Report

Overview

A joint delegation from the Canada–China Legislative Association and the Canada–Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group attended the 23^rd Annual Meeting of the Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) in Quito, Ecuador from 11–15 January 2015. The Canadian delegation comprised:

·         Mike Wallace, M.P., Co-Chair of the Canada–Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group and head of the delegation;

·         Honourable Victor Oh, Senator, Co-Chair of the Canada–China Legislative Association;

·         Wai Young, M.P., Co-Chair of the Canada–China Legislative Association;

·         Honourable Joseph Day, Senator;

·         Honourable Donald Plett, Senator;

·         Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, P.C., M.P.;

·         Honourable John McCallum, P.C., M.P.;

·         Pierre Lemieux, M.P.;

·         Colin Mayes, M.P.; and

·         Andrew Saxton, M.P.

The delegation was assisted by Mr. Michel Marcotte, Executive Secretary of the Canada-Japan Inter-parliamentary Group and of the Canada-China Legislative Association.

Throughout the 23^rd Annual Meeting of the APPF, members of the Canadian delegation engaged in dialogue and shared perspectives and ideas with their counterparts on a range of issues relevant to the Asia-Pacific region. Delegates also addressed matters pertinent to Canadian foreign policy, including the promotion of trade and investment and the advancement of maternal, newborn and child health, as well as efforts to combat human trafficking, transnational crime and terrorism and initiatives to respond to crises related to natural disasters and the Ebola virus.

The APPF: Background

The APPF is a forum of national parliamentarians from countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Currently, 27 national parliaments of the following states are members: Australia, Cambodia, Canada, China, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Fiji, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, the Marshall Islands, Mexico, Micronesia, Mongolia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, the United States of America, and Vietnam.[1]

The APPF was founded by former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone, who currently serves as the APPF Honourary President. As a regional parliamentary forum, the APPF affords parliamentarians the opportunity to discuss issues of common concern, and to deepen their understanding of the region and the interests and experiences of its diverse countries. Moreover, APPF meetings allow for the examination of political, security, economic, social and cultural issues from regional and global perspectives, thus furthering regional cooperation and building relationships between and among parliamentarians from the region.[2]

The foundational document of the APPF is the Tokyo Declaration, which established the objectives, principles, structure and organization of the forum. Other milestone documents expanding on this declaration were adopted in Vancouver in 1997, Valparaiso in 2001 and Tokyo in 2012.

The inaugural meeting of the APPF was held in Tokyo in 1993. Since then, the APPF has convened a meeting of parliamentarians from across the Asia-Pacific region on an annual basis. The host of each annual meeting is determined at the preceding one.

The APPF President and host of the 23^rd Annual Meeting was the Honourable Gabriela Rivadeneira, President of the National Assembly of Ecuador.[3]

Highlights of the 23^rd Annual Meeting: Canadian activities

a)    The Agenda of the 23^rd Annual Meeting

The annual meetings of the APPF are its highest decision-making body.

The agenda for the 23^rd Annual Meeting addressed the following themes:

·         Regional and International Situation: Politics and Security

·         strengthening peace and security in the region;

·         cyber spying: rights to privacy and communications security;

·         alternative policies and new approaches to prevent and combat transnational organized crime and terrorism;

·         Regional and International Situation: Economy

·         Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2014: Report by China

·         open and non-exclusive cooperation to foster free trade growth, investment, and sustainable development;

·         challenges for financing sustainable development in equity: new global financing structure;

·         Regional Cooperation in the Asia-Pacific Region

·         democratization of international organizations (to cooperate for peace, freedom, democracy and economic well-being);

·         preservation and promotion of cultural heritage of the region;

·         common legislative framework for social protection and social rights portability;

·         cooperation in disaster prevention;

·         climate change;

·         Future Work of the APPF

·         date and venue of the 24^th APPF Annual Meeting.[4]

More than 180 delegates from 17 member parliaments participated in the activities of the 23^rd Annual Meeting.[5]

Canadian delegates made a number of interventions during the plenary sessions and participated actively in the Drafting committee and its many Working Groups. These activities are briefly summarized below.

b)   Plenary Sessions

During the plenary session on regional political and security issues, Senator Plett delivered a speech focused on the importance of efforts to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. He noted that most criminal organizations go to great lengths to disguise the illegal origins of their financial assets, while a number of terrorist groups try to move money through the international financial system. The Senator further noted the linkages between money laundering and corruption, which can have a corrosive effect on public institutions and the legitimate economy.

