Interparliamentary Activities and Reports

The Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie (APF) Regional Assembly of the Americas and the Conference of Branch Chairs were held in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, from September 4–7, 2023. The Canadian delegation was composed of seven parliamentarians: five Members and two Senators.

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.

The Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie (APF) held its Bureau meeting and 48th Annual Session in Tbilisi, Georgia, from July 4–8, 2023. The Canadian delegation was composed of five parliamentarians: one Senator and four Members.

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.

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.

The biannual meetings between the Canadian and French groups are the Association’s core activity. They enable parliamentarians to discuss subjects of common interest from differing points of view prompted by the unique political dynamics of Canada and France. The outcomes of the dialogue can then be relayed by members to their respective parliaments and governments. The last annual meeting in Canada (Vancouver and Whistler, British Colombia) took place in October 2022.

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.

The 2023 Westminster Seminar on Parliamentary Practice and Procedure organized by the United Kingdom Branch of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association gathered 65 parliamentarians and clerks from every region of the Commonwealth to exchange ideas and build knowledge around topics relevant to Westminster-style democracies.

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.

The 19th Plenary Assembly was dedicated to exploring the importance of parliamentary engagement in the inter-American system and the need for parliamentary insights on the issues of hemispheric importance discussed in these spaces.

A delegation from the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) led by the Hon. David McGuinty, P.C., M.P., President of the UIPU and comprising the Hon. Salma Ataullahjan, Senator, Vice-President of the UIPU; the Hon. Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia, Senator; the Hon. Michelle Rempel Garner, P.C., M.P.; and Ms. Andréanne Larouche, M.P. attended the 145th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Kigali, Rwanda from October 11-15, 2022. Joined by nearly 600 parliamentarians from 120 countries, the Canadian delegation debated the overall theme, “Gender equality and gender-sensitive parliaments as drivers of change for a more resilient and peaceful world.” Canadian delegates played leadership roles in the Assembly’s adoption of a resolution on migration and human trafficking proposed by the Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights as well as a resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. They also actively participated in meetings of various subsidiary bodies focusing on women parliamentarians, young parliamentarians, peace and security, sustainable development, and health. In addition, they attended numerous side events on topics such as genocide, terrorism, and 2SLGBTQI+ matters, and held several bilateral meetings.

This inter-parliamentary dialogue provided a space for parliamentarians to exchange with subject matter experts and among themselves on strategies promoting parliamentary diplomacy on climate action within parliaments, aligned with existing international frameworks.

On June 6 to 8, 2022, a parliamentary delegation of the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM) attended a parliamentary gathering held on the occasion of the 9th Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles, United States.

The 6th Gathering of the ParlAmericas Open Parliament Network (OPN) included three virtual sessions that took place on March 9, 15 and 22, 2022. During the sessions, dialogues were held between parliamentarians, parliamentary staff, and civil society and youth representatives on key considerations for a robust public integrity strategy, recognizing its importance not only in preventing and fighting corruption, but as one of the fundamental pillars on which political, economic, and social systems are built.

The plenary session of the 18th Plenary Assembly of ParlAmericas offered a space for member parliaments to present the various legislative initiatives that their Parliament has been undertaking with the contribution of civil society and youth, to rebuild the social contract. Likewise, the declaration was read and the results of the election for positions on the ParlAmericas Board of Directors were announced, as well as the host Parliament for the next 19th Plenary Assembly.

The Can/Am BTA is a coalition of businesses, public-sector organizations and individuals with an interest in bilateral trade and tourism. Its mission is to maximize commercial activity and ensure the continued growth of cross-border trade, as well as improving border-crossing capabilities. The Can/Am BTA holds two meetings each year: a spring meeting in Ottawa, Ontario, and a fall meeting in Washington, D.C. This year, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Can/Am BTA is holding its meeting virtually.

On September 13, 22 and October 4, 2021, a delegation of Canadian parliamentarians participated in the 13th Gathering of the ParlAmericas Network on Gender Equality (PNGE). The three online events were conducted in ParlAmericas’ official languages: English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese. The 13th Gathering of the PNGE explored the ways in which strengthening social supports and services can contribute to addressing the root causes of gender inequality and other forms of social vulnerability, building on conversations spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic on enhancing social protection systems. The question of data was a crosscutting focus of the Gathering, with particular attention to the availability and use of disaggregated data to address the differentiated needs of women and vulnerable groups during the pandemic. The Gathering provided spaces for knowledge-sharing on good practices for more systematic collection of disaggregated data with a view to preventing the gaps in social protection during future crises and to ensuring an overall strengthening of the social safety net. The Honourable Mobina S. B. Jaffer, Senator, was elected as Vice-President (North America) on the Executive Committee of the PNGE.

