s Executive Committee and the ASEAN+3 Group, as well as the IPU presidential election taking place during the Governing Council. Senator Ataullahjan addressed the Group as a candidate for the IPU presidency.

The Executive Committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) met in advance of the 206th virtual session of the Governing Council. The Honourable David McGuinty, President of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) and the 12+ Group's IPU Executive Committee Vice-President, attended the meeting.

The members in attendance were given an update on the preparations for the upcoming session of the IPU Governing Council and discussed financial matters and future meetings of the IPU. They also continued discussions on the status of some IPU memberships.

The Honourable David McGuinty, P.C., M.P., President of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU), led a delegation of parliamentarians composed of the Honourable Salma Ataullahjan, Senator, the Honourable Rob Black, Senator, the Honourable Kim Pate, Senator, Hon. Steven Blaney, M.P., Ms. Marilène Gill, M.P., Ms. Lindsay Mathyssen, M.P. and Mr. Sven Spengemann, M.P.

Members heard from the candidates for the chair of the 12+ Group and proceeded to vote in a virtual secret ballot election. Ms. Arda Gerkens from the Netherlands was elected Chair of the Group for a two-year term. The Group also reviewed proposals for future Group activities, examined the financial situation of the Group and discussed matters that will be on the agenda of the upcoming session of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Governing Council. During the meeting, the Honourable David McGuinty, who is also the 12+ Group's IPU Executive Committee Vice-President, reported on the proceedings at the Executive Committee.

The 12+ Group is a collective of 47 IPU member states that caucus together to discuss key issues that will be presented to the Governing Council of the IPU, the Union’s main administrative and policy-making body.

The Honourable David McGuinty, P.C., M.P., President of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) and the Union interparlementaire (UIP) Executive Committee Vice-President for the Twelve Plus geopolitical Group (12+), the Honourable Salma Ataullahjan, Senator and President of the IPU Committee on Middle East Questions and Sven Spengemann, M.P. and member of the Bureau of the IPU Committee on Democracy and Human Rights, participated in a Steering Committee meeting of the 12+ Group on October 26, 2020. The members in attendance reviewed and approved the report of candidacies for the chairmanship of the Group.

The 12+ Group is a collective of 47 IPU member states that caucus together to discuss key issues that will be presented to the Governing Council of the IPU, the Union’s main administrative and policy-making body.

On 20 October 2020, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU )hosted a virtual briefing for parliamentarians on “UN processes: Sustainable Development Goal 1 (SDG 1) and the UN definition of poverty.” Presenters included former United Nations Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights, Philip Alston, Dr. George Gray Molina from the United Nations Development Programme and Barbara Adams, President of the Global Policy Forum. The panelists presented a critical analysis of how global poverty is being measured by the UN, World Bank and other international policymakers. Discussion also included an evaluation of the state of poverty alleviation around the world, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the steps necessary to make the achievement of SDG 1 – “End poverty in all its forms everywhere” – a reality. The Honourable Kim Pate, Senator, joined the discussion, asking how international poverty reduction efforts can be made relevant to domestic reform initiatives in high-income countries like Canada and whether there were studies which estimated the cost of poverty on economies around the world.

The 12+ Geopolitical Group met to hear from the candidates for the presidency emanating from within its membership and to vote on a consensus candidate. The Hon. Salma Ataullahjan presented her platform and answered questions.

The Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) was represented at this meeting by a delegation composed of the Honourable David McGuinty, P.C., M.P., President of the UIPU and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Executive Committee Vice-President for the 12+ geopolitical Group, the Honourable Salma Ataullahjan, Senator, the Honourable Rob Black, Senator, the Honourable Raymonde Saint-Germain, Senator, Ms. Marilène Gill, M.P., Ms. Iqra Khalid, M.P., Ms. Lindsay Mathyssen, M.P.

The 12+ Group is a collective of 47 IPU member states that caucus together to discuss key issues that will be presented to the Governing Council of the IPU, the Union’s main administrative and policy-making body.

In the third and final webinar of a series on climate change legislation hosted by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Centre for International Sustainable Development Law, participants discussed the risks to social stability posed by climate change and the various domestic, regional and international approaches to addressing these risks, including through legislation. The role of parliaments in meeting these challenges was highlighted by presenters, who noted the importance of socio-economic factors in determining the vulnerability of communities to climate change. The webinar included pre-recorded messages from IPU Secretary General Martin Chungong and Vice-President of the German Bundestag Claudia Roth.

