CPA activities: the Canadian scene.

• Position: Agenda of the Annual Conference of the Canadian Region of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association - Calendar

42nd Canadian Regional Conference

The Annual Conference of the Canadian Region of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association will take place in Victoria, British Columbia from July 12-18, 2003. The opening ceremonies will be held in the Legislative Assembly Chamber with business sessions in the Crystal Ballroom of the Fairmont Empress Hotel.

The agenda includes the following business sessions:

* Oxford Style Debate: The Effectiveness of the Private Member

* Citizens' Assembly on Electoral Reform: A Made-in-BC Consultative Process

* Public Perception of Parliamentarians: The Role of Public Outreach Programs

* The News Media and Parliament: The Role of the Fourth Estate

* Making Parliament Work for Parliamentarians: The Case for Practical Reforms

* Polling: Legitimacy and Impact on the Public Policy Process

* Health Care: Reinventing the Wheel?

* Educating our Children: Measures of Effectiveness and Efficiency

In addition to the business sessions delegates will have a opportunity to participate in many other activities including a tour of the Butchart Gardens, a naval cruise on the HMCS Vancouver, and a reception hosted by the Lieutenant Governor.

New Speaker in Quebec

On June 4, 2003, Michel Bissonnet was unanimously elected Speaker of the Quebec National Assembly.

A native of Montreal he studied law at the University of Montreal and was called to the Quebec Bar in 1977. He served as Mayor of the City of Saint Leonard from 1978-1981. First elected to the National Assembly in 1981 representing the riding of Jeanne Mance, he was re-elected in 1985, 1989, 1994, 1998 and in 2003 in the new riding of Jeanne Mance-Viger

Mr. Bissonnet has served as Deputy Speaker for a total of nine years under three different Speakers and has held a number of other positions during his twenty-two years in...