Interparliamentary Activities and Reports
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April 25, 2024
Annual General Meeting
By videoconference
Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (CANA)
April 24, 2024
Annual General Meeting
By videoconference
Canada-Ireland Interparliamentary Group (CAIE)
April 23, 2024
Annual General Meeting
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
April 23, 2024
Annual General Meeting
By videoconference
Canada-China Legislative Association (CACN)
April 22, 2024
Annual General Meeting
By videoconference
Canada-Italy Interparliamentary Group (CAIT)
April 4, 2024
Annual General Meeting
By videoconference
Canada-Germany Interparliamentary Group (CADE)
March 28, 2024
Annual General Meeting
By videoconference
Canada-France Inter-Parliamentary Association (CAFR)
March 27, 2024
Annual General Meeting
By videoconference
Canada-Israel Interparliamentary Group (CAIL)
March 26, 2024
Annual General Meeting
By videoconference
Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association (RUUK)
March 26, 2024
Annual General Meeting
By videoconference
Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM)
March 25, 2024
Annual General Meeting
By videoconference
Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association (CAAF)
March 25, 2024
Annual General Meeting
By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the "Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie" (CAPF)
March 7, 2024
Annual General Meeting
By videoconference
Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group (CAJP)
February 23, 2024
Annual General Meeting
By videoconference
Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (CAEU)
February 21, 2024
Annual General Meeting
By videoconference
Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (CEUS)
February 20, 2024
Annual General Meeting
By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CCOM)
February 5, 2024
Luncheon in Honour of the United-Kingdom House of Commons Procedure Committee
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association (RUUK)
December 12, 2023
Meeting with the European Parliament's Delegation for Relations with Canada
By videoconference
Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (CAEU)
Damian Boeselager, a MEP from Germany, explained how the mission of the European Parliament’s Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO) to the United States and Ottawa, at the beginning of November 2023, was very successful. The delegates met with the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner of Canada, among others, and found those meetings useful for their work on the creation of an European ethics body.
Regarding the EU-Canada Summit held on 23 and 24 November 2023, Ambassador Campbell discussed, among other things, Canada’s enhanced participation in Horizon Europe. She underscored Canada’s gratitude towards the EU Member States that helped last summer during the worst forest fire season in Canada, to date. Ambassador Campbell noted the commitment from Canada and the EU to work together to fight climate change and the EU’s decision to join the Global Carbon Pricing Challenge. She also noted Canada-EU collaboration in the new Digital Partnership to develop together a safer digital environment, including artificial intelligence, quantum technology and online platform governance. Ambassador Campbell mentioned that Canada and the EU were hitting record highs in bilateral trade, thanks to the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Strategic Partnership Agreement. She also mentioned the continued collaboration to help Ukraine and expressed the wish to deepen the collaboration with the EU in Gaza. Mr. Burgsmueller agreed with Ambassador Campbell’s positive description of the Summit’s results. He highlighted the importance of the new Green Alliance and the possibilities for future collaboration on green energy, such as hydrogen.
Francesco Sorbara, President of CAEU, touched on the Green Alliance, the Digital Partnership, the enhanced Canadian participation in Horizon Europe, and the EU’s decision to join the Global Carbon Pricing Challenge. He also talked about the Joint Statement that stemmed from the Summit and the challenges confronting Canada and the EU, such as climate change, the war in Ukraine, the crisis in Gaza, and relations with China. Mr. Sorbara also thanked Mr. Moreno Sánchez for his work as Rapporteur on the implementation of CETA. Senator David Wells, Vice-President of CAEU, discussed the seven themes of the Joint Statement, the war in Ukraine and the crisis in Israel and Palestine. Peter Boehm touched on the war in Ukraine, noting President Zelensky’s presence in Washington, D.C., the conflict in Gaza, and insisted on the importance of Canada and the EU working together on priorities related to the cyber and digital world.
Mr. Boeselager argued that the European Parliament elections that will take place in June 2024 could be a chance for a new impetus, to try to solve certain issues such as visa liberalization. Ambassador Campbell noted that CETA offers the possibility to recognize each others’ credentials, when Canadian professionals wish to work in the EU and vice versa, and that only architects are recognized in that manner so far. Stéphane Bergeron noted the quality of the relations between the EU, Canada, and Quebec, and argued that the Covid-19 pandemic showed the importance of intensifying relations with partners that share the same values and objectives.
All agreed to continue their fruitful collaboration in the future and wished each other happy holidays.
November 21, 2023
Meeting between CAPF Executive Committee and the Fédération de la jeunesse canadienne-française
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Canadian Branch of the "Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie" (CAPF)
- Raymonde Lonla, Nunavut youth representative;
- Mila Benoît, member organization representative, Northwest Territories; and
- Josée Vaillancourt, Executive Director of the FJCF. During the meeting, Canadian parliamentarians and FJCF representatives discussed strengthening the youth network in Canada, particularly in terms of funding and support for organizations in remote areas; the role of youth and the Canadian youth network in the Government of Canada’s Action Plan for Official Languages 2023–2028; and initiatives to promote youth employability. Participants also discussed possible opportunities for collaboration between the Canadian Branch of the APF and the FJCF.
October 26, 2023
Recognition Ceremony in honour of CAAF's co-founders
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association (CAAF)
The new Speaker of the House of Commons, the Honourable Greg Fergus, was in attendance, along with several senators, Members of Parliament, and former staff. Former Senator Andreychuk and Ms. Bélanger highlighted how the Association has played an important role in the co-founders’ lives and has had a positive influence on Canadian and African parliamentarians. The Honourable René Cormier, Senator and vice-chair of the Association, and the Honourable Robert Oliphant, P.C., M.P., vice-chair and former co-chair of the Association, also made vibrant tributes to the two co-founders, as they reflected on the highlights of the past twenty years.
October 12 - 15, 2023
43rd Canadian Regional Parliamentary Seminar - Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CCOM)
September 20, 2023
Parliamentary Mission to the United Nations
New York, New York, United States of America
Canadian Branch of the "Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie" (CAPF)
On November 21, 2023, members of the Canadian Branch of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie (APF) met with representatives of the Fédération de la jeunesse canadienne-française (FJCF) as part of the Journée jeunesse sur la Colline event. Members of Parliament Francis Drouin, Darrell Samson and Marie-France Lalonde met with:
- Simon Thériault, President of the FJCF;
- Raymonde Lonla, Nunavut youth representative;
- Mila Benoît, member organization representative, Northwest Territories; and
- Josée Vaillancourt, Executive Director of the FJCF.
During the meeting, Canadian parliamentarians and FJCF representatives discussed strengthening the youth network in Canada, particularly in terms of funding and support for organizations in remote areas; the role of youth and the Canadian youth network in the Government of Canada’s Action Plan for Official Languages 2023–2028; and initiatives to promote youth employability. Participants also discussed possible opportunities for collaboration between the Canadian Branch of the APF and the FJCF.
September 19, 2023
Meeting with David Rutley, M.P., Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Americas and Caribbean) of the United Kingdom
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association (RUUK)
September 5 - 7, 2023
38th Session of the APF America Regional Assembly
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States of America
Canadian Branch of the "Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie" (CAPF)
Representatives from nine branches, the Americas secretariat and the APF secretariat were also in attendance.
The theme of the Regional Assembly of the Americas was the role of French at school, at work and in politics. Three panels were held around this theme. The work led to the adoption of three declarations:
• declaration to promote the French and Creole languages;
• declaration of solidarity with the Africa Region; and
• declaration of commitment by the Americas Region.
The declaration of solidarity with the Africa Region was tabled by the Canadian Branch.
July 22 - 29, 2023
59th Canadian Regional Conference
Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CCOM)
July 12, 2023
Meeting of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly "Call for Action - Helsinki +50": update on the situation in Ukraine
By videoconference
Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (SECO)
Three panelists delivered presentations. Ms. Yevheniia Kravchuk, Alternate Member of the Ukrainian delegation to the OSCE PA, provided an overview of the humanitarian situation in Ukraine and emphasized the need to provide assistance to civilians affected by the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam. Mr. Jacek Bylica, Chief of Cabinet in the Director General’s Office at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), presented the IAEA’s activities in Ukraine, including relating to its nuclear safety and security assessments of the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant. Mr. Michael J Fazekas, Executive Coordinator of the Southeast European Cooperative Initiative (SECI), described the SECI’s activities in Ukraine, including its work to support the provision of medical supplies and water filtration systems to civilians.
Several OSCE PA members took the floor during an open debate. Discussions focused on the support organizations like the IAEA and the SECI require to undertake their activities in Ukraine and the pressing need to provide humanitarian aid to civilians. The Canadian parliamentarians who participated in the meeting were Senators Gwen Boniface, Donna Dasko, Kim Pate and Rebecca Patterson, and the Honourable Dr. Hedy Fry, P.C., M.P.