The Honourable David McGuinty, P.C., M.P., President of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Executive Committee Vice-President for the Twelve Plus geopolitical Group (12+), led a delegation of parliamentarians composed of the Honourable Salma Ataullahjan, Senator, the Honourable Rob Black, senator, the Honourable Raymonde Saint-Germain, Senator, the Honourable Steven Blaney, P.C., M.P., Ms. Marilène Gill, M.P., Ms. Michelle Rempel Garner, M.P. and Mr. Sven Spengemann, M.P.

This meeting was called at the request of the chairs from the five Nordic IPU delegations (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden) to discuss the IPU presidency.

The Honourable David McGuinty, P.C.,M.P., President of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Executive Committee Vice-President for the Twelve Plus geopolitical Group (12+), the Honourable Salma Ataullahjan, Senator and President of the IPU Committee on Middle East Questions and Sven Spengemann, M.P. and member of the Bureau of the IPU Committee on Democracy and Human Rights, participated in a hybrid Steering Committee meeting of the 12+ Group on September 28, 2020. Members discussed important matters that will be on the agendas of the upcoming virtual meeting of the 12+ Group and the extraordinary virtual session of the IPU Governing Council.

The 12+ Group is a collective of 47 IPU member states that caucus together to discuss key issues that will be presented to the Governing Council of the IPU, the union’s main administrative and policy-making body.

Several members of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) attended an online event organized by the Equal Pay International Coalition to exchange ideas on achieving pay equity around the world. The discussion was led by several individuals from a wide range of sectors (government, academia, business, civil society, sports, broadcasting, labour) with direct experience in advancing equal pay for equal work. Many of the points raised emphasized the importance of systemic change in addition to reforms that reflect the unique nature of a particular sector. Participants also highlighted the aggravating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gender inequalities as well as the increased risk faced by women who are disproportionately represented in vulnerable and high-risk occupations and unpaid work. The event featured prerecordings from government representatives from around the world, including Canada’s Minister of Labour, as well as the United Nations Secretary General, the Director-General of the International Labour Organization, and the Executive Director of UN Women.

Participants representing parliamentarians, civil society, and multilateral stakeholders examined the role of legislation in mitigating the challenges of climate change and its effect on the world’s oceans. Presentations from these communities (including a Canadian researcher) initiated discussion on such topics as the strengths and weaknesses of existing international mechanisms (Sustainable Development Goals) and treaties (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) in facilitating domestic legislative processes. A parliamentarian from Maldives highlighted the challenges faced by vulnerable small island developing states in terms of land loss as well as disruptions to economic activities such as tourism. Other topics raised include recent regional and national mechanisms addressing the ocean-climate nexus (the Caribbean, European Union, Australia, Seychelles, Mexico), Indigenous perspectives, and the opportunity presented by the COVID-19 pandemic to make progress on these interconnected concerns. The webinar was the second of three organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in partnership with the secretariat of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the Centre for International Sustainable Development Law.

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) organized in partnership with Arizona State University a virtual panel debate about parliaments, democracy and COVID-19. The discussion was led by parliamentarians, researchers and civil society advocates. Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, participated with a pre-recorded message. Several panelists and participants highlighted the challenges faced by parliaments in shaping responses to the pandemic. Many also underscored the importance of striking a balance between the need for urgent action, protecting human rights, and parliament’s legislative, budgetary and oversight roles. Members of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) who registered for the event include: Senator Salma Ataullahjan, Senator Pate, Mr. Spengemann, and Ms. Andréanne Larouche, MP.

The Honourable David McGuinty, P.C., M.P., President of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Executive Committee Vice-President for the 12+ geopolitical group, participated in an Extraordinary Session of the International Executive Committee by videoconference on August 31, 2020. During this meeting, the members reviewed proposed special rules of procedure that could be adopted at the next session of the Governing Council and discussed a few other administrative matters. After a discussion, amendments were proposed. A new draft will be circulated to members for review and approval. The Executive Committee oversees the administration of the IPU and makes recommendations to the IPU Governing Council on various matters.

This webinar was the first in a series organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat and the Centre for International Sustainable Development Law. The goal was to build the capacity of parliamentarians and other key stakeholders in their response to climate change, and to promote knowledge-sharing on key topics in legislation and governance that arise in the implementation of the Paris Agreement.

