Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM)

Plastic pollution can alter habitats and natural processes, reducing ecosystems' ability to adapt to climate change, affecting millions of people's livelihoods, food production capabilities and social well-being at large. Building on the momentum of the United Nations resolution adopted in March 2022 to end plastic pollution and forge an international legally binding agreement by 2024, this meeting explored how this global plastic treaty can help parliaments in creating legislation and support new collaborative complementary actions to reduce plastic production and foster a circular plastics economy.

The 7th Gathering of the ParlAmericas Open Parliament Network (OPN) aimed to analyze the impact of the digital transformation on democratic systems, considering not only the opportunities and challenges that have emerged in recent years due to the widespread use of the internet and ICTs, but also how initiatives for transparent and accountable digital governance can be implemented within the paradigm of open parliament.

The social impact of these transformations was also addressed, especially in relation to the empowerment of women within the framework of an inclusive digital governance that recognizes the critical importance of their meaningful participation in the digital ecosystem as an essential condition for more robust and solid democracies.

On 21 March 2023, two Canadian parliamentarians participated virtually in the 64th ParlAmericas Board of Directors Meeting. The participants were Marc Serré, MP, Chair of the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas, Canada’s representative on ParlAmericas’ Board of Directors and Chair of the ParlAmericas Corporation Board of Directors; and Senator Rosa Galvez, Vice-Chair of the Canadian Section and Treasurer of the ParlAmericas Corporation.

The International Secretariat provided introductory remarks, followed by an update from Paraguayan Senator Blanca Ovelar, President of ParlAmericas. Mr. Serré acted as a moderator and guided participants through the agenda. The Board approved the report from the 63rd Board of Directors meeting and Senator Galvez presented the organization’s proposed budget for 2023–2024, which was approved along with the 2023–2024 workplan. The Board discussed business related to the ParlAmericas corporation. Finally, the International Secretariat provided an update on current work and priorities, as well as details related to the upcoming 7th Gathering of the Open Parliament Network, planned for April 2023.

The 19th Plenary Assembly was dedicated to exploring the importance of parliamentary engagement in the inter-American system and the need for parliamentary insights on the issues of hemispheric importance discussed in these spaces.

The 14th Gathering of the Parliamentary Network for Gender Equality, entitled Legislative Perspectives for Inclusive Economic Growth: Investing in the Care Economy, provided a space for parliamentary delegates and subject matter experts to exchange reflections and good practices on legislative initiatives related to care work and the economy.

On November 23, 2022, the Honourable Rosa Galvez, Senator, Vice-Chair of the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM), President of the ParlAmericas Parliamentary Network on Climate Change (PNCC), 2nd Vice-President of ParlAmericas’ Board of Directors and Treasurer of the ParlAmericas Corporation, chaired a meeting of the PNCC’s Executive Committee. The meeting was also attended by: Surinamer Member of the National Assembly Radjendrekoemar Debie, the PNCC’s second Vice-President (South America); Costa Rican Deputy Oscar Izquierdo Sandí, the PNCC’s Vice-President (Central America); and Trinidadian Senator Anthony Vieira, the PNCC’s Vice-President (The Caribbean). Dessima Williams, President of Grenada’s Senate, attended the meeting as a guest. Senate President Williams is Special Adviser for the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals at the General Assembly of the United Nations, and has previously served as chair of the Alliance of Small Island Developing States.

With a focus on the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 27), which was held in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt, Senator Galvez shared impressions concerning the Conference’s outcomes. Senate President Williams had also attended COP 27, and shared reflections about the conference.

Senator Vieira presented the objectives of ParlAmericas’ “Climate Change Parliamentary Staff Network” provided an update on its progress.

Finally, members of the Executive Committee discussed opportunities for, and provided examples of, parliamentary action relating to achievement of COP 27’s goals.

The 63rd Meeting of ParlAmericas’ Board of Directors occurred virtually on November 8, 2022. Marc G. Serré, M.P., Chair of the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM), Member on ParlAmericas’ Board of Directors (North America) and Chair of the ParlAmericas Corporation, participated in the meeting.

Paraguayan Senator Blanca Ovelar, President of ParlAmericas’ Board of Directors, provided opening remarks and an update on ParlAmericas’ recent activities. During the discussion of corporate business, Mr. Serré presented information related to upcoming annual audits. The Board then discussed ParlAmericas’ forthcoming 19th Plenary Assembly and the 14th Gathering of the ParlAmericas Parliamentary Network for Gender Equality (PNGE). Finally, ParlAmericas’ International Secretariat provided an update concerning several ongoing initiatives and strategic plans related to the ParlAmericas Corporation.