CPA activities: the Canadian region.

Thirty-ninth CPA Canadian Regional Conference

The 39th Canadian Regional Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association took place in Prince Edward Island from July 14 to 21, 2000. The Conference was opened by His Royal Highness Prince Edward. In as short speech the Prince reminded delegates of the many opportunities they have to assist legislators in other countries about how the parliamentary system works. At the same time he cautioned them to remember that the Westminster system was not the only form of democratic government and they should always be open to learning from others.

Every Canadian jurisdiction was represented at the Conference. Special guests included British MPs Norman Godman, Peter Pike and Bowen Wells along with Speaker Matthew Roberts from St. Lucia and Arthur Donahoe, Secretary General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

The host of the Conference was Speaker Mildred Dover of Prince Edward island. Other Speakers in attendance included Gilbert Parent (House of Commons); Bill Hartley (British Columbia); Ken Kowalski (Alberta); Ron Osika (Saskatchewan); Gary Carr (Ontario); Bev Harrison (New Brunswick); Murray Scott (Nova Scotia); and Kevin O'Brien (Nunavut).

The format for the business sessions was to have a lead speaker from one of the delegations. Following the presentation the floor was opened for questions or comments by any of the delegates.

Four sessions dealt with aspects of parliamentary reform. Speaker Osika made a presentation on the "Public Perceptions of Elected Office Holders. He and others observed that the publics' perception does not seem to have improved since this topic was last discussed several years ago. A number of factors were cited but there was little consensus on what could be done to improve the situation.

Wilbur MacDonald, (PEI) drawing on his experience in federal and provincial politics, made an interesting presentation on "Enhancing the Role of Private Members" which touched reforms that have been made in various jurisdictions. Speaker Hartley addressed the topic "Parliamentary Reform Going it Alone". Conrad Santos (Manitoba) made a presentation on "Technology and the Legislature."

In a session devoted to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Mr. Donahoe spoke about the various projects underway by the Association and the opportunities for Canadian participation. In another session Cecile Vermette (Quebec) made a presentation on the role of women in the...