July 4 - 8, 2023
Bureau Meeting and 48th Annual Session of the ''Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie'' (APF)
Tbilisi, Georgia
Canadian Branch of the "Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie" (CAPF)
Over 200 participants from 40 APF branches took part in the proceedings. Representatives from several organizations related to the Francophonie were also in attendance.
The theme of the 48th Annual Session was citizen mobility in the Francophonie, put forward by the Georgia Branch. The APF also adopted a declaration on this theme.
Among the resolutions the APF adopted, three resulted directly from the Canadian Branch’s work:
- impacts of climate change on island, coastal and riparian territories;
- promotion and use of French in francophone nations; and
- period poverty in francophone nations.
June 20, 2023
Meeting between Mr. Francis Drouin, President of the APF and Her Excellency Ms. Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary General of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF)
By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the "Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie" (CAPF)
June 15, 2023
Meeting with Her Excellency Adriana Solano Laclé, Ambassador of Costa Rica to Canada
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM)
On 15 June 2023, Member of Parliament Marc Serré, chair of the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas, met with her Excellency Adriana Solano Laclé, Ambassador of the Republic of Costa Rica in Canada. They discussed the activities of the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas and topics of common interest in the Americas, as well as opportunities for collaboration.
June 15, 2023
Virtual Parliamentary Exchange on "Legislative Work on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Rights"
By videoconference
Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM)
On 15 June 2023, the Honourable René Cormier, Senator, Second Vice-President of the ParlAmericas Open Parliament Network (OPN), attended the Virtual Parliamentary Exchange on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Rights, organized by the OPN. The event brought together parliamentarians from the Americas and the Caribbean to discuss the impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) on legislatures and their citizens.
Speaker of Trinidad and Tobago’s House of Representatives and Vice-President of ParlAmericas’ Board of Directors, the Honourable Bridgid Annisette-George, provided opening remarks. She stressed that given the rapid development of technology, it is crucial that parliamentarians in the Americas and the Caribbean be coordinated in their approach to governing AI-related matters.
Attendees participated in a panel discussion entitled, “the inclusive governance of artificial intelligence: Priorities for legislative work.” The discussion was co-moderated by Member of the Chamber of Representatives of Colombia and Vice-President for South America of the OPN, the Honourable Catherine Juvinao, and Member of the Chamber of Deputies of Argentina, Margarita Stolbizer. The panellists were Ambassador Washington Abdala, Uruguay’s Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS) and Chair of the OAS Permanent Council; Senator Kenneth Pugh, chair of the committees on Ethics and Transparency and National Defense of the Senate of Chile; and Cecilia Danesi, researcher at the Institute for European Studies and Human Rights
Panelists and participants agreed that parliamentarians from the Americas and the Caribbean should be involved in international dialogues on AI regulation. As a rapidly evolving form of technology, panelists discussed the urgent need for legislatures to keep pace with developments in AI and to pass legislation that criminalizes AI-related offences (i.e., online phishing and fraud).
During the event, Luz Mary Alpízar (Costa Rica), Vice-President for Central America of the ParlAmericas OPN, presented a new OPN endeavour—the Digital Caucus, a parliamentary working group committed to developing legislative proposals on AI regulation using multidimensional approach. Parliamentarians that wish to endorse this endeavour were invited to sign the Statement of parliamentarians from the Americas and the Caribbean on Artificial Intelligence.
June 15, 2023
OSCE PA Webinar entitled "Implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution 2250 and Youth, Peace and Security Agenda: Role of Parliamentarians"
By videoconference
Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (SECO)
Discussions focused on best practices related to the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2250, with particular emphasis on the adoption of National Action Plans on Youth, Peace and Security. Following the presentations, several OSCE PA members took the floor during the open debate. Participants spoke about youth engagement in the context of current and emerging global and regional challenges, including the impact of armed conflicts on young people in the OSCE region. The Canadian parliamentarians who participated in the meeting were Senator Rebecca Patterson and Senator Marilou McPhedran.
June 7, 2023
Joint Web Dialogue between the RFoM of the OSCE and the OSCE PA on Monitoring online violence against female journalists
By videoconference
Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (SECO)
Dr. Fry’s presentation focused on good practices in the Parliament of Canada to address violence against women journalists and politicians, including the use of Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) to assess the impact of laws, policies, programs and budget measures on different groups. Ms. Lisa Hepfner, Member of Parliament, also attended the meeting.
May 31, 2023
Meeting of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly "Call for Action - Helsinki +50": future challenges for the OSCE
By videoconference
Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (SECO)
May 29, 2023
Meeting with the Right Honourable Sir Lindsay Hoyle, M.P., Speaker of the House of Commons of the United Kingdom
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association (RUUK)
May 29, 2023
Meeting with The Right Honourable Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons of the United Kingdom
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CCOM)
May 24, 2023
''Historic Opportunity: The Role of Parliaments in Ending Plastic Pollution''
By videoconference
Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM)
May 23, 2023
Meeting of the Permanent Delegation of the APF Bureau
By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the "Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie" (CAPF)
May 19 - 22, 2023
Bureau Meeting and Spring Session
Luxembourg, Luxembourg
Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (CANA)
The Bureau’s main function is to ensure the overall guidance and coherence of the Assembly’s policies and activities in the interval between meetings of the Standing Committee; it also acts as the “first responder” when internal or external events require a decision or statement by the Assembly
During the Spring Session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, parliamentarians from NATO member countries and partner nations meet to study draft reports and hear from government representatives, NATO officials, and experts on a wide range of issues concerning the Alliance.
May 18, 2023
20th Anniversary of the Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association and Commemoration of Africa Day
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association (CAAF)
May 15 - 17, 2023
Visit to Canada of a delegation from Commonwealth Parliamentary Association United Kingdom
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association (RUUK)
April 24 - 25, 2023
Meeting of the APF Education, Communication and Cultural Affairs Committee
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Canadian Branch of the "Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie" (CAPF)
Parliamentarians representing 10 branches of the APF met at the Parliament of Canada for this meeting.
At the beginning of the meeting, Francis Drouin, Member of Parliament, Chair of the Canadian Branch and President of the APF, gave the opening remarks. Over the course of its meeting, the Committee considered several draft reports. Bernard Généreux, Member of Parliament, presented a draft version of the Canadian Branch’s report on the use of French in francophone nations. Committee members also had the opportunity to learn more about the Canadian perspective on certain matters involving the Committee’s mandate: French-language education in a minority context, French-language training for newcomers to Canada, the restitution of cultural property in Canada, and educational programs offered by the Parliament of Canada.
April 20 - 22, 2023
7th Gathering of ParlAmericas Open Parliament Network
Santiago, Chile
Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM)
April 17, 2023
Luncheon in Honour of the Visit to Canada of the Right Honourable Alison Johnstone, MSP, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament and Delegation
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association (RUUK)
April 17 - 20, 2023
Executive Committee Meeting (EXCO)
By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CCOM)
The Canadian Branch was represented by Mr. Terry Duguid, M.P.
April 5, 2023
OSCE PA Webinar entitled "Dialogue on Future Generations"
By videoconference
Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (SECO)
During the open debate, several OSCE PA members took the floor to discuss ways to ensure the safety and wellbeing of future generations in the context of current and emerging challenges, and to bring increased political attention to the issues they face. The Canadian parliamentarians who participated in the meeting were Mr. Dave Epp, Member of Parliament (M.P.), Mr. Earl Dreeshen, M.P., Ms. Andréanne Larouche, M.P., and Mr. Philip Lawrence, M.P.
April 1 - 8, 2023
49th Annual Meeting
Ile-de-France and Normandy, France
Canada-France Interparliamentary Association (CAFR)
March 25 - 26, 2023
Bureau Meeting and Spring Standing Committee Meeting
Oslo, Norway
Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (CANA)
The Bureau of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly is composed of the President, five Vice-Presidents, the Treasurer, and the Secretary General. It meets three times per year prior to the Standing Committee meetings and can hold additional meetings if deemed necessary.
The Bureau’s main function is to ensure the overall guidance and coherence of the Assembly’s policies and activities in the interval between meetings of the Standing Committee; it also acts as the “first responder” when internal or external events require a decision or statement by the Assembly.
The Standing Committee is the Assembly’s governing body. It consists of one member from each member country (normally the Head of delegation). Each delegation can also appoint one non-voting alternate member. However, each country is only given one vote.
