CPA activities: the Canadian scene.

PositionCommonwealth Parliamentary Association - Conference notes

More than 120 delegates and accompanying persons enjoyed some balmy New Brunswick weather and legendary East Coast hospitality as the 52nd Commonwealth Parliamentary Association--Canadian Region Conference was held in Fredericton from July 20-26.

Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians' (CWP) Meeting

Prior to the beginning of the Regional Conference, CWP steering committee members and delegates gathered for two days of business meetings and guest presentations in the New Brunswick Legislative Assembly's Legislative Council Chamber on July 20 and 21. CWP-Canadian Region Chair Myrna Driedger opened the business meeting by noting that she would be presiding over the meeting with a mixture of joy and sadness--joy for witnessing and/or taking part in the CWP's many accomplishments as it has grown and sadness as this conference would be the last she would attend before completing her term as chair. Linda Reid, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, will replace Driedger as Chair, while Saskatchewan MLA Laura Ross was elected as Deputy Chair.

The meeting then welcomed CPA Chair Alan Haselhurst and CWP International Chair Rebecca Kadaga to offer introductory remarks. Haselhurst, who is also completing his own term as chair this year, said that when he was elected three years earlier he hoped the CWP would be stronger as an organization by the time he left, which it is. He also noted the particularly strength of CWP networks in Africa and Canada and suggested that they can serve as models of what active CPA organizations and chapters can accomplish. Kadaga detailed the busy travel schedule she has maintained as she has attempted to attend as many CWP regional meetings as possible. While highlighting some success stories of countries where women parliamentarians are making great strides towards equality and full participation, she reminded delegates that much work remains to be done by active chapters such as Canada's.

The CWP steering committee agreed that it would strive for less email communication and more in-person communication and outreach, steering committee meetings in every province, and additional distribution of promotional items. The steering committee also developed terms of reference and discussed future nominees for its Women of Inspiration speaker series.

Elizabeth Weir, a former New Brunswick MLA and provincial NDP leader, addressed the gathering as this year's Woman of Inspiration. Weir, who has served as CEO of the...

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT