Report

DELEGATION MEMBERS AND STAFF

From July 15-18, 2024, the Honourable Senator Michael MacDonald., Co-Chair of the Canadian Section of the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (the Group), attended the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

THE EVENT AND DELEGATION OBJECTIVES

Three main activities occur at an RNC, which is held every four years: the nomination of the Republican Party’s presidential and vice-presidential candidates; the formulation and adoption of the Republican Party’s platform; and the adoption of rules and procedures in relation to party activities.

Unlike previous attendance of the Group at the RNC, at which a delegation from the Group’s Canadian Section participated through the Republican Diplomatic Partnership, the Canadian Section’s delegation was not a part of any official program at the 2024 RNC. As such, Senator Macdonald attended the political speeches that were held at the convention site each evening and a limited number of other activities sponsored by a range of organizations. This report describes his participation in this event.

At the RNC, Senator MacDonald had the opportunity to speak with Representative Bill Huizenga, who is the House of Representatives Chairman of the Group’s U.S. Section.

DELEGATION OBJECTIVES FOR THE EVENT

The Group aims to find points of convergence in respective national policies, to initiate dialogue on points of divergence, to encourage the exchange of information and to promote better understanding among legislators on shared issues of concern. Members of the Group’s Canadian Section meet regularly with their federal counterparts and, in recent years, have attended meetings of governors and state legislators. At these events, Canadian delegates engage in conversations that help the Canadian Section to achieve its objectives, and that further a better understanding of the nature and scope of the bilateral relationship.

Senator MacDonald found the RNC to be a valuable opportunity to observe the U.S. political process and engage with U. S counterparts.

Travel Expenses

Travel expenses associated with this activity can be found in the delegation’s financial report. This report is available in the Financial Disclosure section of the Parliamentary Diplomacy website.

Respectfully submitted,