The Standing Committee performs a wide range of both political and administrative tasks. It determines the rights and obligations of non-member delegations and evaluates applications for non-member status which, if approved, are forwarded for the consideration of the full Assembly. It coordinates the overall work of the Assembly: it must approve all planned meetings and provides guidance to the committees on the treatment of subjects to avoid duplication and ensure that the overall work of the Assembly is coordinated. The Standing Committee also serves as the Assembly’s finance committee.
March 21, 2023
64th Meeting of the Board of Directors of ParlAmericas
By videoconference
Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM)
On 21 March 2023, two Canadian parliamentarians participated virtually in the 64th ParlAmericas Board of Directors Meeting. The participants were Marc Serré, MP, Chair of the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas, Canada’s representative on ParlAmericas’ Board of Directors and Chair of the ParlAmericas Corporation Board of Directors; and Senator Rosa Galvez, Vice-Chair of the Canadian Section and Treasurer of the ParlAmericas Corporation.
The International Secretariat provided introductory remarks, followed by an update from Paraguayan Senator Blanca Ovelar, President of ParlAmericas. Mr. Serré acted as a moderator and guided participants through the agenda. The Board approved the report from the 63rd Board of Directors meeting and Senator Galvez presented the organization’s proposed budget for 2023–2024, which was approved along with the 2023–2024 workplan. The Board discussed business related to the ParlAmericas corporation. Finally, the International Secretariat provided an update on current work and priorities, as well as details related to the upcoming 7th Gathering of the Open Parliament Network, planned for April 2023.
March 13 - 17, 2023
71st Westminster Seminar: Parliamentary Practice and Procedure
London, United Kingdom
Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CCOM)
March 13, 2023
Conference of Branch Chairs of the APF America Region
By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the "Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie" (CAPF)
March 9, 2023
Meeting with Hlynur Guðjónsson, Ambassador of Iceland and Urban Ahlin, Ambassador of Sweden
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (CAEU)
Meeting with Hlynur Guðjónsson, Ambassador of Iceland, and Urban Ahlin, the Ambassador of Sweden
Canada–Europe Parliamentary Association (CAEU)
Mr. Francesco Sorbara, M.P., President, Canada–Europe Parliamentary Association; the Hon. David Wells, Senator; the Hon. Percy Downe, Senator; Stéphane Bergeron, M.P.; Don Davies, M.P.; and Jamie Schmale, M.P.; met, on Parliament Hill, with His Excellency Hlynur Guðjónsson, the Ambassador of Iceland to Canada, and His Excellency Urban Ahlin, the Ambassador of Sweden to Canada.
Ambassador Guðjónsson delivered a presentation on Iceland’s priorities for its Chairmanship of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers (November 2022–May 2023) and shared details about the Summit of the Council of Europe being hosted in Reykjavík from 16–17 May 2023.
Ambassador Ahlin delivered a presentation on Sweden’s priorities during its presidency of the Council of the European Union (1 January–30 June 2023) and provided an update on Sweden’s North Atlantic Treaty Organization accession process.
The ambassadors’ presentations were followed by a question-and-answer session with association members.
February 19 - 22, 2023
Bureau Meeting and Joint Meetings of the Defence and Security Committee, the Economics and Security Committee and the Political Committee
Brussels, Belgium
Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (CANA)
The Bureau of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly is composed of the President, five Vice-Presidents, the Treasurer, and the Secretary General. It meets three times per year prior to the Standing Committee meetings and can hold additional meetings if deemed necessary.
The Bureau’s main function is to ensure the overall guidance and coherence of the Assembly’s policies and activities in the interval between meetings of the Standing Committee; it also acts as the “first responder” when internal or external events require a decision or statement by the Assembly.
The Joint Committee meetings held in Brussels in February each year bring together the Assembly’s Defence and Security, Economics and Security and Political Committees and the officers from Science and Technology Committee and Democracy and Security Committee. The meetings are for member delegations only and their main purpose is to meet senior NATO officials in an off-the record format. During the February Meetings, the Standing Committee meets with NATO’s North Atlantic Council.
February 15, 2023
Plenary Conference ''Welcome to Africa – The Building Site of the Century'' and Dinner Reception
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association (CAAF)
February 8, 2023
CPA Working Group on CPC modalities
By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CCOM)
February 7, 2023
Meeting between a Parliamentary Delegation from Ethiopia and the Executive Committee Members
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association (CAAF)
February 7, 2023
Breakfast Reception in honour of the British High Commissioner to Canada, H.E. Susannah Goshko
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association (RUUK)
January 23, 2023
Briefing Session with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
By videoconference
Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (CEUS)
December 17, 2022
41st Interparliamentary Meeting with the European Parliament's Delegation for Relations with Canada
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (CAEU)
The Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (CAEU) hosted the 41st Interparliamentary Meeting (IPM) with the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with Canada (D-CA) in Ottawa on 17 December 2022.
The IPM consisted of four panels and question-and-answer sessions on the following subjects: • the Fifth anniversary of the Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement and the Strategic Partnership Agreement; • the regulation of large technology firms; • Canada-EU energy security and climate change cooperation; • global displacement. The CAEU participants were: Mr. Francesco Sorbara, M.P. and President; the Hon. Tony Loffreda, Senator; the Hon. Victor Oh, Senator; the Hon. Lucie Moncion, Senator; the Hon. David Wells, Senator; Stéphane Bergeron, M.P.; and Marie-France Lalonde, M.P. The D-CA participants were: Stéphanie Yon-Courtin (Chair, France); Damian Boeselager (Germany); Ondrej Kovarík (Czechia); Dorien Rookmaker (Netherlands); and Hildegard Bentele (Germany). The following external participants also took part in the IPM: • Patrick Leblond, Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, University of Ottawa; • Achim Hurrelmann, Political Science Professor and Co-Director of Centre for European Studies, Carleton University; • Robert Hage, Fellow at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, former Director General for Europe at Global Affairs Canada; • Brad Callaghan, Associate Deputy Commissioner of the Policy, Planning and Advocacy Directorate at the Competition Bureau; • Vanessa Corkal, Senior Policy Advisor at the International Institute for Sustainable Development; and • Rema Jamous Imseis, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Canada Representative.November 29 - December 2, 2022
19th ParlAmericas Plenary Assembly and 14th Gathering of ParlAmericas Parliamentary Network on Gender Equality
Bogota, Colombia
Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM)
November 29, 2022
Meeting with Her Excellency Ms. Susannah Goshko, British High Commissioner
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association (RUUK)
November 23, 2022
Meeting of the Executive Committee of ParlAmericas Parliamentary Network on Climate Change
By videoconference
Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM)
November 21, 2022
Meeting between a delegation from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Ms. Brenda Shanahan, Co-Chair of the Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association (CAAF)
November 16, 2022
Luncheon on the occasion of the United States midterm elections and the future of the Canadian-American Relationship
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (CEUS)
November 8, 2022
63rd Meeting of the Board of Directors of ParlAmericas
By videoconference
Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM)
November 7 - 8, 2022
GLOBE COP27 Legislators Summit
Cairo, Egypt
Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM)
The Honourable Rosa Galvez, Senator, Vice-Chair of the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM), President of ParlAmericas’ Parliamentary Network on Climate Change (PPCC), 2nd Vice-President of ParlAmericas’ Board of Directors and Treasurer of the ParlAmericas Corporation, attended events on the margins of the 27th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 25) held on November 7 and 8, 2022, in Cairo, Egypt.
October 25, 2022
ODIHR Seminar on the theme "Election Observation and Participation of Women in Elections"
By videoconference
Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (SECO)
October 19, 2022
Online meeting on "The role of the OSCE in addressing the war in Ukraine and its consequences"
By videoconference
Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (SECO)
During the open debate, a number of OSCE PA members, including several Ukrainian parliamentarians, spoke about the need for ongoing international support for the Ukrainian people. Participants also discussed Russian nuclear threats and emphasized the need to strengthen the nuclear non-proliferation regime. The Canadian participants in the meeting were the Honourable Senator Marilou McPhedran and the Honourable Senator Hassan Yussuf.
October 13 - 16, 2022
42nd Canadian Regional Parliamentary Seminar
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CCOM)
The Canadian Branch was represented by Mr. Kody Blois, M.P. and Mr. Robert Kitchen, M.P.
October 11 - 15, 2022
145th IPU Assembly and related meetings
Kigali, Rwanda
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
October 10 - 15, 2022
48th Annual Meeting
Vancouver and Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
Canada-France Interparliamentary Association (CAFR)
September 26, 2022
Meeting of the Steering Committee of the 12+ Group
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
September 23, 2022
62nd Meeting of the Board of Directors of ParlAmericas
By videoconference
Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM)
September 13, 2022
Meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Interparliamentary Council (UNIC)
By videoconference
Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (CANA)
Since 2003, UNIC has provided an essential forum for members of parliament from the Alliance and from Ukraine to exchange on all aspects of Ukraine’s cooperation with NATO.
