Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association (RUUK)

On 16 March 2021, members of the Executive Committee of the Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association (RUUK) participated in a bilateral meeting with members of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK (CPA UK). The meeting provided a forum for participants to share their thoughts on a wide range of issues of mutual interest with a view to identifying key topics for further exploration at future meetings. The meeting was co-chaired by RUUK chair, the Honourable John McKay, P.C., M.P. and CPA UK chair, Ian Liddell-Grainger, MP. The co-chairs welcomed delegates with opening remarks focusing on the historic bonds and enduring friendship between the countries before formally opening the meeting. Three broad themes were listed on the meeting agenda: the impact of the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union, trade, and the UK’s renewed approach to foreign policy. Discussion was frank and informative, and both delegations agreed that the future held many opportunities for deepening the relationship between the two countries. A second meeting has been scheduled for 18 May 2021.

On January 21, 2021, the Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association (RUUK) met virtually with Her Excellency Susan Jane Le Jeune D’Allegeershecque, High Commissioner of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Canada. The High Commissioner and RUUK members spoke about a wide-range of issues of national and international importance to both countries. Among other issues, association members raised questions about the Canada-U.K. free trade agreement, the U.K.’s Presidency of the G7 group of nations, and the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 26), scheduled to be held in Glasgow, Scotland, in November 2021. Association members also highlighted areas such as vaccine collaboration and scientific research where further cooperation between Canada and the U.K. could be explored.

On October 26, 2020, Hon. John McKay, M.P., Chair; the Hon. Leo Housakos, Senator; Mr. Greg Fergus, M.P.; Mr. Matt Jeneroux, M.P.; Ms. Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.; Mr. James Maloney, M.P.; Ms. Christine Normandin, M.P.; and Mr. Francesco Sorbara, M.P. met virtually with Mrs. Janice Charrette, High Commissioner for Canada in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. High Commissioner Charrette provided RUUK members with a detailed overview of current issues of importance to the United Kingdom (U.K.) including Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic and the relationships between Westminster and the devolved administrations in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Attention was then turned to Canada-U.K. trade and areas of Canada-U.K. cooperation, including international assistance and scientific research. The session concluded with a question and answer period where members further explored these and other issues.