Report

A delegation from the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) attended the 130^th IPU Assembly and Related Meetings in Geneva, Switzerland from 16–20 March 2014.[1] The Canadian delegation comprised:

·         Honourable Salma Ataullahjan, Senator, President of the Canadian IPU Group and Head of the delegation;

·         Honourable Dennis Dawson, Senator;

·         Blaine Calkins, M.P.;

·         Irene Mathyssen, M.P.;

·         David McGuinty, M.P.; and

·         Terence Young, M.P.

Meetings of the IPU provide an important opportunity for Canadian parliamentary diplomacy. Multilateral work occurs through the meetings of various committees and other bodies that take place during an IPU assembly. Bilateral work occurs through the side meetings that arise during IPU assemblies.

Overall, throughout the 130^th Assembly, members of the Canadian delegation were able to engage in exchanges with their counterparts in an attempt to further the principles of representative democracy, the rule of law, human rights and gender equality. They also addressed matters pertinent to Canadian foreign policy, including nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, child protection needs in situations of armed conflict and displacement, and disaster risk reduction and resiliency.

The IPU: Background

Established in 1889, the IPU is the international organization of parliaments of sovereign states. It:

·         fosters contacts, co-ordination, and the exchange of experiences among parliamentarians of all member parliaments;

·         considers questions of international interest and concern, and expresses its views on relevant issues in order to bring about action by parliaments and parliamentarians;

·         contributes to the defence and promotion of human rights, which are essential aspects of parliamentary democracy and development; and

·         contributes to better knowledge of the working of representative institutions, and to the strengthening and development of their means of action.[2]

At present, the IPU’s activities are pursued according to its Strategy 2012–2017: Better parliaments, stronger democracies.[3]

Highlights of the 130^th IPU Assembly: Canadian Activities

The 130^th Assembly’s Agenda[4]

The IPU assembly is the principal statutory body that expresses the views of the IPU on political issues.

The agenda for the 130^th Assembly included the following items:

·         election of the President and Vice-President of the Assembly;

·         consideration of requests for the inclusion of an emergency item in the Assembly’s agenda;

·         general debate on “IPU at 125: Renewing our commitment to peace and democracy”;

·         “Towards a nuclear-weapon-free world: The contribution of parliaments” (Standing Committee on Peace and International Security);

·         “Towards risk-resilient development: Taking into consideration demographic trends and natural constraints” (Standing Committee on Sustainable Development, Finance and Trade);

·         “The role of parliaments in protecting the rights of children, in particular unaccompanied migrant children, and in preventing their exploitation in situations of war and conflict” (Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights);

·         report of the Standing Committee on United Nations Affairs;

·         approval of the subject items to be taken up by the standing committees and appointment of the rapporteurs; and

·         “Helping to restore peace and security and consolidate democracy in the Central African Republic: The contribution of the IPU” (emergency item).[5]

Overall, delegations from 145 member parliaments participated in the activities of the 130^th Assembly. Of the 1,349 delegates in attendance, 705 were members of national parliaments; they included 47 presiding officers and 34 deputy presiding officers.

At the close of the 130^th Assembly, 164 national parliaments were members of the IPU and 10 regional parliamentary assemblies were associate members.

The General Debate

At the 130^th Assembly, a general debate was held on the topic of “The IPU at 125: Renewing our commitment to peace and democracy.” During the debate, which was held over three days, “representatives of 97 Member Parliaments, including 34 Speakers of Parliament, and nine regional parliamentary assemblies and Observer delegations, took the floor to address the anniversary theme of the General Debate.”[6] Senator Ataullahjan, Irene Mathyssen, M.P., and David McGuinty, M.P. all attended at least one of the sessions.

As President of the Canadian IPU Group and head of the delegation, Senator Ataullahjan delivered a speech. Her remarks focused on the IPU’s efforts to strengthen three areas that constitute its core business: promoting representative democracy; protecting human rights; and, advancing gender equality. She noted that commitment to these core principles must be renewed and reinforced – continuously and consistently – through resolve, resources and concrete efforts.