September 7, 2022
Online meeting on "The role of the OSCE in addressing the war in Ukraine and its consequences"
By videoconference
Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (SECO)
During the meeting, the panellists called for ongoing engagement by the OSCE PA and by parliamentarians within their national legislatures on the situation in Ukraine. Several OSCE PA members spoke during the open debate about the need to hold Russia accountable for war crimes committed in Ukraine, while others emphasized the role the OSCE PA could play in promoting dialogue. The Canadian parliamentarians who participated in the meeting were Mr. Luc Berthold, M.P., Mr. Earl Dreeshen, M.P., and Ms. Ya’ara Saks, M.P.
July 16 - 22, 2022
58th Canadian Regional Conference
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CCOM)
The Canadian Branch was represented by Mr. Terry Duguid, M.P., Head of Delegation and EXCO representative, the Honourable Victor Oh, Senator, the Honourable Tony Loffreda, Senator, Ms. Marie-Hélène Gaudreau, M.P., and Mr. Robert Kitchen, M.P.
July 6, 2022
Meeting of the Steering Committee of the 12+ Group
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
July 5, 2022
6th Gathering of ParlAmericas Parliamentary Network on Climate Change (Plenary Session)
By videoconference
Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM)
July 1, 2022
Meeting of the Steering Committee of the 12+ Group
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
June 23, 2022
6th Gathering of ParlAmericas Parliamentary Network on Climate Change (Inter-parliamentary Dialogue)
By videoconference
Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM)
June 22, 2022
Online meeting on "The role of the OSCE in addressing the war in Ukraine and its consequences"
By videoconference
Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (SECO)
Following the presentations, 10 OSCE PA members took the floor to speak about the war in Ukraine and to debate options for international engagement. The Canadian parliamentarians who participated in the meeting were Senator Jean-Guy Dagenais, Senator Marilou McPhedran, Senator Julie Miville-Dechêne, Senator Lucie Moncion, and Ms. Valerie Bradford, Member of Parliament.
June 16, 2022
Visit to Canada of a delegation from the Legislative Assembly of the Falkland Islands
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association (RUUK)
June 16, 2022
Meeting between Canadian and Falkland Island Parliamentarians
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CCOM)
June 15, 2022
Diplomatic Reception
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM)
June 15, 2022
Meeting between Her Excellency Melita Gabric, Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union to Canada, and Mr. Francesco Sorbara, M.P., President of the Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (CAEU)
They discussed the outcome of the May 2022 EU-Canada Joint Ministerial Committee meeting; the coverage of space-related procurement by the Canadian Space Agency under the Canada-European Union Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement; Canada and the EU’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; and the upcoming Canada-EU interparliamentary meeting this fall.
June 6 - 8, 2022
9th Summit of the Americas
Los Angeles, United States
Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM)
June 1, 2022
High-Level Dialogue within the Framework of the 9th Summit of the Americas
By videoconference
Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM)
May 17, 2022
61st Meeting of the Board of Directors of ParlAmericas
By videoconference
Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM)
May 12, 2022
Meeting of the Standing Committee of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region
By videoconference
Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (CAEU)
May 11, 2022
Online meeting on "The role of the OSCE in addressing the war in Ukraine and its consequences"
By videoconference
Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (SECO)
In the open debate that followed these presentations, more than 15 OSCE PA members took the floor to debate the situation in Ukraine. Dr. Hedy Fry spoke about the gender consequences of the war and called for strong and immediate action to hold Russia accountable for its military aggression, including new sanctions on Russian officials. Dr. Fry also urged members of the OSCE PA to consider suspending Russia and Belarus from the Assembly. The other Canadians to participate in the meeting were Senator Jean-Guy Dagenais, Senator Marilou McPhedran, Ms. Marie-France Lalonde, Member of Parliament (M.P.) and Ms. Ya’ara Saks, M.P.
May 10 - 11, 2022
Seminar for Parliamentarians of the 12th Parliament of Guyana
By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CCOM)
May 5, 2022
Meeting with Her Excellency Ms. Susannah Goshko, British High Commissioner
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association (RUUK)
April 20, 2022
Joint Event between the RFoM of the OSCE and the SP Gender of the OSCE PA on the “Safety of Female Journalists Online: The Role of Parliamentary Action”
By videoconference
Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (SECO)
The Honourable Dr. Hedy Fry, P.C., M.P., head of the Canadian delegation to the OSCE PA and the OSCE PA Special Representative on Gender Issues, delivered closing remarks. Among other points, she spoke about the consequences of violence against women journalists, including the ways by which it reduces diversity among journalists, undermines journalism and reduces trust in facts. She also highlighted some of the challenges associated with regulating online violence and identified the need for parliamentarians to work together to prevent gender-based violence online. Mr. Earl Dreeshen, M.P., also attended the event.
April 19 - 22, 2022
Meeting of the APF Education, Communication and Cultural Affairs Committee
Papeete, French Polynesia
Canadian Branch of the "Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie" (CAPF)
April 9 - 10, 2022
Executive Committee Meeting (EXCO)
By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CCOM)
The Canadian Branch was represented by the Mr. Terry Duguid, M.P.
April 5, 2022
Meeting between Her Excellency Melita Gabric, Ambassador of the European Union to Canada and Mr. Francesco Sorbara, MP, President of the Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (CAEU)
In their first meeting since the election of Mr. Sorbara as CAEU President, the Ambassador and Mr. Sorbara discussed Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the impact on the European Union (EU)’s energy security. Mr. Sorbara voiced his understanding of the situation and highlighted the role that Canada can play in helping to meet the EU’s energy needs.
They also discussed the Canada–European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and its importance in light of current events and its upcoming five-year implementation anniversary.
Finally, they discussed opportunities for further collaboration, including ways in which CAEU could highlight Europe Day on 9 May 2022.
March 30, 2022
OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and ODIHR Joint Event on "Realizing Gender Equality in Parliaments: Transforming Institutions, Delivering for all Women and Men"
By videoconference
Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (SECO)
March 29, 2022
Meeting of the Executive Committee of the ParlAmericas Parliamentary Network on Climate Change
By videoconference
Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM)
March 28, 2022
Meeting with the Council of the European Union Working Party on Transatlantic Relations (COTRA)
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association
The CAEU members were Mr. Francesco Sorbara, M.P., President; Hon. David Wells, Senator, Vice President; Hon. Julie Miville-Dechêne, Senator; Hon. Lucie Moncion, Senator; Hon. Lena Metlege Diab, M.P.; Salma Zahid, M.P.; and Stéphane Bergeron, M.P.
The COTRA delegation was headed by Mr. Tomás Reyes Ortega, Chair, and included 11 diplomats from EU member states, and two representatives from the General Secretariat of the Council of the EU and the EU’s European External Action Service. COTRA’s work focuses on EU relations with the United States and Canada and covers a broad range of issues, from cyber, energy and security policy to economics and trade.
Her Excellency, Melita Gabric, Ambassador of the European Union to Canada, chaired the meeting and was accompanied by Ms. Eva Palatova, Head of Political and Public Affairs at the Delegation of the EU to Canada.
The main topics of discussion were Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the impact on the EU’s energy security as well as food security. They also discussed increasing Russian disinformation and misinformation and potential mitigation solutions, especially considering Russia’s attack on Ukraine. Participants also highlighted collaborative defence and security initiatives between the EU and Canada.
Finally, they discussed the Canada–European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and the importance of the ratification process that is now taking place in each EU member state.
March 23, 2022
Online meeting on "The role of the OSCE in addressing the conflict in Ukraine and its consequences"
By videoconference
Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (SECO)
March 22, 2022
6th Gathering of ParlAmericas Open Parliament Network (plenary session)
By videoconference
Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM)
March 16, 2022
Executive Committee Meeting
By videoconference
Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM)
On 16 March 2022, the Executive Committee Meeting of the ParlAmericas Board met virtually. Along with the chair of the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas, Marc Serré, the following Members of Parliament were present: Richard Cannings, Randy Hoback, Stephanie Kusie, Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Jamie Schmale, Nathalie Sinclair-Desgagné. Senators René Cormier, Rosa Galvez, and Michael L. MacDonald also attended.
Executive Committee members discussed priorities for the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas. They reviewed the budget for 2022–2023 then discussed a number of thematic issues, operational considerations, and future activities for the section.
March 15, 2022
One decade on: How gender-sensitive are our parliaments now?
