Skip to main content
Previous Next

Interparliamentary Activities and Reports

Refine your search

Results: 1 - 1 of 1

Sorted in reverse chronological order
Expand All    Collapse All
CCOM Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association

From 3 to 7 May 2021 the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) hosted a virtual post-election seminar for newly elected and returning members of parliament to the National Assembly of Belize. Post-election seminars are the CPA’s oldest running program. They provide parliamentarians with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of their roles and responsibilities, including those relating to parliamentary practices, procedures, legislation, scrutiny, oversight and representation. They also help parliamentarians gain a better appreciation of the CPA and how to leverage its vast network and resources. Two members of the Canadian Branch of the CPA were invited to give remarks during the four-day seminar.

The Honourable Stan Kutcher, Senator, gave a presentation on parliamentary privileges and immunities. Senator Kutcher focussed on the boundaries of the concept – emphasizing that parliamentary privilege is a shield to protect, not a sword to attack. He also underscored that, within the Canadian context, parliamentary privilege is a multilayered concept that is not codified. He added that the courts have the jurisdiction to determine the existence and scope of a claim of privilege.

The Honourable Marilou McPhedran, Senator, participated in discussions during the session on the legislative process. Her remarks focussed on the Senate of Canada’s role within the Parliament of Canada’s legislative process and touched on various themes including oversight, Senate Public Bills and committee work.

Results: 1 - 1 of 1 — Page: 1 of 1