Senator Ataullahjan reminded delegates that it is the quality, strength and accountability of institutions that determine whether citizens feel that they live in a country governed by a system that they recognize as democratic, inclusive and responsive to their needs. She argued that, as the global organization of parliaments, the IPU is uniquely positioned to contribute to the qualitative aspects of representative democracy.

With respect to the protection and promotion of international human rights, Senator Ataullahjan argued that those on the front lines of human rights work need particular attention. She noted that the ability to monitor respect for human rights obligations is challenged if the very people responsible for that work – human rights defenders – are at risk. She argued that parliaments clearly have a key role to play in advancing the elements of a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders, and in providing human rights defenders with an avenue for dialogue with governments.

Finally, Senator Ataullahjan underscored the IPU’s essential work in relation to gender equality, women’s rights and the advancement of women in decision-making. She used examples of her previous work as an IPU delegate – as co-rapporteur for the IPU on a resolution on maternal and child health and as a participant in sessions that led to the adoption of a Plan of Action for Gender-Sensitive Parliaments – to illustrate examples of outcomes from IPU assemblies that can provide blueprints for action and help to establish normative standards.

The Chair’s summary of the Assembly’s general debate, which was “endorsed by the membership at the last sitting of the Assembly,”[7] concludes by noting that:

Parliaments are the voice of the people. Now is the time to take up the lessons learned over 125 years of IPU history and use them to drive the next generation of change. The Member Parliaments of the IPU therefore renew their commitment to peace in the world, based on democracy, human rights and the rule of law.[8]

The Emergency Item

The IPU Statutes provide that an IPU assembly may include one emergency item in its agenda.[9] The Rules further provide: “Should several requests obtain the requisite majority, the one having received the largest number of positive votes shall be accepted.”[10] The 130^th Assembly received four requests for the inclusion of an emergency item on its agenda.

The Canadian delegation proposed an emergency item entitled The Crisis in Ukraine.  Following consultations with the delegation of Ukraine, which had proposed an item on the same topic, Canada’s proposal was revised to the item entitled Aggression against Ukraine.[11] The Assembly considered the proposals on 17 March 2014.

Terence Young, M.P. introduced Canada’s proposed emergency item entitled Aggression against Ukraine, on which the Canadian delegation had collaborated fully with the delegation of Ukraine. He told the delegates that the escalating crisis in Ukraine required urgent attention and consideration during the 130^th Assembly. As well, he stated that the referendum held in Ukraine’s Autonomous Republic of Crimea on 16 March was conducted under illegal military occupation. He further stated that its results are invalid and illegitimate, and have no legal effect.

Mr. Young underscored the Canadian delegation’s belief that the IPU Assembly – with its focus on international law, representative democracy and human rights – was an ideal forum for parliamentarians to take a strong stand in resisting what was being witnessed in Ukraine:  the erosion of the international order that regulates relations between states, which has been built up over generations to enhance peace and security. As well, Mr. Young emphasized that the unlawful presence of Russian military forces in Crimea is a clear violation of international law, and of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also noted that the presence undermines international commitments to the peaceful settlement of disputes.

Mr. Young noted that, as a long-standing friend of Ukraine, Canada had closely monitored recent events with grave concern. On behalf of the Canadian IPU Group, Mr. Young continued by stating that – in keeping with the all-party spirit demonstrated in recent Canadian parliamentary debates on the situation in Ukraine – a resolution on the crisis in Ukraine would reinforce international and bilateral efforts undertaken in other fora by urging all parties to:

·         de-escalate the crisis;

·         create an atmosphere that is conducive to dialogue, reconciliation and cooperation;

·         reaffirm international commitments to international legal principles and the rights of minorities, including all faith and linguistic communities; and

·         uphold the values of democracy, as well as promote the rule of law and the freedom of expression and association.

