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The parliamentary delegation of the Canadian Branch of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie (APF), which participated in the meeting of the Political Committee of the APF held in Rabat, Morocco, on April 10 and 11, 2013, is honoured to present its report. The delegation was made up of Bernard Trottier, MP, and was accompanied by François Michaud, Association Secretary. The following branches were represented at this meeting: Belgium/ Wallonia-Brussels Federation, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, France, Gabon, Georgia, Haiti, Luxemburg, Niger, Quebec, Romania, Senegal and Switzerland. André Schneider (France), Chair of the Political Committee, commenced the meeting. Following the adoption of the agenda and the minutes of the July 10, 2012, meeting in Brussels, proceedings began with a round table during which parliamentarians gave a brief presentation on the political situation in their country. Bernard Trottier (Canada), Committee Rapporteur, gave an overview of Canada’s economic situation, the importance of the natural resources sector and the importance of immigration. Denise Mekamne (Gabon) presented her report on the political situation in La Francophonie. Following discussion, the Committee adopted a statement on the political situation in Guinea, Madagascar, Mali, Syrian Arab Republic, Central African Republic and Democratic Republic of the Congo. Bernard Trottier proposed the following amendments: That the following italicized text be added (Syria): STRESSES the importance of a democratic and all-encompassing opposition; CALLS FOR the resignation of Bachar el-Assad so that a democratic political transition can begin; ENCOURAGES the member States of La Francophonie to unite in their diplomatic efforts and take action to contribute to the resolution of the crisis in Syria through such measures as severe and effective sanctions against the current Syrian regime. That the following italicized text be added (Democratic Republic of the Congo): ACKNOWLEDGING that major reforms are needed in the areas of defence and democratic institutions in order to improve security, democracy and governance. All of these amendments were unanimously approved. The full statement is available at http://www.apf.francophonie.org/IMG/pdf/2013_04_commpolitic_declar.pdf (in French only). Léon Walry (Belgium/ Wallonia-Brussels Federation) presented his report on the social networks and their impact on citizenship, democracy and politics. Luc Ferland (Quebec) presented his report on the role of parliaments in access to justice. Bernard Trottier presented his report on enhancing security in response to the globalization of organized crime. The report raised questions regarding the role of La Francophonie in this file, and mentioned that the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) considers transnational organized crime to be one of the main threats to global security. Numerous relevant comments were made. Additional information is available at http://www.apf.francophonie.org/spip.php?article442 (in French only). 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,
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