The presenters explored topics like the meaning of compliance in international law as well as compliance within domestic climate change legislation. The role of the Paris Agreement Implementation and Compliance Committee, of the UNFCCC Secretariat in aiding implementation and supporting coordination, and the essential role of parliaments and parliamentarians were also discussed. The presentations were followed by a lively virtual Q amp; A session with participants.

The Honourable Salma Ataullahjan, Senator, Vice-president of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) and President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Committee on Middle East Questions (MEQ), called an extraordinary meeting of this committee to discuss recent developments in Palestine and in Libya. The Committee received a briefing from the Secretariat regarding the situation in the region and the related correspondence submitted by Member Parliaments before debating developments and possible actions by the committee.

The MEQ was formed in 1987 by the IPU Governing Council to follow the peace process in the region. It is comprised of 14 members with experience or keen interest relating to the Middle East, and each member of the committee is elected by the Governing Council of the IPU for a period of 4 years. Members of the Committee encourage contact between parliamentarians from all sides of the Israeli and Palestinian parliaments, neighbouring countries and members of the Quartet of peace mediators (United Nations, United States, European Union and Russia) and strives to strengthen ties between parliamentarians of the region. Though the Committee meets in private, it prepares and submits reports to the IPU’s Governing Council.

The High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) is the United Nations hub for the global review of progress toward the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As a contribution to the HLPF, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) holds an annual Parliamentary Forum, which was designed to give parliamentarians participating in the HLPF an opportunity to discuss the main theme of the session and exchange experiences on SDGs implementation. The main theme of the 2020 session was ‘The Big Reset: Learning from COVID-19 to fast track the SDGs’.

The Honourable David McGuinty, P.C., M.P., President of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU), led a delegation of parliamentarians composed of the Honourable Peter Boehm, Senator, the Honourable Kim Pate, Senator, Ms. Julie Dzerowicz, M.P., Ms. Iqra Khalid, M.P. and Mr. Sven Spengemann, M.P. The delegates heard presentations from experts and discussed the importance of increasing support for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with fellow parliamentarians. Speakers emphasized that the COVID-19 pandemic has made the need to transition to more sustainable and equitable economic models all the more apparent. Mr. McGuinty and Senator Boehm spoke on behalf of the delegation, highlighting the cross-sectional effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on pursuing the SDGs and the need to translate principles into evidence-based policies that can win the support of constituents.

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the Commonwealth Secretariat (ComSec) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) organized a webinar for committees in charge of human rights of the Parliaments of Africa, the Caribbean and Canada, and Members of the Commonwealth. The virtual seminar built on previous discussions and drew up guidelines enabling Commonwealth parliaments, especially their committees dealing with human rights issues, to have greater impact in promoting and protecting human rights. The Honourable David McGuinty, PC, MP, President of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU), led a delegation of parliamentarians composed of the Honourable Salma Ataullahjan, Senator, Vice-President of the Group, the Honourable Kim Pate, Senator, the Honourable Marilou McPhedran, Senator, Ms. Iqra Khalid, MP, Ms. Stephanie Kusie, MP, and Mr. Sven Spengemann, MP.

Senator Ataullahjan moderated a panel on strengthening strategies for a better contribution to the promotion and protection of human rights at the national level in light of COVID-19. Mr. Spengemann presented a selection of activities by Canada’s parliament related to the implementation of the most recent UPR recommendations; he also pointed out the role that the IPU and its Committee on Democracy and Human Rights can play to strengthen parliamentary engagement regarding the UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process. Mr. McGuinty highlighted the work of parliamentary committees that touch on broad aspects of human rights, as well as gender representation in parliament, the cabinet and heads of Canada’s missions abroad. Senator Ataullahjan, Mr. Spengemann and Ms. Khalid noted the importance of parliament and parliamentary human rights committees in enhancing their work related to the UPR, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on human rights, and the value of webinars such as this one to exchange knowledge and best practices about human rights at the national and international levels.

The Honourable David McGuinty, P.C., M.P., President of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Executive Committee Vice-President for the 12+ geopolitical group, participated in the fourth part of the Extraordinary Session of the International Executive Committee by videoconference on July 9, 2020. During this meeting, the members discussed various issues and next steps. The Executive Committee oversees the administration of the IPU and makes recommendations to the IPU Governing Council on various matters.