Following a roll-call vote,[12] the proposed emergency item entitled Helping to restore peace and security and consolidate democracy in the Central African Republic: The contribution of the IPU was added to the 130^th Assembly’s agenda. It had been proposed by the delegation from Morocco. A debate on the situation in the Central African Republic was held on 18 March 2014; the item was subsequently referred to a drafting committee, which was tasked with finalizing a resolution on the topic. In its final sitting on 20 March 2014, the 130^th Assembly adopted that resolution unanimously.[13]

IPU Standing Committees

Each IPU assembly is assisted in its work by standing committees. Each delegation is represented on standing committees by one member and one substitute member.[14]

During the 130^th Assembly, three of the IPU’s standing committee’s debated and finalized draft resolutions. The fourth standing committee – the Standing Committee on United Nations Affairs – considered a number of agenda topics.

Standing Committee on Peace and International Security

The Standing Committee on Peace and International Security addressed the topic “Towards a nuclear-weapon-free world: the contribution of parliaments.” It met on 17–18 March 2014.

Blaine Calkins, M.P. was a co-rapporteur on this topic and presented the joint draft resolution he had prepared along with his co-rapporteur, Ms. Yolanda Ferrer Gomez (Cuba).[15] In his speech at the opening of the session, he noted the long history of international efforts to prevent the further spread of nuclear weapons, to reduce their numbers and to work toward their elimination. He noted that the question is how to hold governments to account for their commitments in these areas, and to help them achieve their goals. In outlining the draft resolution’s key content, Mr. Calkins noted that it underlines the need to support and strengthen existing mechanisms that have already contributed to non-proliferation and disarmament, while concurrently providing a strong call to go beyond the status quo.

Mr. Calkins stated that the draft resolution affirmed the key role of parliaments and parliamentarians in addressing nuclear risks, and in building the legislative and political framework to achieve a nuclear-weapon-free world. Building on these underlying principles, he then described some of the draft resolution’s specific elements. He noted that there is sometimes a tension over the relative emphasis to be placed on non-proliferation and on disarmament, and pointed out that the draft resolution addresses this tension by underscoring that non-proliferation and disarmament are mutually reinforcing; as such, they are both indispensable. He said that the relationship between them is at the heart of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, or NPT.

In terms of non-proliferation, Mr. Calkins noted that the draft resolution reaffirms that all states must ensure compliance with their nuclear non-proliferation obligations, especially those under the NPT. He argued that, as long as the threat of proliferation or even nuclear terrorism exists, perceptions of insecurity will remain, and these perceptions will negatively affect the prospects for disarmament. He pointed out that the draft resolution is also strong in relation to disarmament, as it calls on parliaments in all states possessing nuclear weapons – including those that have not signed the NPT – to demand deeper and faster action on disarmament, as well as increased transparency from their governments.

Ms. Yolanda Ferrer Gomez also presented the draft resolution. In addition, a presentation was made by the Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization Preparatory Commission. Speakers from 29 delegations made interventions during the ensuing debate.

David McGuinty, M.P. was among those who intervened during the debate. He noted Canada’s long and proud history of supporting nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament efforts. Regarding the draft resolution, he commented that it struck a good balance in addressing the need for full compliance with existing obligations while simultaneously calling for faster and deeper progress. He continued by explaining the amendments proposed by the Canadian delegation, including one to strengthen the emphasis on nuclear security by incorporating a reference to UN Security Council’s landmark Resolution 1540. Furthermore, Mr. McGuinty said that the Canadian delegation was proposing a new operative paragraph that would strengthen the ability of the International Atomic Energy Agency to carry out its work by calling on parliaments in states that have not already done so to bring into force a comprehensive safeguards agreement and additional protocol as soon as possible. 