The National Conference of State Legislatures is a bipartisan organization serving the legislators and legislative staff of the 50 U.S. states, as well as its commonwealths and territories. With its standing committees comprised of legislators and legislative staff, the NCSL provides research, technical assistance and a venue for the exchange of ideas on state issues.

The Western Governors' Association includes the governors from 19 Western states, as well as from American Samoa, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. The Canadian premiers from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba also participate in the WGA’s activities.

This inter-parliamentary dialogue provided a space for parliamentarians and parliamentary staff to exchange with subject matter experts and among themselves on strategies for parliaments to inclusively drive climate action and ensure that short and long-term climate plans are developed with an intersectional lens, to promote a just transition and lead to decent and clean work for all.

The Can/Am BTA is a coalition of businesses, public-sector organizations and individuals with an interest in bilateral trade and tourism. Its mission is to maximize commercial activity and ensure the continued growth of cross-border trade, as well as improving border-crossing capabilities. The Can/Am BTA holds two meetings each year: a spring meeting in Ottawa, Ontario, and a fall meeting in Washington, D.C. This year, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Can/Am BTA is holding its meeting virtually.

The 142nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) took place for the first time in virtual format. Over 750 parliamentarians from over 130 member parliaments debated the overall theme, “Overcoming the pandemic today and building a better tomorrow: the role of parliaments.” They also adopted two resolutions proposed by the Standing Committee on Peace and International Security as well as the Standing Committee on Sustainable Development, elected new officers to various positions and participated in meetings of different subsidiary bodies among other agenda items.

In November 2021, the United Kingdom (UK) will be hosting the 26th United Nations Conference of Parties on Climate Change (COP26). As such, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK, in partnership with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), hosted the first virtual Commonwealth Parliamentary Forum on Climate Change from March 22–24, 2021. The Forum engaged parliamentarians across the Commonwealth in discussions relating to climate change, such as holding governments to account, setting ambitious climate commitments and complying with international agreements. Delegates were also given the opportunity to network with peers and exchange ideas with experts. A working group was elected during the Forum to take forward the action points discussed by delegates.

The working session provided a space for parliamentarians, parliamentary staff and civil society representatives of the Americas and the Caribbean to discuss the tactics and strategies utilized to distribute disinformation today and provide recommendations for parliamentarians’ consideration in their efforts to combat this phenomenon.

The Winter Meeting provides an opportunity for OSCE parliamentarians to hold discussions on timely issues, to be briefed by high-level OSCE officials, and to meet with representatives of the OSCE's governmental side. It consists of meetings of the Standing Committee, each General Committee, and a joint session of the three General Committees.

The 2020 Westminster Seminar, which was the 69th edition organized by the United Kingdom Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, gathered parliamentarians and clerks from every region of the Commonwealth to exchange ideas and build knowledge around topics relevant to Westminster-style democracies. The theme of the 2020 Westminster Seminar, held virtually for the first time, was: “Preparing parliamentarians for a changing world.” The seminar ran a course of three half-day sessions. The following parliamentarians attended the seminar: Hon. Rob Black, Senator; Ms. Marie-Hélène Gaudreau, M.P., and Mr. Sameer Zuberi, M.P.

Circular Economy – Sustainable approaches to build back better from the COVID-19 pandemic

The 17th Plenary Assembly of ParlAmericas provided an opportunity to share on the different measures that parliaments have taken or can take to implement sustainable and equitable production systems, considering the forthcoming economic packages for the reconstruction of our economies post COVID-19 pandemic, and to progressively meet the 2030 sustainable development agenda. The working sessions on November 16, 2020 (English and French) and November 20 (Spanish and Portuguese) facilitated an exchange of good parliamentary practices for the implementation of this agenda in the parliaments of the hemisphere. Each country delegation presented a statement related to the event theme at the plenary session of November 27, 2020. The plenary assembly concluded with the reading of the final declaration and the Board of Directors elections.