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
March 15, 2022
6th Gathering of ParlAmericas Open Parliament Network (inter-parliamentary dialogue)
By videoconference
Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM)
March 15, 2022
Meeting between Mr. Francesco Sorbara, M.P., President of the Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association and Mrs. Stéphanie Yon-Courtin, MEP, Chair of the European Parliament's Delegation for Relations with Canada
By videoconference
Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (CAEU)
The main topic of discussion was future plans for renewed parliamentary cooperation between the two associations. Ms. Yon-Courtin congratulated Mr. Sorbara on his election as CAEU President and expressed D-CA’s desire to travel to Canada in September 2022 for the annual interparliamentary meeting (IPM). They also discussed a list of topics that could be part of the IPM’s agenda, including a recognition of the five-year implementation anniversary of the Canada–European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement.
Other topics of discussion included recent developments related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s address to the Canadian Parliament, and the importance of people-to-people ties. Finally, plans were made for a future meeting to finalize the details for the upcoming IPM.
March 14, 2022
The role of women’s leadership and gender-responsive parliaments in climate action
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
March 14, 2022
Annual General Meeting
By videoconference
Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association (RUUK)
To be eligible to vote at the AGM, the deadline for membership for this association is 7 days before the meeting.
March 14 - 18, 2022
70th Westminster Seminar: Evolving Parliaments
By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CCOM)
March 11, 2022
60th Meeting of the Board of Directors of ParlAmericas
By videoconference
Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM)
March 11, 2022
Extraordinary meeting of the OSCE PA Standing Committee
By videoconference
Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (SECO)
March 10, 2022
Annual General Meeting
By videoconference
Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (CANA)
To be eligible to vote at the AGM the deadline for membership for this association is 30 days before the meeting.
March 10, 2022
Annual General Meeting
By videoconference
Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (CEUS)
3:30 p.m.
In order to be eligible to vote, parliamentarians shall be members of the group at least seven calendar days prior to the AGM.
March 9, 2022
6th Gathering of ParlAmericas Open Parliament Network (parliamentary dialogue with civil society and youth representatives)
By videoconference
Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM)
March 7, 2022
Meeting of the Steering Committee of the 12+ Group
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
March 7, 2022
Annual General Meeting
By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the "Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie" (CAPF)
3:30 p.m.
To be eligible to vote at the AGM the deadline for membership for this association is 7 days before the meeting.
March 2, 2022
OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Event "Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals in the OSCE region: a parliamentary perspective"
By videoconference
Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (SECO)
February 25, 2022
Annual General Meeting
By videoconference
Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association (CAAF)
To be eligible to vote at the AGM the deadline for membership for this association is 7 days before the meeting.
February 23, 2022
Canadian Regional Council
By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CCOM)
February 22 - 24, 2022
CPA UK 3-day Virtual Workshop - Actions to Prevent Human Trafficking through Sport: Workshop to Build Capacity and Techniques
By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CCOM)
The first day of the workshop comprised two sessions aiming to provide participants with an understanding of human trafficking through sport. Dr. James Esson, UG Programme Director (Geography and Environment), Reader in Human Geography at Loughborough University, discussed how trafficking through football occurs and identified steps that could be taken to help prevent it. Matthew Edafe, an ambassador for Mission 89, shared his experience of being trafficked for sport in the 1990s.
The second day of the workshop featured breakout rooms where groups of participants discussed their role in addressing sports trafficking. Adeline Dumoulin (CPA UK) and Lerina Bright (Mission 89) facilitated one of the breakout rooms for parliamentarians and parliamentary officials.
February 21, 2022
Meeting of Conference of Branch Chairs of the APF America Region
By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the "Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie" (CAPF)
The Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie brings together 90 parliaments and branches to discuss topics of interest for the Francophonie. The meeting is informal and is intended to inform the presidents of various topics of interest for the branches.
Marie-France Lalonde, member, and Joël Godin, member and chair of the Parliamentary Affairs Committee, attended the meeting virtually.
Members were informed of the decisions made at the Libreville Bureau meeting held on February 27 and 28. They were also informed of the climate emergency in Madagascar caused by cyclone Batsirai. A second cyclone, Emnati, is expected to touch down soon. A call for solidarity was also made. A call for nominations was also made for the 47th Session and the 9th Francophone Youth Parliament of July 2022.
The members discussed the young Francophone ambassadors’ project, and Marie-France Lalonde called for more clarification between this program and the Francophone Youth Parliament. Joël Godin requested that more detailed planning be done for that project and for a presentation on it at the next Bureau.
The Administrative Secretary General, Damien Cesselin, discussed the consideration of branch contributions to the upcoming APF strategic framework 2023–2026. Methodology will be developed to enable branches to actively participate in the next framework. Joël Godin and Marie-France Lalonde reiterated the Canadian branch’s desire for better defined, measurable objectives and for the latest objective attainment indicators also be included in the development of the new strategic framework.
Mention was also made of a project shared by various APF branches and the Francophone Group of Ambassadors.
February 18, 2022
Informal Meeting of OSCE PA Heads of delegation from Arctic countries
By videoconference
Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (SECO)
February 18, 2022
Youth contribution to strengthening of rule of law, democracy and human rights in the OSCE area
By videoconference
Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (SECO)
February 17, 2022
Working Group on Peacekeeping Missions
By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the "Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie" (CAPF)
The Honourable Dennis Dawson, Senator, attended the meeting of the Working Group on Peacekeeping Missions of the Political Committee of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie held on 17 February 2022 via videoconference. The purpose of this working group is to oversee the United Nations peacekeeping missions report.
The Rapporteur of the working group went over his discussions with the Boutros-Ghali Peacekeeping Observatory, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the French Ministry for the Armed Forces. He gave an overview of the many peacekeeping missions around the world, several of them in francophone regions.
Senator Dawson suggested that the working group invite Canadian security and peacekeeping experts to share their observations. He raised the use of French in such operations under the authority of the United Nations. On this issue, the Rapporteur pointed to the work of the Boutros-Ghali Observatory and the recently arranged meetings with the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie.
Senator Dawson also said that this ties into the broader issue of respect for multilingualism within international organizations, which is being studied by the Political Committee and the Education, Communication and Cultural Affairs Committee. He concluded by stressing the importance of raising awareness of this issue among all partners and member branches.
February 15, 2022
AIPA Webinar on The Growing Challenge of Confronting Fisheries Crime in ASEAN
By videoconference
Canada-China Legislative Association (CACN) and Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group (CAJP)
February 10, 2022
Meeting of the Standing Committee of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region
By videoconference
Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (CAEU)
Members reported on the priorities of the Arctic regions of their respective countries including:
• sustainable economic development to benefit Arctic residents, along with increased investments;
• the need for mental health services in remote communities;
• climate change and its impacts on all aspects of life in the Arctic; and
• the development or release of country-specific Arctic strategies.
SCPAR members provided an update on the COVID 19 pandemic. Vaccination campaigns in Arctic regions seem successful in most countries, with high rates of fully vaccinated residents. Common challenges experienced by Arctic residents included: social isolation and financial burdens due to restrictions limiting gatherings and the operation of businesses and movement between communities and countries, particularly for Indigenous peoples; and an increase in the need for mental health services.
The next meeting of SCPAR is planned for 12 May 2022 to potentially be hosted in Washington D.C., United States.
February 4, 2022
Parliamentary Web Dialogue on "The Clean Energy Revolution and its Implications for the OSCE region"
By videoconference
Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (SECO)
February 3, 2022
CPA Constitutional Amendments Working Group
By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CCOM)
February 1, 2022
Standing Committee Meeting
By videoconference
Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (CANA)
January 28, 2022
59th Meeting of the Board of Directors of ParlAmericas
By videoconference
Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM)
January 27 - 28, 2022
Bureau Meeting of the APF
By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the "Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie" (CAPF)
APF Bureau meeting – January 27 to 28, 2022
The Bureau monitors the implementation of decisions made by the Plenary Assembly of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie (APF), for which it exercises delegated authority. It ensures the implementation of the motions passed, the resolutions adopted and the opinions and recommendations issued by the Plenary Assembly. In this respect, it may make any decision it deems useful. It reviews, pursuant to the General Secretariat’s report, issues relating to the admission of sections and to changes in their status. It passes the Assembly’s budget.
Francis Drouin, M.P., Chair of the Canadian Branch and First Vice President of the APF, and Marie France Lalonde and Senator Éric Forest, members of the CAPF executive committee, participated virtually in the hybrid meeting held in Libreville, Gabon.
The APF Bureau heard from Geoffroy Montpetit from the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie. He discussed the OIF APF partnership and opportunities for cooperation between the two institutions. A number of activity reports were presented, including the activity report of the APF Parliamentary Secretary General. The APF’s cooperation programs were also reviewed. The Treasurer’s report on the draft budget for 2022 was considered, in addition to a review of the political situation in the francophone world and various institutional projects.
