CPA activities: the Canadian scene.

• Position: 31st Canadian Presiding Officers' Conference - Conference news

31st Canadian Presiding Officers' Conference

From January 30 to February 2, over 60 delegates and guests from every province and territory, gathered in Ottawa for the 31st Canadian Presiding Officer's Conference.

On January 30, guests to the conference, which was co-hosted by Speakers Noel A. Kinsella and Andrew Scheer, were welcomed and recognized by the Senate and the House of Commons following Senators' Statements and Question Period, respectively.

The first full day of the conference began with a courtesy call with the Governor General, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston at Rideau Hall. Once delegates reconvened on Parliament Hill, Speaker Kinsella presented a thoughtful statement on the critical role of the Senate in Canada's bicameral Parliament (see a revised version of this presentation in this issue). In a subsequent discussion chaired by the Hon. Dale Graham, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick, delegates of some provinces which favour reform or outright abolition of this chamber offered some counterarguments. Attendees noted they were waiting with interest for the Supreme Court's reference on Senate reform.

In a session chaired by the Hon. Carolyn Bertram, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island on the pros and cons of the Legislative Precinct being under the authority and responsibility of the Speaker and the administration of Parliament, the Hon. Dan D'Autremont, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan's presentation prompted much discussion about the diverse methods Canadian parliaments use to oversee their grounds and operations. Numerous delegates mentioned the difficulty administrators of legislatures have had when requesting funds for general operations or renovations from members who may face political consequences when approving spending.

A third session chaired by Ontario Deputy Speaker Bas Balkissoon, featured a presentation by the Hon. Daryl Reid, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba and Jacques Chagnon, Speaker of the National Assembly of Quebec, focussed on security issues facing legislatures. Discussion included numerous anecdotes about security threats, breaches, and protective services in place. Some commentators remarked that geography and population often lead to...