The 206th Session of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Governing Council (Extraordinary Virtual Session) took place 1–3 November 2020. The Governing Council is the primary oversight body of the IPU and is made up of representatives from all member parliaments. It has a variety of subsidiary bodies which report to it, including the Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians, the Committee on Middle East Questions and the Forum of Women Parliamentarians. Decisions of the Governing Council are most often taken by consensus. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent restrictions to international travel, the session took place with a reduced agenda, focusing primarily on the election of the President for the 2020-2023 term, the IPU’s budget, decisions of the Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians, and future meetings of the IPU. Over 400 Council members from 144 national parliaments participated, of which 40% were women and 25% young parliamentarians. The Canadian delegation comprised:

• the Honourable David McGuinty, P.C., M.P., President of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) and Vice-President of the IPU Executive Committee for the Twelve Plus Group (official delegate);

• the Honourable Salma Ataullahjan, Senator, Vice-President of the UIPU, Chair of the IPU Committee on Middle East Questions, and Bureau member of the IPU’s Forum of Women Parliamentarians (observer);

• the Honourable Senator Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia, Senator, Member of the Executive of the UIPU (official delegate);

• Ms. Marilène Gill, M.P., Member of the Executive of the UIPU (observer); and

• Ms. Stephanie Kusie, M.P. (official delegate).

The ParlAmericas parliamentary Network for Gender Equality discussed the theme “Designing Inclusive Futures in Partnership with Youth” through a series of online events for parliamentarians in the Americas and the Caribbean. Through the exchange of experiences and good legislative practices, this gathering fostered a dialogue on the importance of incorporating youth voices and action in parliamentary efforts for gender equality.

The annual Great Lakes Congressional Breakfast features dialogue on Great Lakes priorities by regional leaders and members of Congress who play a critical role in shaping Great Lakes policies.

Canadian delegates travelled to the 2020 Winter Meeting in Vienna, Austria to participate in three General Committees, as well as discussions pertaining to the planning of the 29th Annual Session in Vancouver, British Columbia in July 2020.

The National Governors Association is the collective voice of U.S. governors from the 50 states, three territories and two commonwealths. It is also a public policy organization that represents the governors on Capitol Hill and before the U.S. Administration on federal issues that affect them, and that develops and implements solutions to public policy challenges.

The purpose of the bilateral visits to Trinidad & Tobago and Barbados is to strengthen bonds with Commonwealth partners, in line with the Canadian Branch’s mandate to facilitate twinning between Canadian provincial-territorial legislatures and Caribbean legislatures. The delegation will discuss people-to-people ties, trade and investment, good governance and democracy, and climate change.

The Canada-China Legislative Association (CACN) and the Canada-Japan Interparliamentary Group (CAJP) participated in the 28th Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) to discuss regional, political, economic and environmental issues as well as the situation of women in Asia. It was an opportunity for parliamentarians to dialogue with their counterparts from both sides of the Pacific Ocean.

In 2001, growing concern about the apparent drift in transatlantic attitudes, perceptions and policies, prompted the Assembly's Standing Committee to instigate a "Parliamentary Transatlantic Forum" to help identify the precise nature of the divergence in transatlantic thinking and to explore ways in which these differences could be redressed. The programme includes discussions with senior US administration figures and academic experts.

The Council of State Governors was founded as a forum that fosters the exchange of ideas in order to help state officials shape public policy. Its mission is to champion excellence in state governments and to advance shared interests.

The Honourable Senator Rosa Galvez, Vice-Chair of the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas, attended events organized as part of the 25th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 25) held in Madrid, Spain. The Conference offered the opportunity to learn more about various climate change issues, promote parliamentarians’ role in implementing the December 2015 Paris Agreement, and present the activities of the ParlAmericas Parliamentary Network on Climate Change.

The Parliamentary Network on HIV/AIDS was created by the APF, in partnership with UNAIDS, in Yaoundé on July 7, 2000, as a place to debate and discuss ideas and strategies to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. The network also raises awareness of these diseases and promotes actions and activities to combat them. It also provides information to and exerts pressure on parliaments on these issues.

This seminar is part of the APF’s efforts to help the National Assembly of the Republic of Congo build capacity and inform parliamentarians about sound practices for parliamentary oversight and explain how public policy is evaluated in various APF member country parliaments.