Following debate, the Standing Committee appointed a drafting committee[16] to finalize the draft resolution, including by considering the 77 amendments that had been submitted by various delegations. David McGuinty, M.P. served as a member of the drafting committee, and – as co-rapporteur – Blaine Calkins, M.P. participated as an advisor. The drafting committee met on 17–18 March 2014. After it was adopted by the Standing Committee by acclamation, the draft resolution was subsequently submitted to the full 130^th Assembly and was adopted by consensus on 20 March.[17]

Standing Committee on Sustainable Development, Finance and Trade

The Standing Committee on Sustainable Development, Finance and Trade addressed the topic “Towards risk-resilient development: taking into consideration demographic trends and natural constraints.” It met on 18–20 March 2014. In addition to presentations from the co-rapporteurs who had prepared the draft resolution, the Standing Committee also heard from Margot Wahlstrom, UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction. Representatives from 31 delegations took part in the ensuing debate.

The Standing Committee then moved to finalize the draft resolution in a plenary session. It had 42 amendments to consider,[18] including several that had been submitted by the Canadian delegation, and five that had been submitted by the Meeting of Women Parliamentarians. 

During the plenary debate on the proposed amendments, David McGuinty, M.P. presented and explained each of Canada’s proposals, which complemented and were intended to build on the existing draft text. As well, he participated in the debate about certain amendments that had been proposed by other delegations. He explained that a number of the Canadian delegation’s proposed amendments aimed to broaden the scope of the draft resolution to ensure that it reflected the multiple potential drivers of disaster risk.

When speaking about other amendments proposed by Canada, Mr. McGuinty noted that they were focused on incorporating key principles established by the international community in the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005–2015. He also spoke about paragraphs that the delegation was proposing be added to the operative section to strengthen it further. Those proposals addressed the pursuit of sustainable agricultural development, investments in early warning systems and shock-resistant infrastructure, and the development of inclusive social protection systems, particularly for vulnerable and at-risk communities.

Finally, Mr. McGuinty noted another of Canada’s proposed new paragraphs that aimed to reflect the importance of integrating gender considerations into disaster risk management. He also explained the proposed new operative paragraph suggested by Canada that emphasized the need for capacity-building and technical assistance to be directed to developing countries that would target risk management.

The final version of the draft resolution was adopted unanimously by the 130^th Assembly on 20 March 2014.[19]

Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights

The Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights addressed the topic “The role of parliaments in protecting the rights of children, in particular unaccompanied migrant children, and in preventing their exploitation in situations of war and conflict.” It met on 17–19 March 2014. Speakers from 34 delegations participated in the debate.

The Standing Committee then moved to finalize the draft resolution in a plenary session. It had 62 amendments to consider,[20] including several that had been proposed by the Canadian delegation, and six that had been submitted by the Meeting of Women Parliamentarians. 

Terence Young, M.P. presented and explained each of the amendments proposed by Canada, which were intended to build on and strengthen the existing text. He also participated in the debate about a number of amendments that had been proposed by other delegations. He explained that many of the Canadian delegation’s proposed amendments aimed to address a few recurring issues.

For example, Mr. Young highlighted that certain of Canada’s proposals were intended to address the issue that the protection of separated or unaccompanied migrant children, and the prevention of the exploitation of children in situations in armed conflict, are two related – but distinct – issues. In the course of the debate, he also noted that a few of the proposed amendments aimed to ensure that a clear distinction was being made in the draft resolution between situations of armed conflict and those involving transnational organized crime.

With respect to another recurring issue related to specific wording, many of the Canadian delegation’s proposed amendments sought to replace the draft resolution’s references to “war” with the term “armed conflict.” Mr. Young also spoke about a number of the delegation’s proposed amendments that were intended to strengthen further the draft resolution’s emphasis on child protection. For example, the delegation had proposed a new paragraph in the preamble to recognize UN Security Council Resolution 1325, as well as all subsequent resolutions on women, peace and security. In keeping with the spirit of the draft resolution, a proposed Canadian amendment also sought to recognize recent international efforts to prevent and eliminate child, early and forced marriage.

The final version of the draft resolution was adopted unanimously by the 130^th Assembly on 20 March 2014.[21]

Standing Committee on United Nations Affairs

A dedicated IPU Committee on United Nations Affairs was created in 2007 “in order to better respond to the growing partnership between the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the United Nations.”[22] Following changes to the IPU Statutes and Rules that were adopted at the 129^th Assembly in October 2013, the IPU Committee on United Nations Affairs became the fourth standing committee of the IPU.

