Seminar "Parliamentary Democracy: The Canadian Experience", Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali
A delegation of Canadian parliamentarians were in Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali from January 6 to 17, 2007, to conduct a seminar on parliamentary democracy and the Canadian experience. In Benin and Burkina Faso, the delegation was led by the Honourable Peter Milliken, Speaker of the House of Commons. The Honourable Rose-Marie Losier-Cool, Senator (Tracadie, New Brunswick) stepped in as delegation head in Mali after Speaker Milliken left for another conference. The other members of the Canadian delegation were the Honourable Pierre-Claude Nolin, Senator (De Salaberry, Québec); the Honourable Geoff Regan, MP (Halifax-West); Mr. Réal Ménard, MP (Hochelaga); Mr. Luc Harvey, MP (Louis-Hébert) and Ms. Audrey O'Brien, Clerk of the House of Commons.
The seminar was conducted over two days in each country. The members of the delegation made presentations to explain how parliamentary democracy works in Canada. The members of the national assemblies of each country visited were given the opportunity to provide input by asking questions about the topics covered in the seminar. In each country, the discussions were led by a moderator from the host country.
The Honourable Peter Milliken said, “Our seminar was a great success. The members of the various legislative assemblies welcomed the animated presentations given by the Canadian parliamentarians. The discussions with our African counterparts were characterized by mutual respect and exchange. This successful visit would not have been possible without the active participation of our hosts. The quality and relevance of their questions showed a genuine desire to learn more about Canada and the way our political institutions work.
The members of the Canadian delegation took advantage of their trip to visit development assistance projects supported by the Canadian International Development Agency and Canadian cooperants.