Senator Plett drew attention to steps taken at the international level to address money laundering and terrorist financing. For example, he emphasized the establishment of the standard-setting Financial Action Task Force (FATF), of which Canada is a member. He noted that, in keeping with the FATF’s recommendations, Canada established, in 2000, a national financial intelligence unit, the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC). The Senator also recalled that Canada has strengthened its legislative regime through amendments to the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and the Terrorist Financing Act. Concluding his remarks by underlining parliamentarians’ important awareness-raising and oversight roles, Senator Plett highlighted the work done by the Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce, specifically its statutory five-year review of Canada’s proceeds of crime legislation.

Pierre Lemieux, M.P., John McCallum, M.P., and Andrew Saxton, M.P. delivered speeches during the plenary session on trade, investment and sustainable development.

Mr. Lemieux addressed issues related to agriculture and trade noting that, if it is free, fair and science-based, trade benefits all participants. It also drives economies, creates jobs and fuels prosperity. Mr. Lemieux underscored the importance of trade to the Canadian experience; Canada is the world’s fifth-largest exporter and sixth-largest importer of agriculture and food products. Indeed, trade accounts for one in five jobs in Canada.

Mr. Lemieux also noted that trade is vital for developing countries. It reduces commodity price volatility, increases peoples’ access to food, and can help farmers to earn better incomes. Building on successful examples such as the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement, Mr. Lemieux argued for enhanced mutual cooperation and dialogue so as to foster understanding of agricultural production systems, markets and regulatory environments. Looking ahead, he highlighted the Trans Pacific Partnership as a template for 21^st century trade, comprising a free trade zone that could encompass a market of almost eight hundred million people. Mr. Lemieux concluded his remarks by noting that, despite the progress that has been made in advancing global trade, significant challenges remain. The Food and Agriculture Organisation predicts that the growing global population will require an increase in production of 60% over the next three and a half decades. From Canada’s perspective, responding to that challenge will require trade that is open, predictable and science-based, and innovation to significantly intensify food production.

Mr. McCallum focused on trade and economic growth, situating his remarks in the lessons of the global economic crisis. He argued that the only thing that prevented the world from descending into a calamity as great as in the 1930s was that the world’s economies, under the auspices of the Group of Twenty (G20), collectively decided to run large deficits in order to keep up spending and avert a crisis.

The remainder of Mr. McCallum’s speech addressed three themes: dealing with sluggish growth, avoiding protectionism and promoting trade. In this regard, he first referenced the G20’s Brisbane Action Plan. On the second issue, he highlighted the need to avoid the raising of tariffs and competitive devaluations. Third, he argued that the best way to deal with trade is through global multilateral agreements, but noted that such agreements are proving elusive. As a result, countries like Canada are turning to bilateral and regional free trade agreements, an approach with which he agrees so long as such agreements do not compete with or duplicate each other too much. In general, Mr. McCallum noted that there are major benefits to increased trade, not just the avoidance of protectionism, but higher growth, higher incomes and greater job creation. He also discussed the need for expanded trade relationships and trade diversification in reference to Canada’s approach to the Asia-Pacific.

Mr. Saxton spoke about the economy and trade, noting that the Asia-Pacific has become one of the fastest growing and dynamic regions in the world. However, he also noted that six years after the global financial crisis, the global economy continues to be fragile. Political turmoil and conflict in Eastern Europe will only add to global instability. In that context, Mr. Saxton emphasized the need to stand up to aggression and the illegal occupation of sovereign territory. In reference to the recent events in France, he also emphasized to the forum the importance of being steadfast in condemning terrorist attacks wherever they may occur.

Speaking about the economic situation in Canada, Mr. Saxton noted that Canada’s recovery has been quite strong and it has weathered the economic storm quite well. He emphasized that Canada’s Economic Action Plan continues to focus on five pillars: keeping taxes low; connecting job-seekers with available jobs; opening new markets abroad to enhance trade; responsible development of natural resources; and, investing in world-class research, innovation and technology. Mr. Saxton recalled that the Canadian government has reached free trade and investment agreements with 30 countries since 2007, including the first in Asia, with South Korea. He concluded by noting that as Canada continues to expand its commercial relations with the region, it remains committed to working with Asia-Pacific partners to build trade and investment ties that will deliver mutual benefits.

Senator Oh, Mike Wallace, M.P., Wai Young, M.P., and Colin Mayes, M.P., delivered remarks as part of the plenary session on regional cooperation.