The members in attendance also heard the activity reports from the presidents of the APF’s commissions and networks and from its mission leaders.
January 24, 2022
Joint Meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Interparliamentary Council and the Political Committee’s Sub-Committee on NATO Partnerships
By videoconference
Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (CANA)
January 24, 2022
Global Parliamentary Exchange on the International Day of Education 2022
By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CCOM)
Members of the Canadian Branch attended this event: the Honourable Amina Gerba, Senator; Dr. Robert Kitchen, Member of Parliament (M.P.); and the Honourable Mike Lake, M.P. Additionally, Anita Vandenbeld, M.P. chaired the event with Joseph Nhan-O’Reilly, co-founder and executive director of the International Parliamentary Network for Education. Ms. Vandenbeld’s opening remarks noted that Parliamentarians play a vital role in effectively addressing the global learning crisis.
Guest speaker Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, founder and president of Human Capital Africa, discussed the link between the economy and education. Ms. Ezekwesili noted that research has identified ways to address education challenges which include prioritizing foundational learning in areas such as literacy and taking an evidence-based approach to investments and policy decisions.
Parliamentarians also had the opportunity to participate in discussions in breakout rooms. The first breakout room focussed on improving learning outcomes and began with remarks from Robert Jenkins, Global Director of Education for UNICEF. The theme of the second breakout room was “data and evidence for the learning crisis”; Dr. Rukmini Banerji, CEO of the Partham Education Foundation in India provided a brief introduction to the facilitated discussion.
January 20, 2022
Meeting of the APF with the Secretary General of the « Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie » (OIF)
By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the "Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie" (CAPF)
Working meeting with the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie – January 20, 2022
Francis Drouin, MP, Chair of the Canadian Branch and First Vice-President of the APF, met with the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) and its Secretary General, Her Excellency Louise Mushikiwabo, to discuss pathways for efficient collaboration as part of his mandate as First Vice-President of the APF.
Mr. Drouin led a delegation of international parliamentarians, who are also senior APF officials, in a discussion on the direction of APF initiatives and the common objectives of the APF and the OIF. Participants also discussed financial management and interparliamentary co-operation programs.
Lastly, it was agreed that these matters would be followed up on in advance of the APF’s annual budget.
January 18, 2022
First Meeting Among Members of the Executive Committees of ParlAmericas’ Networks
By videoconference
Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM)
On 18 January 2022, the First Meeting among Members of the Executive Committees of ParlAmericas’ Networks occurred virtually. Canadian Senators René Cormier and Rosa Galvez participated.
Members of the three Executive Committees of the ParlAmericas networks for gender equality, climate change and open parliament met to plan future work and inter-network collaboration. Paraguayan Senator Blanca Ovelar, President of ParlAmericas, provided opening remarks, followed by the presidents of the three networks, who presented their respective networks’ priorities. Senator Galvez, who is President of the ParlAmericas Parliamentary Network on Climate Change (PNCC), as well as Vice-Chair of the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM), second Vice-President of ParlAmericas’ Board of Directors and Treasurer of the ParlAmericas Corporation, outlined the priorities for the Parliamentary Network on Climate Change. These priorities included addressing challenges related to water resources, deforestation, and the melting of the cryosphere. She also spoke about the value of collaborating and of finding synergies across the three thematic areas. The discussions continued with members discussing ways in which the networks could continue to strengthen collaboration with one another.
December 16, 2021
CPA Post-Election Virtual Seminar for the Parliament of the Bahamas
By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CCOM)
From December 15 to 17 2021, the CPA Headquarters Secretariat hosted a virtual post-election seminar for newly elected and returning members of the Parliament of the Bahamas. The Honourable Marilou McPhedran, Senator, was invited to provide remarks during a workshop on Women in Parliament held on December 16, 2021. The workshop provided the opportunity for Parliamentarians to discuss women’s representation and share experiences about working in Parliament.
In her presentation, Senator McPhedran discussed women’s representation in Canada’s Parliament, as well as ways to foster a gender-sensitive workplace. During her remarks, Senator McPhedran explained that by introducing family-friendly measures, parliaments can help overcome barriers faced by female elected officials and make workplaces more gender sensitive. During the questions and comments portion of the workshop, Senator McPhedran highlighted Canadian initiatives related to women’s participation in politics including Equal Voice, an organization dedicated to supporting women in politics, and its Daughters of the Vote Program.
December 13 - 15, 2021
29th Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF)
By videoconference
Canada-China Legislative Association (CACN) and Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group (CAJP)
December 10, 2021
18th ParlAmericas Plenary Assembly (plenary session)
By videoconference
Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM)
December 8, 2021
Webinar of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights on "Mobilizing Women, Peace and Security to Reduce Military Spending"
By videoconference
Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (SECO)
December 6 - 7, 2021
CAN/AM Border Trade Alliance Conference
By videoconference
Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (CEUS)
December 3, 2021
58th Meeting of the Board of Directors of ParlAmericas
By videoconference
Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM)
December 2, 2021
Meeting with Her Excellency Ms. Susannah Goshko, British High Commissioner
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association (RUUK)
December 2, 2021
CPC Virtual Workshop: How NHRIs and Parliaments can Protect and Promote Disability Rights
By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CCOM)
- The Honourable Dennitah Ghati, Member of the National Assembly of Kenya and Chairperson of Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities
- Caroline Waters OBE, Deputy Chair of the UK's Equality and Human Rights Commission
- The Honourable Eugene Mussolini M.P., Member of the Rwandan Chamber of Deputies for Persons with Disabilities
- Richard Rieser, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Disabled Person's Forum
- Bonface Massah, Commissioner, Malawi Human Rights Commission
The presenters took turns sharing initiatives undertaken by NHRIs and Parliaments within their jurisdictions to protect and promote the rights of persons with disabilities. They also discussed some of the challenges faced by persons with disabilities within their countries during the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures taken by NHRIs and Parliaments to mitigate them. During their presentations and the question-and-answer portion of the workshop, the panelists stressed the importance on both the signing and implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The workshop was attended by the following member of the Canadian Branch of the CPA: the Honourable Chantal Petitclerc, Senator.
November 29, 2021
18th ParlAmericas Plenary Assembly: Parliamentary Dialogue with Civil Society (Working Session)
By videoconference
Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM)
November 26, 2021
18th ParlAmericas Plenary Assembly: Inter-Parliamentary Dialogue (Working Session)
By videoconference
Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM)
November 25, 2021
286th Session of the International Executive Committee of the IPU (Sixth sitting)
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
November 24, 2021
286th Session of the International Executive Committee of the IPU (Fifth sitting)
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
November 22, 2021
Meeting of the 12+ Group
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
November 22, 2021
CPA Workshop for Women Parliamentarians and Public Engagement Roundtable for the National Assembly of Belize – By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CCOM)
Senator McPhedran’s presentation focused on Canada’s approach to Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+). She started by defining GBA+ and its importance within the context of policy making. Senator McPhedran then presented various opportunities for parliamentarians to advance GBA+ and gender-sensitive initiatives, including its application to legislation, budgeting, committee work and to the parliamentary environment more generally. Senator McPhedran also underscored some of the challenges faced by parliamentarians and policy makers when trying to apply GBA+, including those pertaining to the availability of data and the resources required to conduct parliamentary studies that adequately represent the groups effected by proposed legislation.
November 17, 2021
286th Session of the International Executive Committee of the IPU (Fourth sitting)
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
November 15, 2021
Meeting of the Steering Committee of the 12+ Group
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
November 12, 2021
Webinar on The WTO negotiations agenda at the MC12: Towards a sustainable recovery
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
November 10, 2021
Meeting of the Executive Committee of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF)
By videoconference
Canada-China Legislative Association (CACN) and Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group (CAJP)
November 10, 2021
Parliamentary Web Dialogue on “Violence Against Women Journalists and Politicians: A Growing Crisis”
By videoconference
Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (SECO)
November 9, 2021
286th Session of the International Executive Committee of the IPU (Third sitting)
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
November 8, 2021
Webinar on Trade and health: Parliamentary perspectives on MC12
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
November 8 - 19, 2021
29th Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF): Working groups and drafting committee for resolutions
By videoconference
Canada-China Legislative Association (CACN) and Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group (CAJP)
November 2, 2021
286th Session of the International Executive Committee of the IPU (Second sitting)
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
October 13 - 14, 2021
Seminar France-Quebec on Women Parliamentarism in France and Quebec
By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the "Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie" (CAPF)
On 13 and 14 October 2021, the Canadian Branch of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie (APF), represented by Marie-France Lalonde, Member of Parliament, participated in “Le parlementarisme féminin en France et au Québec : où en sommes-nous?”, a symposium about women in parliament in France and Quebec hosted by the Commission de la mémoire franco-québécoise.
