  |
|
|
From the Senate: Hon. Paul Massicotte, Senator and Hon. Michel Rivard, Senator. From the House of Commons: Hon. Bryon Wilfert, P.C., MP (Leader of the delegation) and Mr. Merv Tweed, M.P. Staff: Ms. Elizabeth Kingston, Delegation Secretary. The Hon. Bryon Wilfert, P.C., M.P., led the Canadian parliamentary delegation that participated in the 14th Annual Assembly of the Asia Pacific Parliamentarians’ Conference on Environment and Development (APPCED) held in Koror, Palau from November 17 to 19, 2009. Delegates from 9 parliaments attended the 14th Assembly. The Asia-Pacific Parliamentarians’ Conference on Environment and Development (APPCED) was established by the Korean Parliament in June 1993. APPCED is designed to provide ample opportunities to share ideas, experiences and policies in order to enhance legislative activities for sustainable development within its member Parliaments. The aim of APPCED is to stress the importance of environmental protection and the maintenance of ecological balance throughout the Asia - Pacific region. The Conference, which is the only parliamentary conference dedicated to the environment and development, is held every year and is composed of the member parliaments of 46 countries. The theme of the 14th Assembly was: climate change and alternative energy development. In addition to attending a meeting of the executive and the presentation of country papers from the participating countries, delegates attended the following presentations: · Short Term Economic Impact of Traditional Energy Choices · Economic Opportunities in Investing in Alternative Energy · Long-term Impact of Climate Change on Environmental and Economic Security The Canadian delegation gave a presentation on climate change and alternative energy development in Canada. The Conference was an opportunity for parliamentarians to hold lively discussions and resulted in the adoption of the Palau Declaration. The text of the declaration adopted is set out in Appendix A. It should be noted that the Palau Conference conferred on its President the Honourable Won Hye Young the mandate to present the Palau Declaration at the upcoming world conference on Climate Change in Copenhagen. In addition to attending the conference itself, the delegates held bilateral meetings with the following countries: Malaysia, Kiribati, China, and Korea. Malaysia Bilateral Meeting: The delegation congratulated the Malaysian delegates in agreeing to host the 15th APPCED conference in Malaysia. Both sides agreed on the importance of the deepening friendship between Canada and Malaysia, bolstered by its common stance on Burma / Myanmar, growing trade relations, mutual efforts in combatting international terrorism and support of the ASEAN Parlaimentary Association. Moreover, it was noted that Canada is an important partner for Malaysia in its support of climate change, transportation and education. Specifically, the Malaysian delegation noted the significant investment made by Malaysia in improving its transportation infrastructure while implementing alternative energy means to fuel its transport sector. Kiribati Bilateral Meeting: The Republic of Kiribati is an island nation and part of the island states of Micronesia. It is composed of 32 atolls and one raised coral island, dispersed over 3,500,000 square kilometres. During the APPCED meeting, Kiribati made a passioned plea about its very survival, given the rising sea levels in the South Pacific. Given the current rising level, it is expected that the state will not longer exist in 50 years time. The delegation members stated that the youth of Kiribati are moving off the island, migrating for the most part to Australia and New Zealand, as the economy no longer permits a viable future for its citizens. The economy has virtually come to a standstill, only fuelled by the purchase of fishing licences and the import duty generated from import duties due to flags of convenience for ships. Moreover, the delegation members stated that Kiribati experiences much erosion largely due to excessive agricultural development, fishing and coral reef damage. The Republic would like to look to Canada to assist it in its environmental plight, which severely impacts the economy. China Bilateral Meeting: The Chinese delegation members stated that China was most pleased to be receiving Prime Minister Harper in early December, and stated the importance China attaches to the bilateral relationship between Canada and China. The upcoming year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and both sides remarked on the great strides made in the maturing relationship especially in the areas, of trade, technology transfers, environmental standards, culture and education. While China has bilateral ties with over 170 countries, the Chinese delegation remarked on the fact that Canada was the first country with which bilateral parliamentary exchanges were initiated. Both sides remarked on the success of the Canada-China Legislative Association in fostering the relationship. They also noted the differences in opinion that do arise, particularly in the area of human rights. South Korea Bilateral Meeting: Both Korea and Canada remarked on the strong friendship that exists between the two countries. The Canadian delegation members congratulated the leader of the Korean delegation, the Honourable Won Hye Young on his election as president of APPCED. The issue of a potential free trade agreement with Korea was discussed, with the Canadian side noting that the fact that Hyundai had not yet invested in Canada is an impediment to the talks. The issue of the import of Canadian beef was also of issue in the discussion. The Canadian delegation urged Korea to look at the science of beef production in Canada which ensures its safety to consumers. The issue of the six party talks was discussed and Korea expressed its appreciation to Canada for its support of the the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Appreciation was also expressed to Canada for its favourable treatment of North Korean refugees, as well as the many Korean students who choose Canada for their studies at its educational institutions. Conclusion As a member of the Asia Pacific Parliamentarians Conference on Environment and Development (APPCED), the Conference gives Canadian parliamentarians an opportunity to engage in dialogue with their counterparts from other countries on important issues relating to the environment and development. The issue of climate change and its impact on the environment and economc security was particularly highlighted at this 14th Conference, demonstrating in dramatic terms the plight of those islands in the South Pacific region whose very existence and livelihood is threatened by rising sea levels. A summary of the expenses incurred for this activity is attached. Respectfully submitted,
|
|
 |