Senator Oh addressed the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage. In the context of a globalized world, he argued that it is more important than ever that we not only preserve and protect – but celebrate – cultural diversity and heritage. He noted that respect for such diversity not only helps us to understand, and remain connected to our history, it can help us to build societies that are tolerant and inclusive.

After outlining the overall purpose of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act, Senator Oh spoke in particular about Canada’s approach to the preservation of its rich cultural heritage. In emphasizing the role of parliamentarians in designing and providing oversight of legislation that protects such heritage, he highlighted Canada’s Department of Canadian Heritage Act, the Parks Canada Agency Act, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, and the Cultural Property Export and Import Act. He also outlined the role of various Canadian federal organizations with respect to policy implementation in these areas. In all, the legislative and institutional examples cited in Senator Oh’s speech illustrated the importance Canada attaches to its cultural heritage, something which he believes Canada shares with countries across the diverse Asia-Pacific region. The Senator underscored that such diversity and history are precious and, therefore, must be safeguarded.

In the session on the protection of social rights, Mr. Wallace focused his remarks on efforts to combat human trafficking, beginning his speech by drawing attention to the links that exist between human trafficking and organized crime. He said that his experience as Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights has convinced him of the important role that parliamentarians can play in national and international efforts to end modern-day slavery. They can listen to the voices of trafficking victims, take their perspectives into account with respect to legislation, raise awareness among constituents, and advocate for stronger and more effective responses to the problem.

Mr. Wallace also emphasized that a global problem like human trafficking cannot be solved by working in isolation – cooperation based on common standards is essential to success. He outlined initiatives that have been taken in Canada, including new prostitution legislation that aims to reduce demand, while enhancing protections available to those who sell sexual services, including persons trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation. To conclude, while acknowledging that the issue of human trafficking had been raised at previous APPF meetings, Mr. Wallace underscored the need for APPF parliamentarians to work together to address the problem, including through focused efforts during the 23^rd Annual Meeting to finalize a stand-alone resolution on combating human trafficking.

Ms. Young’s speech focused on efforts to advance maternal, newborn and child health, emphasizing that healthy populations are integral to, and a key indicator of, prosperity. Ms. Young discussed the reductions that have been recorded in maternal and child mortality between 1990 and 2013. In her view, such statistics are the tangible result – in lives saved – of the resolve and initiative of many stakeholders working together to achieve a collective goal.

Ms. Young stated that improving maternal, newborn and child health is Canada’s top development priority. She noted that in 2010, under Canada’s leadership, the Group of Eight (G8) nations launched the Muskoka Initiative. For its part, Canada provided $1.1 billion in new funding, and also committed to maintaining $1.75 billion in existing programming. Moving to the post-2015 development agenda, Ms. Young argued that if the twin purposes of that new framework are sustainable development and the eradication of global poverty, the health and well-being of women, children and newborns must remain a priority concern. National policies will continue to be central in this effort, as will international development assistance. Ms. Young recalled that Canada will contribute an additional $3.5 billion from 2015 to 2020. She cited best practices that must be continued, including investments in education, the strengthening of health systems, and the promotion and protection of the rights of women and girls.

Mr. Mayes addressed the recent Ebola crisis in West Africa, the largest outbreak of the virus recorded to date. He noted that the situation became so dire that the United Nations Security Council determined in September 2014 that “the unprecedented extent of the Ebola outbreak in Africa constitutes a threat to international peace and security.” Regarding Canada’s role in addressing the crisis, Mr. Mayes cited important examples of contributions made through funding, equipment, research and expertise, as well as the deployment of personnel. Moreover, he noted that an experimental Ebola vaccine was developed by researchers at the Public Health Agency of Canada’s National Microbiology Laboratory. Canada provided a donation of this experimental vaccine to the World Health Organization, and committed additional support for related research and development.

Mr. Mayes concluded with a consideration of the broader policy issues raised by the Ebola crisis. These include the need for more effective early warning and response systems, improved coordination of international and national responses to health crises, and a call for strengthened national health systems. Mr. Mayes also raised the issue of examining how air travel and airport security can be collectively managed when confronted with the need to contain a global health emergency.

During the same plenary session, Ms. Young made another intervention focused on disaster risk reduction and resiliency. She began by noting that the previous December marked the 10-year anniversary of the Indian Ocean tsunami that had devastated the region and in particular parts of Indonesia and Thailand. Canada played a significant role in the recovery and rebuilding process. With respect to the present context, Ms. Young emphasized that Canadians have watched events in the region – including the devastation caused in 2013 by typhoon Haiyan – with significant concern and solidarity. She noted Canada’s contributions to the emergency response in support of the Government of the Philippines.