This conference gives parliamentarians a greater role in planning action to address the humanitarian crisis, insecurity and ongoing violence in the Sahel region and to promote the region’s social and economic development. It is an opportunity for direct dialogue between parliamentarians, witnesses to local realities and UN and international stakeholders. This event will also be a forum on co-operation between the APF and the G5 Sahel interparliamentary committee.

Parliamentarians from 21 legislative assemblies of the Americas and the Caribbean met for the 16th Plenary Assembly of ParlAmericas in Asunción, Paraguay. The theme of this annual meeting was “Accelerating Progress on Agenda 2030: Good Practices for Parliamentary Action.” The parliamentarians had an opportunity to share their respective regional experiences and discuss the challenges and progress made in implementing Agenda 2030 and achieving its 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

During the Annual 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.

The Inter-Parliamentary Union is a unique organization made up of national parliaments from around the world which works to protect and build global democracy through political dialogue and concrete action. The theme of the general debate at the 141st Assembly was "Strengthening international law: Parliamentary roles and mechanisms, and the contribution of regional cooperation".

The Can/Am BTA is a coalition of businesses, public-sector organizations and individuals with an interest in bilateral trade and tourism. Its mission is to maximize commercial activity and ensure the continued growth of cross-border trade, as well as improving border-crossing capabilities. The Can/Am BTA holds two meetings each year: a spring meeting in Ottawa, Ontario, and a fall meeting in Washington, D.C.

Canadian delegates travelled to Marrakesh, Morocco in order to participate at the 18th Autumn Meeting of the Parliamentary Assembly.

The Parliament of Canada has observer status at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) and regularly sends delegates to participate in debates. This forum is also an opportunity for the Canadian delegation to hold meetings with representatives from member and observer states of the Council of Europe to discuss bilateral and European Union-related issues.

During this conference, 500 Parliamentarians, parliamentary staff and decision makers from across the Commonwealth came together for professional development, supportive learning and the sharing of best practices to address the critical issues facing today's parliaments. The conference theme was: Adaptation, engagement, and evolution of parliaments in a rapidly changing Commonwealth.

The Canada-China Legislative Association (CACN) and the Canada-Japan Interparliamentary Group (CAJP) have participated in the 40th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) in Bangkok, Thailand from August 25 to 30. As observers, the delegates engaged with Southeast Asian Nations on issues of economic, cultural, political and social nature. This was also an opportunity to network with representatives from other Asia-Pacific countries.

ParlAmericas supports parliamentary climate action through innovative programs, dialogues, and partnerships designed for parliamentarians of the Americas and the Caribbean to promote the highest political commitments for advancing legislative work on climate change mitigation and adaptation in the hemisphere.

The National Conference of State Legislatures is a bipartisan organization serving the legislators and legislative staff of the 50 U.S. states, as well as its commonwealths and territories. With its standing committees comprised of legislators and legislative staff, the NCSL provides research, technical assistance and a venue for the exchange of ideas on state issues.

The Eastern Regional Conference (ERC) is a regional association of state legislators from 13 states in the U.S. northeast and five Eastern Canadian provinces. By facilitating cooperation among its member jurisdictions, the ERC promotes multi-state and region-wide solutions to the problems and challenges facing state and provincial legislators.

The National Governors Association is the collective voice of U.S. governors from the 50 states, three territories and two commonwealths. It is also a public policy organization that represents the governors on Capitol Hill and before the U.S. Administration on federal issues that affect them, and that develops and implements solutions to public policy challenges.

The Midwestern Legislative Conference is a regional association of legislators from 11 U.S. states and four Canadian provinces. The purpose of the MLC is to foster regional intergovernmental cooperation in the U.S. Midwest through the joint consideration of common problems, the interchange of information and ideas, the sharing of knowledge and experience and, as appropriate, the pursuit of collaborative efforts to improve state government.

The Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) is a statutory, bi-national public-private partnership comprising five U.S. states – Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington – and, in Canada, three provinces and two territories – Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories and Yukon.

PNWER’s annual summit provides Inter-Parliamentary Group members with the opportunity to discuss regional cross-border initiatives with state and provincial/territorial legislators, as well as engage with private and non-profit organizations that are working to strengthen economic relations between Canada and the United-States.

On the Invitation of the Ukrainian Parliament, Canadian delegates travelled Ukraine in order to participate on an Election Observation Mission for the 2019 Parliamentary Election.

