N E W S  R E L E A S E

Visit of Canadian Parliamentarians
to Botswana and Zambia

Ottawa, February 10, 2010 – Seven members of the Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association, led by the Association Co-Chairs, Hon. Mauril Bélanger, P.C., M.P. and the Hon. Raynell Andreychuk, Senator will visit Botswana and Zambia from February 14 to 19.

The Association Co-Chairs will be accompanied by the Hon. Mobina Jaffer, Senator, Ms. Yasmin Ratansi, M.P., Ms. Johanne Deschamps, M.P., Ms. Lois Brown, M.P., and Mr. Randy Hoback, M.P.

The delegates will meet parliamentarians and government officials so as to strengthen bilateral relations and parliamentary cooperation.  The delegates will also engage parliamentarians on democracy, governance, and economic issues; strengthen relations with regional organizations, most particularly the Southern African Development Community (SADC); and acquaint themselves with Canada’s activity in the region, through contacts with parliamentarians, government officials, civil society groups, and businesses.

Established in 2003, the Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association promotes exchanges between African and Canadian parliamentarians, proposes initiatives likely to lead to better mutual understanding of national and international problems, and works to develop cooperation in all the fields of human activity.  In addition, the Association works to develop ties with regional parliamentary groupings and the Pan-African Parliament.

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For information, please contact:

Mr. Maxime Ricard, Association Secretary, Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association - 613-944-7369