NEWS RELEASE

Hon. Bob Nault tables three reports in Parliament
on behalf of ParlAmericas’ Canadian Section

OTTAWA – Tuesday, January 29, 2019 — Today, the Honourable Bob Nault, P.C., M.P., Chair of the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas, tabled three reports in the House of Commons. Mr. Nault is also President of ParlAmericas.

“I am honoured to report on recent contributions by the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas to building Canada’s global relations in the Americas and the Caribbean, and beyond, on such matters as trade, gender equality, climate change and the rule of law,” said Mr. Nault. “Certainly, I know that I am speaking on behalf of all members of the Canadian Section in saying that we look forward to continuing our important work in these areas.”

The first report is focused on meetings that were held in Panama City, Panama. From October 1–3, 2018, Mr. Nault led a delegation of Canadian parliamentarians in meetings with Panamanian parliamentarians and representatives from the Government of Panama, the United Nations, the private sector and civil society organizations, to discuss such topics as trade, security, gender equality, transparency and climate change. Following those meetings, from October 4–5, delegates participated in ParlAmericas’ 3^rd Gathering of the Parliamentary Network on Climate Change. In addition to Mr. Nault, the delegation comprised the Honourable Steven Blaney, P.C., M.P., Mr. François Choquette, M.P., Mr. Randy Hoback, M.P. and Mr. Marc Serré, M.P.

The second report summarizes the attendance by Mr. Ali Ehsassi, MP at the 10^th Consultative Assembly of Parliamentarians on the International Criminal Court and the Rule of Law and the 40th Annual Forum of Parliamentarians for Global Action in Kyiv, Ukraine from November 16–17, 2018. At the forum, 200 participants – including 77 parliamentarians from 38 countries – discussed issues ranging from the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to a victims' rights approach to international criminal justice. Participants also recognized the 20th anniversary of the Rome Statute, which created the ICC.

The third report concerns Mr. Nault’s participation at a ParlAmericas event entitled “Transformational Leadership for Gender Equality in the Caribbean: Regional Strategies and Partnerships,” which was held in Bridgetown, Barbados from November 19–20, 2018. During this meeting, Mr. Nault offered welcoming remarks and exchanged views with Caribbean parliamentarians on actions designed to overcome obstacles that are impeding women’s political leadership.

Founded in 2001 in Ottawa, ParlAmericas is the only interparliamentary institution with its International Secretariat headquartered in Canada. The Canadian Section of ParlAmericas has always worked closely with the Secretariat to advance parliamentary diplomacy and political dialogue throughout the Americas and the Caribbean

To learn more, follow us on our Twitter account:
Twitter: @ParlDiplomacy
Hashtag: #CPAM

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Additional Quotes:

• “Canada and Panama share common values and would greatly benefit from strengthening their social, economic, cultural and people-to-people ties.” Bob Nault, Chair of the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas and President of ParlAmericas

• “Following ParlAmericas’ 3_rd Gathering of the Parliamentary Network on Climate Change, parliamentarians from across the Americas and the Caribbean returned to their countries with a renewed determination to respond to climate-related challenges.” Bob Nault, Chair of the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas and President of ParlAmericas

• “Actions must be taken at many levels to increase the number of women who are actively involved in politics. The actions must start in each of our communities by encouraging and mentoring women, and by mobilizing support for them.” Bob Nault, Chair of the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas and President of ParlAmericas

• "2018 marked 20 years since the establishment of the International Criminal Court, which is a unique judicial body that investigates and prosecutes genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and crimes of aggression when individual states are unable or unwilling to do so." Ali Ehsassi, Member of Parliament, Willowdale

To arrange an interview with the Hon. Bob Nault, President of ParlAmericas and Chair of the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas, please contact:

Julian Morelli
(613) 996-1161
bob.nault.a1@parl.gc.ca

Melissa Dawe
(613) 996-1161
bob.nault.a2@parl.gc.ca