The symposium was chaired by Pauline Marois, who was the Premier of Quebec from 2012 to 2014. This event provided a historical overview of women’s right to vote and a look at the representation of women in Quebec’s National Assembly, the French Senate and France’s National Assembly. Speakers also addressed topics such as the under-representation of women in electoral politics in both France and Quebec and the importance of gender parity within parliaments.
October 12, 2021
Bureau Meeting of the APF
By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the "Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie" (CAPF)
The Plenary Assembly of the Assemblée Parlementaire de la Francophonie (APF) delegates authority to the Bureau to oversee the execution of its decisions. The Bureau is responsible for implementing the Plenary Assembly’s motions, resolutions, opinions and recommendations and may make any decision that will be helpful in that regard. Based on reports from the Secretariat General, it considers issues concerning the admission of branches and changes to their status, and it adopts the APF’s budget.
Francis Drouin, MP, Chair of the Canadian Branch and First Vice President of the APF; Chris d’Entremont, Vice-Chair of the Canadian Branch; and Joël Godin, MP and Chair of the APF Parliamentary Affairs Committee, attended the meeting virtually. Mr. Drouin also chaired the meeting.
Several activity reports were tabled, including the activity report from the APF Parliamentary Secretary General, and the cooperation programs were reviewed. The Treasurer’s report on the accounts for 2020 was also considered, along with the review of the political situation throughout the Francophony.
Joël Godin, Chair of the APF Parliamentary Affairs Committee, spoke about the order of priority for certain APF projects and its budgetary management. Francis Drouin presented a proposed partnership with the Réseau francophone d’éthique et de déontologie parlementaires, as well as the recipient of the Geoffrey Dieudonné award.
Lastly, the chairs of the various committees and networks presented the results of their deliberations. Heads of mission of the various APF regions also provided an update on their respective activities.
October 6, 2021
Meeting of the APF Cooperation and Development Committee
By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the "Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie" (CAPF)
The Honourable Éric Forest, Senator, participated in the meeting of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie’s (APF) Cooperation and Development Committee by videoconference on 6 October 2021. Senator Forest proposed that a new project be developed on the impact of climate change on island, coastal and waterfront territories in francophone areas. The Committee approved this proposal.
The Committee also discussed the economic situation in La Francophonie. Senator Forest pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a disproportionate economic impact on some population groups in Canada, such as women. The Committee also adopted a resolution on rural land use and vitality, and it discussed matters involving climate change and sustainable development in the context of COVID-19, as well as international trade negotiations carried out within the framework of the World Trade Organization.
October 4, 2021
13th Gathering of ParlAmericas Gender Equality Network (plenary session)
By videoconference
Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM)
September 28 - 30, 2021
First Global Parliamentary Meeting on Achieving the SDGs
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
From September 28 to 30, 2021, the Hon. Marilou McPhedran and the Hon. Kim Pate, Senators and members of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU), attended the First Global Parliamentary Meeting on Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). During this event jointly organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Indonesian House of Representatives, participants had the opportunity to discuss the role of parliamentarians in ensuring the realization of the SDGs by 2030. Several issues were addressed, including climate change, a fair and inclusive recovery to the COVID-19 pandemic, a fair and equal distribution of COVID-19 vaccines globally, international cooperation, the needs of vulnerable populations, global inequalities, and universal health coverage.
Senator McPhedran spoke about how the COVID-19 pandemic has reduced our chances of achieving the SDGs on schedule. She explained that missing these targets will cost us more over the long-term; as such, she argued, the world must invest in sustainable development today. She noted that the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development is warning that financing for sustainable development is at risk of collapsing. Senator McPhedran highlighted that Canada is pursuing innovation in social finance by mobilizing private capital for the public good to enhance its progress on the SDGs.
An outcome document summarizing the meeting is available on the IPU’s website
September 28, 2021
OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Follow-up meeting with Young Political Leaders
By videoconference
Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (SECO)
September 27 - 30, 2021
Executive Committee Meeting (EXCO)
By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CCOM)
The Canadian Branch was represented by the Hon. Yuen Pau Woo, Senator.
September 24, 2021
57th Meeting of the Board of Directors of ParlAmericas
By videoconference
Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM)
September 22, 2021
13th Gathering of ParlAmericas Gender Equality Network (working session in English and French)
By videoconference
Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM)
September 17, 2021
Meeting of the Executive Committee of the ParlAmericas Parliamentary Network on Climate Change
By videoconference
Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM)
September 15, 2021
74th Annual General Meeting of the Canadian Association for French Language Education of the APF
By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the "Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie" (CAPF)
September 13, 2021
13th Gathering of ParlAmericas Gender Equality Network (working session in Spanish and Portuguese)
By videoconference
Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM)
August 23, 2021
42nd General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA)
By videoconference
Canada-China Legislative Association (CACN) and Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group (CAJP)
August 18, 2021
Interparliamentary Dialogue Celebrating 60 years of Diplomatic Relations Between Canada and Central American Countries
By videoconference
Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM)
August 3 - 5, 2021
36th Session of the APF America Regional Assembly
By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the "Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie" (CAPF)
August 3, 2021
Conference of Presidencies of the APF America Region
By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the "Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie" (CAPF)
August 3 - 5, 2021
National Conference of State Legislatures' Base Camp
By videoconference
Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (CEUS)
July 21, 2021
286th Session of the International Executive Committee of the IPU
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
July 21, 2021
Canadian Regional Council
By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CCOM)
July 15, 2021
Discussion meeting of the APF
By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the "Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie" (CAPF)
July 12, 2021
Parliamentary Forum at the United Nations High Level Political Forum on sustainable development
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
During this event, participants discussed the role of parliamentarians and public authorities during times of crisis. They also talked about the part played by the public sector as well as the relationship between public and private actors. Participants highlighted several of the challenges the world is facing, including the global water crisis, inequity and poverty, and climate change, and contemplated how various stakeholders can work together to better address them.
During the discussion on the main theme of the event, Senator McPhedran emphasized that the sustainable development goals (SDGs) are interconnected and that SDG 5 (gender equality and women’s empowerment) complements and reinforces the other 16 goals.
July 5 - 9, 2021
Virtual Conference on the 4th Industrial Revolution
By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CCOM)
The 4th Industrial Revolution. Each day covered a different theme and consisted of panel sessions covering different topics. Presenters included parliamentarians, academics and industry experts. The objective of the conference was to challenge participants to think about how the Commonwealth, parliaments and democracies will evolve in the next 10, 50 or even 100 years.
The conference was attended by the following members of the Canadian Branch of the CPA: The Honourable Terry M. Mercer, Senator, Mr. Terry Duguid, M.P., and Ms. Brenda Shanahan, M.P.
The themes of the conference were:
• What is the 4th Industrial Revolution?
• The 4th Industrial Revolution and Environmental Stewardship
• Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Algorithms
• Big Data and Blockchain
• Cybersecurity and the Internet of Things
During a panel session (Regulating at Speed and Scale), the Honourable Terry M. Mercer, Senator, discussed the findings of the Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications’ study on automated vehicles, which were published in its 2018 report entitled Driving Change: Technology and the future of the automated vehicle.
July 2, 2021
Meeting of the Science and Technology Committee
By videoconference
Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (CANA)
July 1, 2021
Meeting of the APF Young Parliamentarians Network
By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the "Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie" (CAPF)
June 30, 2021
Meeting of the APF Network of Parliamentarian Women
By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the "Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie" (CAPF)
June 30 - July 2, 2021
Generation Equality Forum
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
June 30 - July 1, 2021
Western Governors' Association Annual Meeting
By Videoconference
Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (CEUS)
June 30, 2021
Webinar of the OSCE and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights on Gender Responsive Short-Term Visa Policies
By videoconference
Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (SECO)
June 29, 2021
Meeting of the APF Political Committee
By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the "Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie" (CAPF)
June 29 - 30, 2021
Workshop for parliamentarians on COVID-19 pandemic recovery through a human rights lens: What contributions from parliaments?
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
On the second day, Mr. Spengemann participated, as a panellist, in a session on how to address inequalities and structural discrimination. He noted that the most marginalized populations have been the hardest hit by COVID-19 and he highlighted recent work undertaken by committees of the Canadian House of Commons with respect to Indigenous peoples and gender equality. Mr. Spengemann emphasized that parliaments play an important role in strengthening domestic and international human rights commitments. The two-day event ended with a session on how to better connect parliaments and international human rights mechanisms during the post-pandemic recovery.