The Honourable David McGuinty, P.C., M.P., President of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Executive Committee Vice-President for the 12+ geopolitical group, participated in the ongoing Extraordinary Session of the International Executive Committee by videoconference on June 26, 2020. During this meeting, the members reviewed various reports and discussed next steps. The Executive Committee oversees the administration of the IPU and makes recommendations to the IPU Governing Council on various matters.

The Honourable David McGuinty, P.C.,M.P., President of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Executive Committee Vice-President for the Twelve Plus geopolitical group (12+), participated in a meeting of the Steering Committee of the 12+ by videoconference on June 23, 2020. The agenda included reports on developments since the group’s last meeting and the preparation for the next meeting of the International Executive Committee of the IPU. The 12+ Group is a collective of 47 IPU member states that caucus together to discuss key issues that will be presented to the Governing Council of the IPU, the union’s main administrative and policy-making body.

During this joint session, members of the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas and the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) heard from officials from Global Affairs Canada and experts about the relationship between Canada and the challenges Venezuela is facing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Honourable David McGuinty, P.C., M.P., president of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Executive Committee Vice-President for the 12+ geopolitical group, participated in the second part of the Extraordinary Session of the International Executive Committee by videoconference on June 18, 2020. During this meeting, the members discussed financial matters and were updated on the status of future IPU meetings. One more meeting will be required to complete the agenda. The Executive Committee oversees the administration of the IPU and makes recommendations to the IPU Governing Council on various matters.

The Honourable David McGuinty, P.C., M.P., president of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Executive Committee Vice-President for the 12+ geopolitical group, participated in an Extraordinary Session of the International Executive Committee by videoconference on June 11, 2020. During this meeting, vacancies were filled and members discussed many issues including cooperation with the UN and future IPU meetings. Further meetings will be required to complete the agenda. The Executive Committee oversees the administration of the IPU and makes recommendations to the IPU Governing Council on various matters, including applications by national parliaments or regional parliamentary assemblies wishing to join the Union.

The Honourable David McGuinty, P.C.,M.P., president of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Executive Committee Vice-President for the Twelve Plus geopolitical group (12+), participated in a virtual Steering Committee meeting of the 12+ on June 9, 2020. Members discussed important matters that will be on the agenda of the upcoming virtual meeting of the International Executive Committee of the IPU. The 12+ Group is a collective of 47 IPU member states that caucus together to discuss key issues that will be presented to the Governing Council of the IPU, the union’s main administrative and policy-making body.

Room 430, Wellington Building

5:30 p.m.

To be eligible to vote at the AGM the deadline for membership for this association is 7 days before the meeting.

The Inter-Parliamentary Union is a unique organization made up of national parliaments from around the world which works to protect and build global democracy through political dialogue and concrete action. The theme of the general debate at the 141st Assembly was "Strengthening international law: Parliamentary roles and mechanisms, and the contribution of regional cooperation".

The Inter-Parliamentary Union is a unique organization made up of national parliaments from around the world which works to protect and build global democracy through political dialogue and concrete action. The theme of the general debate at the 140th Assembly was "Parliaments as platforms to enhance education for peace, security and the rule of law".

The Statutes and Rules of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) permits members to form geopolitical groups. These groups play an important role in the functioning and activities of the IPU. Canada belongs to the Twelve Plus Group and Canadian parliamentarians occasionally participate in meetings of its Steering Committee of representatives from approximately seven to nine member-countries.

During the 63rd Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, whose priority theme was "Social protection systems, access to public services and sustainable infrastructure for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls", the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and UN Women have organized a parliamentary meeting entitled "Investing in gender equality: Parliaments ensuring social protection, public services and infrastructure deliver for women and girls".

Room 705, Victoria Building

12:30 p.m.

To be eligible to vote at the AGM the deadline for membership for this association is 7 days before the meeting.

The IPU’s annual parliamentary hearing brought parliamentarians to the UN headquarters in New York for a discussion with high-ranking UN officials, representatives of [UN] Member States and experts drawn from think tanks and civil society organizations. The theme of the hearing was "Emerging Challenges to Multilateralism: A Parliamentary Response".

The Inter-Parliamentary Union is a unique organization made up of national parliaments from around the world which works to protect and build global democracy through political dialogue and concrete action. The theme of the general debate at the 139th Assembly was Parliamentary leadership in promoting peace and development in the age of innovation and technological change.