CPA activities: the Canadian scene.

• Position: Commonwealth Parliamentary Association

Canadian Regional Council

The Council of the Canadian Region of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association held its annual meeting in Ottawa on June 4, 2005.

The meeting was chaired by Speaker Harvey Hodder of Newfoundland and Labrador. Also in attendance were Speakers Bey Harrison (New Brunswick), Murray Scott (Nova Scotia) George Hickes (Manitoba), Myron Kowalsky (Saskatchewan) Ted Staffen (Yukon), Michel Bissonnet (Quebec), Greg Deighan (Prince Edward Island), Alvin Curling (Ontario) and Paul Delorey (Northwest Territories). Two other Speakers participated via teleconference, Ken Kowalski (Alberta) and Claude Richmond (British Columbia). Sarmite Bulte MP, Chair of the Canadian Branch of CPA and Sue Barnes MP Canadian Regional Representative also participated as did two Deputy Speakers, Patterk Netser (Nunavut) and Bruce Crozier (Ontario).

One item considered by the Council was a proposed Amendment to the Rules of the Canadian Region which would add to the Executive Committee a regional representative to the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Steering Committee. After considerable discussion the amendment was adopted but the decision as to who would be designated to that position and how it would be filled was postponed for further discussion and consultation with women legislators in various jurisdictions.

The Council also discussed a draft report on the 50th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference that was held in Canada in 2004. The report contained numerous recommendations intended to improve the way future conferences were organised. When finalised the report will be sent to CPA headquarters in London and possibly to other Commonwealth countries in line to host upcoming conferences.

Under other business Speaker Bissonnet drew the attention of Speakers to a submission that Quebec is making to the CRTC asking that cable stations which carry provincial legislative broadcast be required to do so under the same conditions as applies for the broadcast of the House of Commons, which is to say at no charge to the legislature. Several Speakers said they would join Quebec in making this request to the CRTC.

Following the Council meeting a special professional development seminar on the Office of Speaker was organized by the House of Commons. Speaker Peter Milliken gave the delegates the benefit of his experience on issues such as decorum, managing the mood of the House, relationship with House leaders and various other topics. Deputy Speaker...