The Standing Committee held sessions on 19 March 2014 in order to:[23]

·         receive a keynote address by Mr. M. Moller, Acting Director-General of the UN Office at Geneva, on cooperation among the UN, national parliaments and the IPU, which was followed by an interactive debate;

·         examine the relationship between parliaments and UN Country Teams at the national level, including the findings of the field mission to Haiti that had recently been conducted by the Standing Committee’s Advisory Group;

·         examine the draft UN General Assembly resolution on interaction among the UN, national parliaments and the IPU, and propose further improvements to the draft text; and

·         discuss the parliamentary contribution to the UN process of determining the next generation of development goals after 2015 when the existing UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are set to expire.

In general, the sessions involved active discussions among the delegates, including Senator Dawson.

The Standing Committee’s consideration of the next generation of international development goals was introduced with presentations by Mr. F. Bustamante (Ecuador), Mr. C. Chauvel (UN Development Programme – UNDP) and David McGuinty, M.P.[24]

In his remarks, Mr. McGuinty noted that the delivery of the MDGs has broadly been a success. However, he argued that the delivery of Goal 7 – environmental sustainability – has not been successful, and that there is considerable evidence that environmental degradation has accelerated over the last 20 years. He noted that the MDGs did not provide tools for the operationalization of “environmental sustainability” at the national or the international level by national decision-makers.

Mr. McGuinty argued that environmental accounting and valuation of ecosystem services are effective tools for the operationalization of the notion of sustainable development, and of balancing human development and environmental sustainability. He noted that these tools provide actionable information needed for informed and transparent political decisions concerning the real trade-offs between environmental conservation and resource exploitation.

Moreover, Mr. McGuinty argued that Natural Capital Accounting provides tools for legislators to monitor the implementation of the future sustainable development goals (SDGs) effectively. He continued by discussing the report of the UN Secretary-General's High-Level Panel of Eminent Persons on the Post-2015 Development Agenda, and the work undertaken by the Open Working Group of the UN General Assembly mandated to prepare a proposal on the SDGs for the General Assembly’s consideration.

Mr. McGuinty concluded by noting that the Global Legislators Organisation (GLOBE) will be convening the 2^nd World Summit of Legislators in the Congress of Mexico in June 2014 to address the specific role that legislators and legislatures should play in relation to the SDGs, as well as the broader progress of such conventions as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Bureau of the IPU Standing Committee on United Nations Affairs

During the 130^th Assembly, Senator Dawson was elected to the 18-member Bureau of the IPU Standing Committee on United Nations Affairs.[25] The Bureau meets during each assembly, and is tasked with preparing and reviewing the implementation of the Standing Committee’s work plans and with considering proposals for subject items to be discussed at future assemblies.[26] The Bureau met on 19 March 2014.

Participation by Canadian Delegates in Related Meetings and Activities

§  IPU Governing Institutions

§  Executive Committee

The IPU Executive Committee is a 17-member body that oversees the administration of the IPU. It reports and provides advice to the IPU’s Governing Council.[27]

During the 130^th Assembly, Senator Ataullahjan was elected to the IPU Executive Committee to fulfil the remainder of the four-year term of Senator Donald Oliver, who had retired from the Senate of Canada in November 2013; she will hold that position until October 2014. Senator Ataullahjan participated in the meetings of the 268^th Session of the Executive Committee on 13–15 and 19 March 2014. The Executive Committee’s full agenda during the 130^th Assembly included the following:[28]

·         activities report by the IPU President;

·         annual report of the Secretary General on the activities of the IPU in 2013;

·         questions relating to IPU membership and observer status;

·         financial questions;

·         implementation of the IPU’s Strategy 2012–2017;

·         the 125th anniversary of the IPU;

·         IPU cooperation with the United Nations (UN) system;

·         preparation of the 194th session of the IPU Governing Council;

·         the 130th IPU Assembly;

·         future inter-parliamentary meetings;

·         the 131st IPU Assembly;

·         preparation for the fourth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament;

·         selection of the IPU Secretary General; and

·         questions relating to the Secretariat of the IPU.