Given the Asia Pacific’s role as an engine for global growth, Ms. Young stressed that building the region’s resiliency with respect to disasters must be a priority concern. On national initiatives, she discussed Canada’s multi-stakeholder Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction. Ms. Young then concluded by focusing on the international discussions of the post-2015 successor to the Hyogo Framework for disaster risk reduction. She suggested that key elements that have worked well – such as investments in disaster preparedness and efforts to address the needs of high-risk populations – should be brought forward. There is also an opportunity, as Ms. Young indicated, to ensure that the new framework addresses more explicitly and consistently the underlying factors that contribute to disaster risk.

In the final plenary session on the future work of the APPF, Mike Wallace, M.P., and Wai Young, M.P., together delivered a presentation on the 24^th Annual Meeting, which will be held in Vancouver, Canada in January 2016. The presentation, which included a video about Vancouver, focused on Canada’s long-standing commitment to the APPF and on the city of Vancouver as an international destination. Ms. Young and Mr. Wallace’s remarks highlighted, for example, Vancouver’s embodiment of Canada’s history of multiculturalism, immigration, diversity and inclusivity, its vibrant neighbourhoods, natural beauty, and sustainable and green practices, as well as the city’s important role as Canada’s gateway to the Asia-Pacific. They also mentioned some of the ideas and suggestions for the conference program. Moreover, the Canadian website for the 24^th Annual Meeting was launched during the presentation.

c)    The Drafting Committee

Under the APPF’s Rules of Procedure, a Drafting Committee is established at the Annual Meeting on the advice of the Executive Committee. It prepares draft resolutions and a joint communiqué for the consideration of the Annual Meeting.

In addition to that body, a number of Working Groups may also be established. They examine and debate specific issues referred to them by the Drafting Committee and are tasked, where possible, with creating new joint texts in the place of multiple existing proposals that address similar content, reporting back to the Drafting Committee. All resolutions approved by the Drafting Committee – operating on the basis of consensus – are submitted to the Annual Meeting for final approval and release.

The Chair of the Drafting Committee of the 23^rd Annual Meeting was Fernando Bustamante, a parliamentarian from Ecuador. Some 50 draft resolutions had been submitted for consideration by various delegations.[6] The Drafting Committee and its ten Working Groups – organized according to themes – considered these texts during meetings held on 12, 13 and 14 January 2015.

Senator Plett, Senator Oh and Andrew Saxton, M.P. participated in Working Group 1 on security issues. Pierre Lemieux, M.P. and Lawrence MacAulay, M.P. participated in Working Group 2 on cyber issues. Senator Plett participated in Working Group 3 on terrorism, extremism and organized crime. John McCallum, M.P. participated in Working Group 4 on trade, development and economic issues. Mike Wallace, M.P. participated in Working Group 5 on social rights. Wai Young, M.P., Colin Mayes, M.P. and Mike Wallace, M.P. participated in Working Group 9 on health.

As a result of the Canadian delegation’s substantial contributions to the various Working Groups, Canada was listed as a co-sponsor for eleven resolutions that were submitted by the Working Groups to the main Drafting Committee, including the two that had been initiated by Canada.[7]

In the Working Group on social rights, Mr. Wallace presented the Canadian delegation’s draft resolution entitled, “Combating Human Trafficking.” It notes that human trafficking occurs internationally and within national borders for a variety of purposes, including sexual exploitation, labour exploitation and organ trafficking. In its operative section, among other action items, the resolution calls on APPF member states to take the necessary measures to criminalize all forms of trafficking in domestic legislation, to fully implement relevant international standards, to impose effective and proportionate penalties on human traffickers, and to adopt measures to ensure the integrity and security of passports and other travel documents. It also calls on APPF members to respect, protect and fulfil the human rights of women and girls, and in particular, to combat all forms of violence against women and girls, as well as child, early and forced marriage. Overall, Canada’s resolution calls on APPF parliamentarians to take all possible measures to combat modern-day slavery.

In the Working Group on health, Ms. Young presented the Canadian delegation’s draft resolution entitled, “Maternal and Child Health for Sustainable Development.” It expresses the conviction that investing in women and children is vital for economic growth, including the eradication of poverty. Furthermore, it asserts that the health and well-being of women, children and newborns must remain a primary concern in the post-2015 development agenda. In its operative section, among other action items, Canada’s resolution emphasizes that strengthening health systems is a key means of addressing the multifaceted challenges to the health and well-being of women, children and newborns. It encourages the strengthening of national civil registration and vital statistics systems. The resolution also calls for the prioritization of nutrition and food security as key components of child well-being, health and survival. Overall, the resolution urges all APPF members to set the objective of ending preventable maternal, newborn and child mortality within a generation.

Senator Day and Mike Wallace, M.P. participated actively in the work of the main Drafting Committee. Following its detailed consideration of the various resolutions, the Drafting Committee reached agreement on 18 resolutions, which were adopted by the Annual Meeting on 14 January 2015, including the two resolutions that had been submitted by the Canadian delegation. The full list of adopted resolutions is as follows:

·         Achieving Denuclearization and Peace on the Korean Peninsula;

·         Advancement of Democracy, Participation and Political Leadership of Women;

·         Alternative Policies and New Approaches to combating Terrorism and other Transnational Organized Crime;

·         Asia Pacific Parliamentary Cooperation;

·         Climate Change;

·         Combating Human Trafficking;

·         Cyber Security and Right to Privacy;

·         Disaster Prevention;

·         Economy and Trade;

·         Education, Culture, Science and Technology;

·         Facing Ebola and other Infectious Diseases;

·         Global Flight Tracking for Civil Aviation Safety and Security;

·         Halal Industry as a source of Economic Growth;

·         Health and Social Rights with Gender Issues to achieve Gender Equity and Equality;

·         Maternal and Child Health for Sustainable Development;

·         Middle East Peace Process;

·         Obesity and Nutrition in Asia Pacific Region; and

·         Strengthening Peace and Stability in the Asia Pacific Region.

The Drafting Committee also finalized the joint communiqué, which was signed by the heads of delegation during the final plenary session.[8]

Related Meetings and Activities

a)    APPF Governing Institutions

1)    Executive Committee

The Executive Committee is responsible for the management of the APPF. Its membership comprises representatives of two countries from each of the APPF’s sub-regions, elected for four year terms.[9] Also represented are the Annual Meeting host country, the next Annual Meeting host country, and countries designated by the Honorary President. The Executive Committee meets immediately prior to the start of the Annual Meeting, and coordinates with the host of the Annual Meeting, including with respect to the draft agenda and program. The Executive Committee is chaired by the APPF President.[10]

Mike Wallace, M.P., Wai Young, M.P., and Senator Oh participated in the Executive Committee meeting on 11 January 2015 on behalf of the Canadian delegation. Representatives from the delegations of Cambodia, Chile, China, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, and Australia also participated.

The Executive Committee’s agenda included the following items:

·         designation of the new regional members of the Executive Committee;

·         review and approval of the draft agenda;

·         review of the proposed resolutions and information regarding the working groups;

·         review and approval of the rules for the 23^rd Annual Meeting;

·         designation of the President of the Drafting Committee;

·         designation of the Vice-Presidents for the Annual Meeting; and

·         presentation of the 24^th Annual Meeting host.

For the final agenda item, Mr. Wallace provided an overview of Canada’s plans and preparations as host of the 24^th Annual Meeting in January 2016, encouraging all delegations to attend. He also invited the suggestions of Executive Committee members with respect to the conference agenda.

b)   Bilateral Meetings

The Canadian delegation held bilateral meetings with delegations from the following countries:

·         Japan;

·         Indonesia; and

·         Ecuador.

On 13 January 2015, members of the Canadian delegation met with the Honourable Gabriela Rivadeneira, President of Ecuador’s National Assembly.

These exchanges provide an important opportunity for the Canadian delegation to develop stronger parliamentary ties with other countries. During these productive meetings, the delegates were also able to discuss issues of mutual interest and concern with respect to bilateral relations and the broader regional situation. These meetings also enabled discussions with counterparts on shared multilateral goals, including with respect to the agenda of the APPF.

In the context of its activities and meetings in Ecuador, the Canadian delegation benefitted from the detailed briefings it received from the Embassy of Canada in Quito, led by Ambassador Pamela O’Donnell.

Conclusion

The Canadian group of the APPF attaches great importance to the work of the APPF and is proud to be one of its founding members. The APPF provides parliamentarians with important opportunities to build relationships with their counterparts from across the Asia-Pacific, in a forum where they can work together to address the issues facing the region today. The Canadian Parliament looks forward to hosting the 24^th Annual Meeting in Vancouver, British Columbia in January 2016.[11]

Respectfully submitted,