Report

 

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) held its 30th General Assembly from August 2 to 8, 2009, in Pattaya, Chonburi, Thailand. The Canadian Parliament, which has observer status to AIPA, sent a joint delegation of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group (CJIG) and the Canada-China Legislative Association (CCLA). The CCLA was represented by its Co-Chair, the Honourable Joseph A. Day, Senator. The CJIG was represented by its Co-Chair, the Honourable Bryon Wilfert, P.C., M.P. The Secretary to the delegation was Mr. Philippe Méla.

Prior to the start of the Official program of the conference, Mr. Wilfert attended an exchange of views with a delegation from Burma. He pointed out that ASEAN Countries should do more than simply using words, particularly since democratically elected Burmese MPs were not allowed at the AIPA meeting and since the Burmese Parliament is still not recognized by the military power in Burma.

Mr. Wilfert indicated that countries should express concerns and pass legislation to condemn human rights violation, rape and discrimination of women. Also, the joint statement at the outcome of the Conference should clearly say what everyone is thinking in AIPA. He also pointed out that for all Parliamentarians, there should be a collective responsibility to protect human rights and Canada is at the forefront of this battle as the UN Charter of Rights was written by a Canadian even if in the context of ASEAN, it is more difficult for Canada as Canada is only an observer country. Mr. Wilfert also raised the issue of some investor’s country like China and India which continue to do Business as usual with the military regime of Burma regardless of the Human rights violations. One of the problems with solving this situation is the fact that ASEAN countries use a system of consensus and the more countries involved, the more difficult if not impossible to find a consensus.

It was also mentioned, that Indonesia is more open to Burma than some other ASEAN countries and that Jakarta has been chosen to solve this conflict in the region. Mr. Wilfert pointed out that in terms of investing, it is expected that Canadian companies use the same standards they would use in Canada when they are doing business in the region, including Burma.

Conference activities

The Canadian delegation observed the First Plenary Session, which began with statements by  H.E. Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, H.E. Mr. Prasobsook Boondech, President of the Senate of the Kingdom of Thailand and H.E. Mr. Chai Chidchob, President of the Thai National Assembly and President of AIPA. Statements were made by the leaders of the delegations from the nine AIPA member countries (Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore and the latest member Brunei Darussalam) as well as the AIPA Special Observer Country (Myanmar).

Later, during the First Plenary Session, statements were made by the leaders of the delegations from the observer nations (Australia, Canada, People’s Republic of China, Japan and Russia). Mr. Bryon Wilfert, M.P. and Co-Chair of the CJIG, made a statement on behalf of the Canadian delegation, the text of which is attached as Appendix A. Special Guests of the host Parliament, Timor-Leste and the Secretary-General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union also made statements.

On the second day of the conference the Canadian delegation observed the delegates of the AIPA nations during the meetings of the Committee on Political Matters, the Committee on Economic Matters, the Committee on Social Matters and the Committee on Organizational Matters.

Each observer nation’s delegation participated in a dialogue meeting with representatives of the ASEAN member nations. The Canadian delegation met with their counterparts from the AIPA nations on Wednesday, August 5, 2009 and discussed a wide range of issues. The agenda for the dialogue meeting was the following:

Main topic: The Role of Observers Towards ASEAN Community

• Regional and Global Politics and Security

• Economic and Trade Cooperation and Foreign Investments

• Human Security, Strong Society, Public Health, and Threats from Pandemic Diseases

• Environment and Sustainable Development

• Information and Communication Technology

The dialogue was chaired by the Hon. Mr. Charoen Kanthawongs, Member of the Parliament of Thailand. His report summarizing the discussion’s main points was presented at the Second Plenary Session and is attached as Appendix B.

The Canadian delegation participated in the Second Plenary Session, which took place on the final day of the conference. During this session, all of the reports of the committees and observer dialogues were presented to and adopted by the plenary as well as the joint communiqué for the conference which is attached as Appendix C.

The 31st General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) will be held in Hanoi, Vietnam from September 19 to 25, 2010.

Bilateral meetings

The Canadian delegation to the 30th AIPA General Assembly also engaged in bilateral meetings with the delegations from Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam.

 

Indonesia:

The exchange started on the topic of the participation of women in the central political life of Indonesia as there are only 12 women who have been elected out of 500 elected Members in the House of Representatives. The Canadian delegation also expressed concerns and sadness about the bombing that took place in Jakarta prior to the Conference.

