Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CCOM)

The Canadian Regional Seminar of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), held since 1973, brought together delegates from the federal, provincial, and territorial CPA branches for annual training and exchanges related to their work as legislators. The 41st seminar explored themes relating to citizen engagement and protecting democratic institutions.

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 CPA’s International Executive Committee (EXCO) meets twice a year, once in the spring and just prior to the Annual Conference. The Constitution of the CPA vests in an Executive Committee the control and management of the activities and business of the Association. The Executive Committee consists of approximately 35 Members led by the Chairperson of the CPA and comprising the Officers of the Association, and three Regional Representatives from each Region of CPA except Africa which, as a large Region, has six Regional Representatives. The Canadian Branch was hosting the EXCO meeting for the first time since 2004, which was held during the 50th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference.