Tenth Canadian parliamentary Seminar.

PositionCPA Activities: The Canadian Scene - Conference news

From June 2-8, 2013 the Federal Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association hosted a seminar, Strengthening Democracy and the Role of Parliamentarians: Challenges and Solutions, for 21 delegates from around the Commonwealth. The host of the Seminar was Joe Preston, Chairman of the Canadian Branch.

Branches represented included Gambia, Lesotho, Namibia, Northern Cape, Seychelles, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Jersey, Scotland, Bermuda, British Virgin Island, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, India and Kiribati. The Australian states of Victoria and South Australia as well as Canadian branches from Alberta and Yukon were also represented. The following sessions were held over the course of the six day seminar.

Overview of the Role and Operation of the Canadian Parliament

* Mark Audcent, Law Clerk of the Senate

* Marc Bosc, Deputy Clerk of the House of Commons

The Commonwealth and the Role of the CPA

* Andrew Imlach, Director of Communication and Research, CPA Secretariat Headquarters

The Canadian Political Scene

* Senator Joan Fraser

* Russ Hiebert MP

Parliamentary Committees: What Works and What Doesn't

* Senator Raynell Andreychuk

* Joe Preston MP

Financing Elections

* Senator David P. Smith

How an M.P.'s Office Works

* Bey Shipley MP

* Brian Masse MP

Democracy, Human Rights and Development

* Chris Alexander MP and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence Have the Media taken over the Representational Job of Parliamentarians?

* Senator Jim Munson

* Chris Cobb, Ottawa Citizen and Vice President of the Commonwealth Journalists Association

Engaging Citizens: Resources and Tools

* Ed Holder MP

* Dr. Carolyn Bennett MP

Connecting with Constituents: Representing Pluralistic Constituencies

* Rathika Sitsabaiesan MP

* Devinder Shory, MP Influencing Governments and Regulating Influence: Parliament and Lobbyists

* Don Boudria, (former Minister and M.P.), Senior Counsellor, Hill & Knowlton Canada

Due to the hectic atmosphere at the end of a parliamentary session some last minute adjustments to the programme had to be made. For example a session on the Role of Party Caucus was given by Senator Andreychuck instead of the scheduled presenters who were unable to leave the House during a vote.

The final session was devoted to topics suggested by delegates. These included:

Terry Stephens...

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