Report

The parliamentary delegation of the Canadian Branch of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie (APF), which participated in the meeting of the APF Political Committee held in Siem Reap, Cambodia, from March 23 to 26, 2015, is honoured to present its report.

The delegation was made up of Senator Michel Rivard, who replaced Robert Goguen, MP, and was accompanied by François Michaud, Association Secretary.

The following branches were represented at this meeting: Belgium/Wallonia-Brussels Federation, Cambodia, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, France, Gabon, Hungary, Jura, Morocco, Quebec, Senegal, Switzerland and Vietnam.

Pen Pannha (Cambodia), Vice-President of the Cambodian Branch, delivered an opening statement at the start of the meeting of the Political Committee.

André Drolet (Quebec), who chaired the meeting on behalf of Senator Michèle André (France), Chair of the Political Committee, commenced the meeting.

Anissa Barrak, regional representative of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) in Asia-Pacific, gave an address.

Following the adoption of the agenda and the minutes of the July 2014 meeting in Ottawa, proceedings began with a round table during which parliamentarians gave a brief presentation on the political situation in their country. Senator Michel Rivard (Canada), Acting Committee Rapporteur, gave an overview of Canada’s political situation, the government’s legislative and budgetary initiatives, recent Supreme Court rulings and the attack of October 22, 2014.

Célestine Oguewa Ba (Gabon) presented her report on the political situation in various francophone countries. Following discussion, the Committee adopted statements on the political situation in Burkina Faso, the Syrian Arab Republic and the Central African Republic.

The Committee also adopted statements on political transitions in francophone countries and on international terrorism.

On the latter issue, Senator Michel Rivard proposed that “and more broadly to global security” be added to the following sentence:

“WHEREAS terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, poses a threat to the peace and security of francophone countries.”

This amendment was unanimously approved.

The statements are available at (in French only):
http://apf.francophonie.org/Reunion-de-la-Commission-politique-2415.html

André Drolet (Québec), Acting Chair of the Committee, presented a report on the role of parliaments with respect to access to justice. The report examines gender equality as it applies to access to justice. A new part of the report presents ways to improve women’s access to justice.

Senator Michel Rivard, on behalf of Robert Goguen, presented his report on the strategy for a digital Francophonie. The report addressed a number of issues pertaining to the existence or development of an effective legislative and regulatory framework for the digital strategy. This updated report reflects the latest international developments, provides additional information on the implementation of the four key principles recognized by international partners and encourages the member branches to follow suit by advocating for a national strategy on open data and open government.

 The Committee discussed the APF by-laws and renewal of the APF’s democratic oversight process.

By participating in these meetings, the Canadian Branch achieved its objectives of meeting its international obligations, presenting a draft report that promotes the exchange of information, maintaining international connections and defending its interests, among others by proposing valid amendments.

 

Respectfully submitted,