On 13 March, Senator Ataullahjan presented a detailed report to the Executive Committee members on the work of the Executive Committee’s Sub-Committee on Finance, including in respect of:

·         the IPU’s financial results for 2013;

·         the External Auditor’s 2013 report;

·         the financial situation of the IPU;

·         the mobilization of voluntary funding for the IPU;

·         the mid-term review of the IPU’s Strategy 2012–2017; and

·         preparation of the IPU’s budget for 2015.

Sub-Committee on Finance

The IPU Executive Committee has a six-member Sub-Committee on Finance. It is responsible for overseeing and providing advice to the Executive Committee on all financial and budgetary matters of the IPU.[29] During the 130^th Assembly, Senator Ataullahjan was elected as Chair of the Sub-Committee.  In its meeting on 12 March 2014, the Sub-Committee addressed a number of agenda items, including the following:  

·         the IPU’s financial results for 2013;

·         the report of the External Auditor for 2013;

·         the financial situation of the IPU;

·         the situation regarding voluntary contributions to the IPU;

·         the mid-term review of the IPU’s Strategy 2012–2017; and

·         preparation of the IPU’s budget for 2015.

Governing Council[30]

The Governing Council is the plenary policy-making body of the IPU.[31] Moreover, several committees fall under the Governing Council and report to it on their work.[32] The Council is composed of three representatives from each IPU member parliament, provided that its representation includes both men and women parliamentarians.[33]

Meetings of the 194^th Session of the Governing Council were held on 17 and 20 March 2014. Senator Ataullahjan, Blaine Calkins, M.P., David McGuinty, M.P., Irene Mathyssen, M.P., and Terence Young, M.P.  attended at least one of these sessions.

The Governing Council had a number of items on its agenda, including the following:[34]

·         questions relating to IPU membership;

·         report of the IPU President;

·         annual report by the IPU Secretary General on the activities of the IPU for 2013;

·         reports on recent IPU specialized meetings;

·         implementation of the IPU’s Strategy 2012–2017;

·         IPU cooperation with the UN system;

·         the IPU’s financial results for 2013;

·         activities of committees and other bodies;[35]

·         the 131st Assembly;

·         future inter-parliamentary meetings;

·         amendments to the IPU Statutes and Rules;[36]

·         elections to the Executive Committee; and

·         selection of the IPU Secretary General.[37]

During its 268^th session, the Executive Committee had considered a report prepared by external evaluators on the IPU’s Strategy 2012–2017. On 20 March 2014, Senator Ataullahjan presented the Executive Committee’s “Report on the Evaluation of the IPU Strategy” to the IPU’s Governing Council, which was noted by the Council. Among other things, the Executive Committee stated:

The Committee decided to defer any modification of the current Strategy in order to allow time for a more in-depth evaluation of some of the recommendations contained in the evaluator’s report. The Executive Committee recommended that the new Secretary General prepare an action plan to set in motion the preparation of a new strategy for the period 2016 – 2020 that takes into account the outcome of the evaluation.

In the meantime, the Secretary General and the Sub-Committee on Finance were entrusted with the task of developing an action plan which, over time, would lead to a substantial reduction in the annual contributions paid by the Members of the organization. The plan should be accompanied by efforts to raise more funds for the organization through voluntary contributions and expanded membership.

The Executive Committee further entrusted the Secretary General with preparing a first outline of the 2015 budget that would contain clear options for reducing the part of the overall budget that is financed by Members’ contributions. Those options would be discussed initially by the Sub-Committee on 20 May 2014 and then again at the end of June.