It was indicated by the Canadian delegation that Indonesia is a very important destination for Canadian investors, particularly in the mining industry, however, the participation in the field of Science and Technology could be increased as it is difficult to obtain clean air and clean water in some part of Indonesia, particularly on the Eastern part of the Island of Bali where sea water is used to obtain drinking water at an expensive cost. As Indonesia has an important number of hours or sun and is surrounded by oceans, there is a great potential for the use of renewable energy such as solar or wave and wind power. As well, an exchange of technology or best practices regarding the use of clean coal technology that is mainly developed in Western Canada could be envisioned. In terms of research and technology, the Canadian delegation was told that in the agriculture sector, the Thai government and universities work together to improve method of production and fundamental research.

It was noted during the exchange that the role of Parliamentarians is important as the respect of the rule of law is well established in Indonesia. Parliamentarians from each country could exchange more information and establish best practices allowing businesses willing to work with Indonesia to feel that their investments are very safe in this part of Asia. Still in the discussion on the economy, it was indicated by the Canadian Delegation that it is expected that Canadian companies doing business abroad use the same standards they would normally use in Canada.

Again, the possibility of developing best practices as well as the use of satellite technology to identify offenders and a better share of intelligence was discussed in the fight against marine piracy.

 

On a more political aspect, the issue of the situation in Burma came on the forefront of the exchange of views as Indonesia is one of the most vocal countries in the region on that subject. It was agreed by both delegations that it is necessary that more ASEAN countries be also more vocal about it.

The Canadian delegation was curious about the Indonesian model when it comes to the religious aspect of life as Indonesia is the 2^nd largest Muslim country in the world but yet remain very calm on that front. It was explained that it is mainly based on the education children receive which promotes understanding and acceptance of all belief based on the idea that all people are Indonesian first. Also the Suni Muslim majority is more moderate.

 

Thailand:

The Canadian Delegation indicated that meetings, bilateral ones or the Annual General Assembly, are excellent venues to exchange information, particularly on Trade, the environment or on the culture of the various countries invited but indicated that it is not enough and that training is vital to the good functioning of any institution hence, would like to see more exchange of students between Thailand and Canada. The Leader of the Thai delegation explained that there are fewer students going to Canada than could be because of the very high academic standards of Canadian universities and of course, it is easier, closer and cheaper to go to Australia. The leader of the Canadian delegation explained that he would look into the possibilities to bring more Thai Students to Canada.

The Canadian delegation asked about the impact of the Burmese situation on Thailand. It was explained that there are about 1 million Burmese people living in Thailand, most illegally and some who have been living for 20 years in camps along the border. Allowing them to stay in Thailand would not necessarily be an improvement of their situation as they have access to clean water and medical aid in their camps due to the international humanitarian aid, things they may not be able to have access to in Thailand.

The Canadian delegation proposed that it would be better to have fewer speeches and more exchanges and discussions to increase the level of shared information as there are only two ways for observers to take part in the discussion, during bilateral meetings and at the dialogue between member countries and Observers. It was also pointed out that an important part of the Annual General Assembly is the adoption of the joint communiqué at the end of the General Assembly but a better tracking of the proposals embedded in the joint communiqué should be put in place.

 

Vietnam:

The two delegations exchanged views on a few issues. Vietnam is an important partner for Canada as it is part of La Francophonie and an aid recipient from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). In April 2004, CIDA approved a Country Development Programming Framework for Vietnam (2004-2009) that responds to the Government of Vietnam's poverty-reduction priorities and focuses on the core sectors of governance, rural and private-sector development, and basic education, with gender equity as a crosscutting theme. Canada is very well regarded in Vietnam, not only for the aid provided but also for the work Canada has done regarding the consequences of the use of Agent Orange during the Vietnam war and the positions Canada has taken to help victims recover from the effect of the Agent Orange and how contaminated fields could one day be reused for agricultural purposes.

The Chair of Vietnamese Delegation indicated that it was an honor for several Parliamentary Committees of the Vietnamese Parliament to have been received in Canada in 2008, namely the Social Affairs Committee, the National Defense Committee and the Environment Committee which contributed to more exchanges of best practices between the two countries.

The delegations also exchanged on education and both agreed that it would be beneficial for the two countries to increase the level of exchange of university students. Parliamentary staff from Vietnam could also come to Canada through some of the existing programs such as the Canada's Parliamentary Officers' Study Program which will introduce the participants to the Canadian legislative process and allow them to reflect on their own practices or training workshops delivered by the Parliamentary Centre.

 

Respectfully submitted,