The Council of State Governments West (CSG West) is a non-partisan organization comprising the United States’ 13 western states. British Columbia and Alberta are associate members. CSG West meets annually and facilitates regional cooperation, exchange of information and fosters the strengthening of legislative institutions among its member states.

Canadian delegates travelled to the City of Luxembourg in order to participate at the 28th Annual Session of the Parliamentary Assembly.

The Assembly is the APF’s main decision-making body. It holds an annual plenary session. It sets the agenda based on the priorities announced at the Francophonie Summit and the activities of other Francophonie groups. The plenary assembly is attended by delegations from the member branches and associate branches. The Assembly also deliberates on all issues of common interest, adopts motions, votes on resolutions, and issues opinions and recommendations consistent with its objectives. It debates subjects raised by the institutions of the Francophonie and its authorities and serves in an advisory capacity by issuing advice and recommendations. It hears from and questions the Secretary General of the Francophonie and adopts and amends the APF’s by-laws. It elects the members of the Executive, and on a motion of that Executive, it also subsequently elects the president, first vice president, vice chairs and treasurer before the end of the session. On a motion of the Executive, the Assembly also makes decisions regarding the admission of branches, changes to their status or the revocation of their membership, as well as on the granting of permanent observer status. The Assembly also ratifies the APF’s financial statements.

A delegation went to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) to participate in its debates. The delegation then proceeded to Italy for a bilateral mission held in conjunction with the Canada-Italy Interparliamentary Group. The objectives of this mission were to pursue meaningful discussions between Italian and Canadian parliamentarians, to promote a better understanding of the impacts and opportunities created by CETA (the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement). The following themes were discussed in the different meetings and discussions: trade and investment; bilateral relations; the Italian style of government; migration; and climate change.

The Ukraine-NATO Interparliamentary Council is composed of two members and two alternates nominated by each of the Assembly’s five Committees plus up to ten members of the Ukrainian Parliament. In general, the Council meets twice each year – once at NATO HQ in Brussels and once in Ukraine and considers matters of common interest to NATO and Ukraine. It provides a parliamentary counterpart to the NATO-Ukraine Commission. The UNIC elections take place in the Committees during Annual Sessions.

The ParlAmericas parliamentary Network for Gender Equality is examining the theme, “Achieving balance in the world of work” through a series of panel sessions and workshops on reducing barriers to women’s economic empowerment.

To better understand China’s perspective on a range of critical international security issues, a delegation representing nine different NATO member states from the Sub-Committee on Future Security and Defence Capabilities (DSCFC) visited Beijing and Shanghai from 10-14 June.

The Western Governors' Association includes the governors from 19 Western states, as well as from American Samoa, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. The Canadian premiers from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba also participate in the WGA’s activities.

During the Spring Session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, parliamentarians from NATO member countries and partner nations met to study draft reports and heard from government representatives, NATO officials, and experts on a wide range of issues concerning the Alliance.

The Canada-China Legislative Association (CACN) visited Shanghai, Nanjing and Hong Kong, and Macao from May 18-26, 2019. This was an opportunity for the Association to hold its 23rd Bilateral Meeting to exchange with representatives of the National People’s Congress. The parliamentarians have also met members of the business community and non-profit organizations to discuss current affairs and business opportunities between Canada and China.

The Can/Am BTA is a coalition of businesses, public-sector organizations and individuals with an interest in bilateral trade and tourism. Its mission is to maximize commercial activity and ensure the continued growth of cross-border trade, as well as improving border-crossing capabilities. The Can/Am BTA holds two meetings each year: a spring meeting in Ottawa, Ontario, and a fall meeting in Washington, D.C.

The Cooperation and Development Committee examines issues pertaining to human development (health, population and poverty), sustainable development (environment, energy and agriculture) and economic development from the perspective of cooperation, democracy and solidarity.

The Canadian Section of ParlAmericas was in Brazil for a three-day bilateral visit. It started in Brasilia where the delegation established parliamentary ties with the newly elected congress and promoted ParlAmericas as a forum for hemispheric dialogue. Then, it went to São Paulo where it explored trade and investment opportunities for Canada.

On the Invitation of the Ukrainian Parliament, Canadian delegates travelled Ukraine in order to participate on an Election Observation Mission for the Second Round of the 2019 Presidential Election.

