Interparliamentary Activities and Reports

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) organized in partnership with Arizona State University a virtual panel debate about parliaments, democracy and COVID-19. The discussion was led by parliamentarians, researchers and civil society advocates. Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, participated with a pre-recorded message. Several panelists and participants highlighted the challenges faced by parliaments in shaping responses to the pandemic. Many also underscored the importance of striking a balance between the need for urgent action, protecting human rights, and parliament’s legislative, budgetary and oversight roles. Members of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) who registered for the event include: Senator Salma Ataullahjan, Senator Pate, Mr. Spengemann, and Ms. Andréanne Larouche, MP.

On September 11th 2020, the Honourable Rosa Galvez, Senator, Vice-Chair of the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas, and Randy Hoback, M.P., counsellor of the Section, participated in the 51st meeting of the Board of Directors of ParlAmericas by videoconference. The topics discussed at the meeting included how the 17th ParlAmericas plenary assembly would be organized, elections for Board positions in November 2020, and other administrative business requiring the Board’s attention prior to the end of the ParlAmericas fiscal year on 30 September 2020. The meeting wrapped up with a round table, with the parliamentarians present reporting on the situation in their respective countries as regards the COVID-19 pandemic.

On 8 September 2020, Mr. Han Dong, M.P., Co-Chair of the Canada-China Legislative Association, participated in the 41st General Assembly of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) on behalf of both the Canada–China Legislative Association and the Canada–Japan Interparliamentary Group. This virtual meeting was hosted by Viet Nam, the Chair of both ASEAN and AIPA for 2020. Canada has participated in this assembly as an observer delegation several times, most recently in Thailand in August 2019. This year, the theme of the assembly was “Parliamentary Diplomacy for a Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN.” The discussions also focused on the regional response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Dong delivered an address to the delegates, which included representatives of the 10 ASEAN countries and other observer and guest delegations from various parliaments around the world. In these remarks, Mr. Dong recognized the importance that Canadian parliamentarians place on strengthening relationships with Southeast Asia. He further shared Canada’s contribution to international efforts to fight the pandemic, and he discussed the progress made in recent years towards a possible free trade agreement between Canada and ASEAN. He concluded by saying that he looked forward to continuing the meaningful discussion at next year’s AIPA General Assembly.

The Honourable David McGuinty, P.C., M.P., President of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Executive Committee Vice-President for the 12+ geopolitical group, participated in an Extraordinary Session of the International Executive Committee by videoconference on August 31, 2020. During this meeting, the members reviewed proposed special rules of procedure that could be adopted at the next session of the Governing Council and discussed a few other administrative matters. After a discussion, amendments were proposed. A new draft will be circulated to members for review and approval. The Executive Committee oversees the administration of the IPU and makes recommendations to the IPU Governing Council on various matters.