The workshop drew over 90 participants, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Michelle Bachelet. Accordingly, Canadian delegates had the opportunity to hear about the measures being taken elsewhere in the world to protect human rights during this unprecedented crisis.
June 28, 2021
Bilateral Meeting with UK Parliamentarians
By videoconference
Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association (RUUK)
June 28, 2021
CPA-UK Branch Workshop: CPTPP and Agriculture and CPTPP and Creative Industries
By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CCOM)
The fourth workshop, which took place on 28 June 2021, was divided in two parts: CPTPP and Agriculture and CPTPP and Creative Industries.
PART 1: CPTPP AND AGRICULTURE
The CPTPP and Agriculture topic was presented by Randy Hoback, MP, former Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade of the Parliament of Canada; Tori Morgan and Isabelle Rayner from the U.K.’s National Farmers’ Union; and Ken Ash, former Director of the Organisation for Co-operation and Economic Development’s Trade and Agriculture Directorate. The session examined the benefits and risks of joining CPTPP from an agricultural perspective as well as the process for negotiating specific exceptions for local farming industries to accommodate differences in national standards for food safety and animal welfare.
In addition to Mr. Hoback, the workshop was attended by the following parliamentarians from the Canadian Branch of the CPA: the Honourable Robert Black and Mr. Dan Mazier, MP.
PART 2: CPTPP AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES
The second topic was presented by Garry Neil, author of Canadian Culture in a Globalized World: The impact of trade deals on Canada’s cultural life; and Reema Selhi, Legal and Policy Manager at the U.K.’s Design and Artists Copyright Society. The session focused on intellectual property provisions within the CPTPP particularly as they relate to creative industries such as music, radio, television, visual arts, photography, crafts and design.
June 27 - 28, 2021
Meeting of the APF Education, Communication and Cultural Affairs Committee
By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the "Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie" (CAPF)
June 25, 2021
5th Gathering of ParlAmericas Parliamentary Network on Climate Change (plenary session)
By videoconference
Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM)
June 25, 2021
Meeting of the Permanent Delegation of the APF Bureau
By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the "Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie" (CAPF)
June 23, 2021
High-level parliamentary meeting: Transforming food systems for health, equity, and sustainability
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
June 21, 2021
56th Meeting of the Board of Directors of ParlAmericas
By videoconference
Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM)
• The Honourable Rosa Galvez, Senator, Vice-Chair of CPAM and Treasurer of the ParlAmericas Corporation; and
• Randy Hoback, M.P., Member of CPAM and Member of the ParlAmericas Corporation. ParlAmericas’ President, Paraguayan Senator Blanca Ovelar, highlighted ParlAmericas’ activities since March 2021 and answered questions posed by members of the Board of Directors. ParlAmericas’ International Secretariat provided a financial update, following which members reviewed the draft declaration to be presented at the 5th Gathering of the Parliamentary Network on Climate Change’s (PNCC) plenary session. During a discussion about elections for the PNCC, Senator Galvez indicated her intention to seek to become the network’s president.
June 21, 2021
CPA Virtual Training for British Virgin Islands Parliamentarians
By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CCOM)
Over the three-day series, Members of Parliament from across the Commonwealth were invited to give presentations. Ms. Yasmin Ratansi, MP, Chair of the Canadian Branch of the CPA, gave a presentation on June 21, 2021. Her presentation focused the roles and responsibilities of standing committees in both chambers of the Parliaments of Canada. She also discussed the role of the Chair, the opposition and the staff that assist standing committees. Ms. Ratansi also drew parallels between Canada and BVI’s system of governance and answered questions from the audience.
June 21, 2021
CPA-UK Branch Workshop: Scrutinising Trade Agreements
By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CCOM)
The third workshop, entitled Scrutinising Trade Agreements, took place on 21 June 2021. The topic was presented by Simon O’Connor, MP, and Chair of the Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Trade Committee in the Parliament of New Zealand; Randy Hoback, MP, former Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade of the Parliament of Canada; and Emily Jones, Associate Professor of Public Policy at the University of Oxford. The session focused on the roles of parliamentarians in scrutinizing multilateral trade agreements once implementing legislation is tabled in parliament. Mr. O’Connor and Mr. Hoback shared their experience of scrutinizing the CPTPP within their respective jurisdictions. For her part, Ms. Jones focused on the procedural challenges U.K. parliamentarians face when scrutinizing trade agreements.
In addition to Mr. Hoback, the workshop was also attended by Ms. Yasmin Ratansi, MP, Chair of the Canadian Branch of the CPA.
June 17, 2021
Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Steering Committee - Canadian Region
By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CCOM)
June 16 - 18, 2021
World e-Parliament Conference
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
June 15, 2021
5th Gathering of ParlAmericas Parliamentary Network on Climate Change (Dialogue with Civil Society and Youth Representatives)
By videoconference
Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM)
June 14, 2021
CPA-UK Branch Workshop: Multilateral Trade Agreements: Opportunities and Challenges
By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CCOM)
The first workshop, entitled Multilateral Trade Agreements: Opportunities and Challenges, was held on 14 June 2021. The topic was presented by David Lawrence, Senior Political Adviser at the U.K. Trade Justice Movement, and Stephanie Honey, a trade expert and former New Zealand diplomat. The session generally focused on the history of multilateral trade agreements, their benefits and challenges. Mr. Lawrence explored whether the U.K. would benefit from the CPTPP economically, geopolitically and environmentally.
The workshop was attended by the following parliamentarians from the Canadian Branch of the CPA: The Honourable Robert Black, Senator, Mr. Randy Hoback, MP, and Mr. Daniel Blaikie, MP.
June 12 - 17, 2021
Summit on the rapprochement of Canadian Francophonies
By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the "Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie" (CAPF) on Fanslab platform
June 7, 2021
Meeting of the AdHoc Committee on Migration
By videoconference
Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (SECO)
June 7, 2021
25th Anniversary Conference: The Hague Recommendations regarding the Education Rights of National Minorities
By videoconference
Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (SECO)
June 4, 2021
5th Gathering of ParlAmericas Parliamentary Network on Climate Change (Inter-parliamentary Dialogue)
By videoconference
Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM)
June 3, 2021
High-level roundtable for Parliamentarians on education financing
By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CCOM)
The round table was held as part of the lead up to the Global Education Summit: Financing GPE [Global Partnership for Education] 2021–2025, which will be cohosted by the governments of Kenya and the United Kingdom in July 2021. The Global Education Summit will seek to raise at least US $5 billion for the GPE.
The round table was attended by Canadian parliamentarians, including several members of the Canadian Branch of the CPA:
Yasmin Ratansi, M.P.
Honourable Brent Cotter, Senator
Ziad Aboultaif, M.P.
Marie-Hélène Gaudreau, M.P.
Robert Kitchen, M.P.
Mike Lake, M.P.
The roundtable discussion was initiated by the Honourable Julia Gillard, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Global Partnership for Education and former Prime Minister of Australia; the Right Honourable Gordon Brown, United Nations (UN) Special Envoy for Education and former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom; the Honourable David Moinina Sengeh, Minister of Education of Sierra Leone; and Shradha Koirala, GPE Youth Leader from Nepal.
The speakers primarily focussed their remarks on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on access to education across the globe, the importance of education in meeting the UN development goals and the role parliamentarians have in supporting governments and growing both development assistance and national spending on education.
May 31, 2021
Meeting of the APF Parliamentary Affairs Committee
By videoconference
Canadian Branch of the "Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie" (CAPF)
May 27, 2021
OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Meeting with Young Political Leaders
By videoconference
Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (SECO)
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA), in the context of the Call for Action - Helsinki +50 process, initiated a meeting with young parliamentary leaders so they could discuss and share their insights, expectations, and recommendations regarding the ability of the younger generation to contribute to tackling regional and global challenges, as well as their thoughts on how they could be better involved in decision and policy-making processes. The Canadian Delegation to the OSCE PA was represented by the Honourable Lucie Moncion, Senator, and by Mr. Ziad Aboultaif, M.P., and Ms. Ya’ara Saks, M.P.. The Honourable Bardish Chaggar, Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth, delivered opening remarks and noted how important the contribution of youth is in the development of responsive and inclusive policy-making.
May 19, 2021
Briefing Session on the COVAX Initiative
By videoconference
Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM)
May 19, 2021
OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights and OSCE Gender Issues Programme Joint Event on "Evidence-based lawmaking to prevent and combat violence against women"
By videoconference
Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (SECO)
May 18, 2021
Bilateral Meeting with UK Parliamentarians
By videoconference
Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association (RUUK)
April 13 - May 27, 2021
142nd IPU Assembly and related meetings
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
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