The bilateral mission to Portugal was held in conjunction with the Canada-Portugal Parliamentary Friendship Group. The objectives of this mission were to pursue meaningful discussions between Portuguese and Canadian parliamentarians, to promote a better understanding of the impacts and opportunities created by CETA and to allow Canadian parliamentarians to better understand the diversity of the Portuguese socio-economic fabric, and the important investments in greening its economy.

The Inter-Parliamentary Union is a unique organization made up of national parliaments from around the world which works to protect and build global democracy through political dialogue and concrete action. The theme of the general debate at the 140th Assembly was "Parliaments as platforms to enhance education for peace, security and the rule of law".

On the Invitation of the Ukrainian Parliament, Canadian delegates travelled to Kyiv, Lviv and Kharkiv (Ukraine) in order to participate on an Election Observation Mission in the First Round of the 2019 Presidential Election.

The Standing Committee performs a wide range of both political and administrative tasks. It determines the rights and obligations of nonmember 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

The Statutes and Rules of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) permits members to form geopolitical groups. These groups play an important role in the functioning and activities of the IPU. Canada belongs to the Twelve Plus Group and Canadian parliamentarians occasionally participate in meetings of its Steering Committee of representatives from approximately seven to nine member-countries.

To better understand international security issues in the Pacific, a delegation composed from 18 NATO member States of the Defense and Security Committee (DSC) visited Honolulu, Hawaii (USA) from March 19 to March 21, 2019

During the 63rd Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, whose priority theme was "Social protection systems, access to public services and sustainable infrastructure for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls", the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and UN Women have organized a parliamentary meeting entitled "Investing in gender equality: Parliaments ensuring social protection, public services and infrastructure deliver for women and girls".

An annual interparliamentary meeting was held between Canadian parliamentarians and members of the European Parliament as well as representatives of this institution. This year's meeting focused on the environment and climate change, trade policy and the Canada-European Union Strategic Partnership Agreement, as well as migration and refugees.

The 4th Annual Gathering of the ParlAmericas Open Parliament Network aimed at analyzing the key features of corruption in the region, explore strategies and mechanisms to strengthen parliamentary oversight of legislative frameworks, and focus on developing concrete actions that can be taken by parliaments to foster a more open State.

A CAAF delegation travelled to Ethiopia and Rwanda for meetings with parliamentarians, government officials, and members of civil society organizations and regional bodies. Meetings focused on parliamentary relations, peace and security, economic cooperation, and social and political issues.

The Political Committee examines political issues and the rule of law in francophone countries, relations with francophone institutions, the Assembly’s overall priorities and any legal issues related to the organization’s by-laws and enforcement provisions.

The purpose of the bilateral visit to New Zealand and Samoa was to strengthen bonds with our Commonwealth partners and exchange ideas of mutual significance. In particular, our parliamentarians built on and develop common areas of interest, including: people-to-people ties, governance and democracy, indigenous relations and reconciliation, climate change, and trade and investment.

Meetings on Capitol Hill enable members of the IPG’s Canadian Section to speak with U.S. federal legislators – particularly those who do not attend the IPG’s annual meeting or those who have recently been elected to Congress – and inform them about, and gain their support on, critical issues affecting Canada and the United States.

The Education, Communication and Cultural Affairs Committee examines issues relating to cultural expression in French, education, training, communication, information and communication technologies and audiovisual media. In 2002, the APF set up a Network of Women Parliamentarians to promote greater participation of women in political, economic, social and cultural life in their own countries and in the Francophonie as a whole.

The IPU’s annual parliamentary hearing brought parliamentarians to the UN headquarters in New York for a discussion with high-ranking UN officials, representatives of [UN] Member States and experts drawn from think tanks and civil society organizations. The theme of the hearing was "Emerging Challenges to Multilateralism: A Parliamentary Response".

Canadian delegates who travelled to the 2019 Winter Meeting in Vienna participated in the three General Committees: “Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions” , "Economic Affairs, Science, Technology and Environment" and “Political Affairs and Security”, as well as contributed to discussions pertaining to the planning of the Annual Session in July 2019.

The Joint Committee meetings held in Brussels in February each year which bring together the Assembly’s Defence and Security, Economics and Security and Political Committees and the officers from Science and Technology Committee and Civil Dimension of 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.

