From the
Senate: Hon. Paul Massicotte, Senator and Hon. Michel Rivard, Senator.
From the
House of Commons: Hon. Bryon Wilfert, P.C., MP (Leader of the delegation) and
Mr. Merv Tweed, M.P.
Staff: Ms.
Elizabeth Kingston, Delegation Secretary.
The Hon.
Bryon Wilfert, P.C., M.P., led the Canadian parliamentary delegation that
participated in the 14th Annual Assembly of the Asia Pacific Parliamentarians’
Conference on Environment and Development (APPCED) held in Koror, Palau from
November 17 to 19, 2009.
Delegates
from 9 parliaments attended the 14th Assembly.
The
Asia-Pacific Parliamentarians’ Conference on Environment and Development
(APPCED) was established by the Korean Parliament in June 1993. APPCED is
designed to provide ample opportunities to share ideas, experiences and
policies in order to enhance legislative activities for sustainable
development within its member Parliaments. The aim of APPCED is to stress the
importance of environmental protection and the maintenance of ecological balance
throughout the Asia - Pacific region.
The
Conference, which is the only parliamentary conference dedicated to the
environment and development, is held every year and is composed of the member
parliaments of 46 countries.
The theme of
the 14th Assembly was: climate change and alternative energy development.
In addition
to attending a meeting of the executive and the presentation of country papers
from the participating countries, delegates attended the following
presentations:
·Short Term Economic Impact of Traditional Energy
Choices
·Economic Opportunities in Investing in
Alternative Energy
·Long-term Impact of Climate Change on
Environmental and Economic Security
The Canadian
delegation gave a presentation on climate change and alternative energy
development in Canada.
The
Conference was an opportunity for parliamentarians to hold lively discussions
and resulted in the adoption of the Palau Declaration. The text of the
declaration adopted is set out in Appendix A.
It should be
noted that the Palau Conference conferred on its President the Honourable Won
Hye Young the mandate to present the Palau Declaration at the upcoming world
conference on Climate Change in Copenhagen.
In addition
to attending the conference itself, the delegates held bilateral meetings with
the following countries: Malaysia, Kiribati, China, and Korea.
Malaysia
Bilateral Meeting:
The
delegation congratulated the Malaysian delegates in agreeing to host the 15th
APPCED conference in Malaysia. Both sides agreed on the importance of the deepening
friendship between Canada and Malaysia, bolstered by its common stance on Burma
/ Myanmar, growing trade relations, mutual efforts in combatting international
terrorism and support of the ASEAN Parlaimentary Association. Moreover, it was
noted that Canada is an important partner for Malaysia in its support of
climate change, transportation and education. Specifically, the Malaysian
delegation noted the significant investment made by Malaysia in improving its
transportation infrastructure while implementing alternative energy means to
fuel its transport sector.
Kiribati
Bilateral Meeting:
The Republic
of Kiribati is an island nation and part of the island states of Micronesia. It
is composed of 32 atolls and one raised coral island, dispersed over 3,500,000
square kilometres. During the APPCED meeting, Kiribati made a passioned plea
about its very survival, given the rising sea levels in the South Pacific.
Given the current rising level, it is expected that the state will not longer
exist in 50 years time. The delegation members stated that the youth of
Kiribati are moving off the island, migrating for the most part to Australia
and New Zealand, as the economy no longer permits a viable future for its
citizens. The economy has virtually come to a standstill, only fuelled by the
purchase of fishing licences and the import duty generated from import duties
due to flags of convenience for ships. Moreover, the delegation members stated
that Kiribati experiences much erosion largely due to excessive agricultural
development, fishing and coral reef damage. The Republic would like to look to
Canada to assist it in its environmental plight, which severely impacts the
economy.
China
Bilateral Meeting:
The Chinese
delegation members stated that China was most pleased to be receiving Prime
Minister Harper in early December, and stated the importance China attaches to
the bilateral relationship between Canada and China. The upcoming year marks
the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations
between the two countries and both sides remarked on the great strides made in
the maturing relationship especially in the areas, of trade, technology
transfers, environmental standards, culture and education. While China has
bilateral ties with over 170 countries, the Chinese delegation remarked on the
fact that Canada was the first country with which bilateral parliamentary
exchanges were initiated. Both sides remarked on the success of the
Canada-China Legislative Association in fostering the relationship. They also
noted the differences in opinion that do arise, particularly in the area of
human rights.
South
Korea Bilateral Meeting:
Both Korea
and Canada remarked on the strong friendship that exists between the two
countries. The Canadian delegation members congratulated the leader of
the Korean delegation, the Honourable Won Hye Young on his election as
president of APPCED. The issue of a potential free trade agreement with Korea
was discussed, with the Canadian side noting that the fact that Hyundai had not
yet invested in Canada is an impediment to the talks. The issue of the import
of Canadian beef was also of issue in the discussion. The Canadian delegation
urged Korea to look at the science of beef production in Canada which ensures
its safety to consumers. The issue of the six party talks was discussed and
Korea expressed its appreciation to Canada for its support of the the
denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Appreciation was also expressed to
Canada for its favourable treatment of North Korean refugees, as well as the
many Korean students who choose Canada for their studies at its educational
institutions.
Conclusion
As a member
of the Asia Pacific Parliamentarians Conference on Environment and Development
(APPCED), the Conference gives Canadian parliamentarians an opportunity to
engage in dialogue with their counterparts from other countries on important
issues relating to the environment and development. The issue of climate
change and its impact on the environment and economc security was particularly
highlighted at this 14th Conference, demonstrating in dramatic terms
the plight of those islands in the South Pacific region whose very existence
and livelihood is threatened by rising sea levels.
A summary of
the expenses incurred for this activity is attached.
Respectfully submitted,
Hon. Bryon Wilfert, P.C.,
M.P.
Leader of the Delegation