CPA CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY SEMINAR

The inaugural session of the Canadian Parliament seminar of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association took place form 18^th November to 24^th November 2001. This was the first of the CPA seminars to be held in Canada and was attended by delegates from eight Commonwealth Countries.

The conference theme was 'Strengthening Democracy'. On arrival at Ottawa Airport delegates were greeted by CPA staff and escorted to their hotel convenient to Parliament Buildings and Conference venue. Delegates were formally welcomed on Sunday at the first reception by Canadian CPA members and Arthur Donahoe, General Secretary of the CPA.

Monday 19^th were a busy day with introductory sessions giving an overview of the Canadian Government. The opportunity to meet with Canadian MPs over lunch and then attend Member 'Statement and Question time'. Member statements was a novel idea to most delegates as the Canadian Parliamentarians have this opportunity to voice their personal views on any subject they wish. The Speaker of the House of Commons, Hon. Peter Milliken, hosted the group for dinner in the Speaker's private dining room.

Themes studied on Tuesday and Wednesday were the Canadian electoral systems, organisation, staffing and services, Parliament Committees, Parliament and the Courts, human rights, and civil society. A tour of Rideau Hall, residence of the Governor General of Canada, was included on Wednesday afternoon and that evening the keynote address was given by the Governor General's Husband, John Ralston Saul.

Equality and inclusiveness, engaging women in politics, multiracial societies, media and party discipline were all covered on Thursday and Friday sessions. Delegates on Friday had the opportunity to present other topics for group discussion. Themes were African renaissance, health, aboriginal reconciliation and electoral fraud. There was full and frank discussion by most delegates in spite of language handicap and the group gelled together over discussions and meals together. A tour of Ottawa and a visit to the Museum of Civilisation concluded the conference. Speakers for the week included Senators, MPs, Civil Servants and media representatives. All of these speakers gave freely of their time and spoke of their personal experiences and responded to questions.

The week was a hectic blend of interesting topics and valuable discussion. Congratulations to Sue Barnes, Honorary Secretary of Canada CPA for a successful inaugural seminar.

Mrs Joan Carson, MLA
Ulster Unionist Party