The Canadian Section of ParlAmericas visited Mexico City to develop ties with the newly elected Government and Congress.

The Bureau oversees the execution of decisions of the plenary Assembly for which it has delegated authority. In particular, the Executive ensures the implementation of the plenary Assembly’s motions, resolutions, advice and recommendations and makes any decisions it deems necessary in that regard. On the basis of a report of the General Secretariat, it examines issues related to the admission of branches or changes to their status, and it adopts the Assembly’s budget.

#RUUK was in London and Brussels for a parliamentary mission to discuss the implications of Brexit

Parliamentary Mission to London and Brussels

Canadian parliamentarians met with their parliamentary counterparts, trade and migration experts, NATO officials, ambassadors and Brexit negotiators, to discuss political dynamics in the UK and in the EU, to learn about the Brexit process and its potential impacts, and to strengthen and modernize bilateral ties between Canada and the UK.

The Canada-China Legislative Association (CACN) and the Canada-Japan Interparliamentary Group (CAJP) have participated in the 27th Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) to discuss regional, political, economic and environmental issues as well as the situation of women in Asia. It was an opportunity for parliamentarians to dialogue with their counterparts from both sides of the Pacific Ocean.

The Canada-China Legislative Association (CACN) conducted a parliamentary mission to China from January 6-12, 2019. It was an opportunity for the members to engage with their counterparts from the National and Regional People’s Congresses on issues of interest to both countries. As part of this mission, there were also a number of site visits and meetings with the business community and representatives from Non Governmental Organizations.

In 2001, growing concern about the apparent drift in transatlantic attitudes, perceptions and policies, prompted the Assembly's Standing Committee to instigate a "Parliamentary Transatlantic Forum" to help identify the precise nature of the divergence in transatlantic thinking and to explore ways in which these differences could be redressed. The programme includes discussions with senior US administration figures and academic experts.

The 67th Westminster Seminar on Parliamentary Practice and Procedure organized by the United Kingdom Branch of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association gathered 70 parliamentarians and clerks from every region of the Commonwealth to exchange ideas and build knowledge around topics relevant to Westminster-style democracies.

The Canadian Section of ParlAmericas participated in the meeting on Transformational Leadership for Gender Equality in the Caribbean to learn more about the current initiatives in the region to advance women’s leadership and gender equality, and to develop strategies to mainstream this focus in national sustainable development efforts. Through a series of exchanges, the delegates forged strengthened partnerships, coordinated agendas, and contributed to these efforts at the regional level by providing input on a Draft CARICOM Regional Gender Equality Strategy.

The Canadian Section of ParlAmericas participated in the 10th Annual Consultative Assembly of Parliamentarians for the International Criminal Court and the Rule of Law and 40th Annual Forum for Parliamentarians for Global Action in Kiev, Ukraine. This meeting offered an occasion to discuss challenges faced by parliamentarians in attaining a universal system of justice at a domestic, regional and international levels centred on the Rome Statute, while understanding the independent mandate fulfilled by the International Criminal Court’s judicial organs.

The Inter-Parliamentary Union is a unique organization made up of national parliaments from around the world which works to protect and build global democracy through political dialogue and concrete action. The theme of the general debate at the 139th Assembly was Parliamentary leadership in promoting peace and development in the age of innovation and technological change.

CAAF travelled to Algeria for a parliamentary mission to meet their counterparts, government officials and representatives from NGOs, human rights associations and business communities, to exchange on economic, social and political topics, such as economic development and the electoral situation.

The 2018 Autumn Meeting included a Parliamentary Conference on “Promoting Security Dialogue in Central Asia and Beyond” and a Mediterranean Forum on “Geopolitics of Central Asia and the Mediterranean: Addressing Migration, Trade and Environmental Challenges.”

A delegation representing the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas met with Panamanian parliamentarians and local stakeholders to enhance their knowledge about trade, climate change issues, security and other public policy issues. Additionally, delegates attended the 3rd Gathering of the Parliamentary Network on Climate Change. The role of national parliaments in international climate efforts, the challenges of transitioning to low-carbon economies and models for pricing carbon were discussed.

CPAR works actively to promote the work of the Arctic Council and participates in the meetings of the Council as an observer. This year's discussion topics include: shipping possibilities, education and research, digital arctic, human development and climate change.