Twenty-Eighth Presiding Officers Conference.

• Position: CPA Activities: The Canadian Scene - Conference notes

The 28th Canadian Presiding Officers Conference took place in Iqaluit, Nunavut, from January 20-23, 2011. Speaker Paul Okalik was the host for the conference.

The official welcome took place in the Legislative Assembly. In addition to having the opportunity to experience a sampling of country foods, including Arctic char, caribou, polar bear and muskox, delegates and guests enjoyed traditional performances from Inuit artists and a fashion show highlighting modern designs of sealskin clothing.

A total of seven business sessions were held during the conference. The first topic, Inuktitut and Parliamentary Terminology, was presented by Speaker Okalik. The session was chaired by Speaker Roger Fitzgerald (Newfoundland and Labrador).

The second topic, Recall and Initiative, was presented by Craig James, Acting Chief Electoral Officer of British Columbia. The session was chaired by Speaker Dale Graham (New Brunswick).

The third topic, The Speaker's Ruling Concerning Parliament's Power to ask for Papers, was presented by Marc Bosc, Deputy Clerk of the House of Commons. The session was chaired by Speaker George Hickes (Manitoba).

The fourth topic, Ethics for Presiding Officers, was presented by Blair Armitage, Principal Clerk of the Senate of Canada, on behalf of Gary O'Brien. The session was chaired by Speaker Paul Delorey (Northwest Territories).

The fifth topic, Members" Allowance in Manitoba--A Review of Recent Changes, was presented by Patricia Chaychuk, Clerk of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The session was chaired by Speaker Kathleen Casey (Prince Edward Island).

The sixth...