The Executive Committee decided that it will then convene at IPU Headquarters to review these efforts.[38]

The Meeting of Women Parliamentarians

In accordance with the IPU Statutes, a Meeting of Women Parliamentarians is held during the assemblies; it reports on its work to the Governing Council. In general, the Meeting of Women Parliamentarians aims to:

·         encourage contact among women parliamentarians;

·         foster democracy by promoting partnership between men and women in all fields;

·         promote the participation of women parliamentarians in the work of the IPU and the equitable representation of women at all institutional levels within the IPU; and

·         pre-study certain issues on the agendas of IPU assemblies and/or the Governing Council.[39]

The 19^th Meeting of Women Parliamentarians took place on 16 and 18 March 2014. More than 100 women parliamentarians from 81 countries attended, including Irene Mathyssen, M.P. Agenda items included the following:

·         adoption of amendments to the Meeting of Women Parliamentarians’ rules and those of the Coordinating Committee of Women Parliamentarians;

·         presentation on Women in Politics: 2014, a joint publication of the IPU and UN Women;

·         consideration of the items on the agendas of the IPU standing committees from a gender perspective, which led to the proposal of amendments to the draft resolutions that would be finalized by the standing committees;

·         panel session on What priorities for women in the next ten years?; and

·         presentations by the candidates for the post of IPU Secretary General.

Meetings of the Geopolitical Groups

Article 27 of the IPU Statutes permits IPU members to form geopolitical groups; there are six such groups formally recognized by the IPU. The groups play an important role in the functioning and activities of the IPU. Each group determines its own working methods, and informs the IPU Secretariat of its composition, officers and rules of procedure.

Canada belongs to two geopolitical groups:[40]

·         the 47-member Twelve Plus Group, which includes nations from Europe, as well as Australia, New Zealand and Israel; and

·         the 31-member Asia-Pacific Group.

While Canada participates in the activities of both groups, it submits candidatures for vacant positions within the IPU through the Twelve Plus Group.

Asia-Pacific Group

A meeting of the Asia-Pacific Group was held on 16 March 2014. Senator Ataullahjan and David McGuinty, M.P. attended the meeting.

Agenda items included the following:

·         briefing by IPU Executive Committee members;

·         report from the ASEAN+3 Group;

·         vacancies to be filled during the 130th Assembly;

·         emergency item to be added to the Assembly’s agenda; and

·         nominations to the drafting committees of the standing committees.

During the discussion of the emergency item, David McGuinty, M.P. presented Canada’s proposed item on the crisis in Ukraine.

Twelve Plus Group

Meetings of the Twelve Plus Group were held on 16–17 and 20 March 2014. All Canadian delegates participated in these meetings.

Agenda items included the following:

·         report on the Group’s Steering Committee meeting, held in Paris on 10 February 2014;

·         report from the Group’s representatives on the work of the IPU Executive Committee;

·         elections to vacancies;

·         presentations by the candidates for the position of Secretary General of the IPU;

·         the emergency item;

·         meetings of the Coordinating Committee of Women Parliamentarians;

·         meetings of the IPU standing committees; and

·         matters relating to the Twelve Plus Group.

During the meeting, Senator Ataullahjan, along with her colleagues on the Executive Committee, presented the outcomes of the meetings of the Executive Committee and its Sub-Committee on Finance that had been held in the preceding days. Subsequently, during the discussion of the emergency item, Senator Ataullahjan presented Canada’s proposed item on the crisis in Ukraine. When the work of the IPU’s standing committees was discussed, Blaine Calkins, M.P. presented the draft resolution he had prepared as a co-rapporteur, along with Ms. Yolanda Ferrer Gomez (Cuba), for the Standing Committee on Peace and International Security on the topic “Towards a nuclear-weapon-free world: the contribution of parliaments.”

Bilateral Meetings

Members of the Canadian delegation held bilateral meetings with other delegations, including from the following countries:

·         Australia

·         Mexico

·         New Zealand

·         Pakistan

These exchanges provide an important opportunity for members of the Canadian IPU Group to engage in parliamentary diplomacy, to increase their understanding of other countries and regions, to discuss key bilateral issues and matters pertinent to the international agenda, and to work towards shared multilateral goals, including in the context of the work of the IPU.

Respectfully submitted,