NEWS RELEASE

ParlAmericas’ Canadian Section meets with leaders in Brazil’s new National Congress and Cabinet

Canadian parliamentarians are meeting with high-level officials and business leaders in Brasilia and São Paulo

OTTAWA – April 24, 2019 – From April 24–26, 2019, the Honourable Bob Nault, P.C., M.P., President of ParlAmericas and Chair of the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas, is leading a delegation to Brasilia and São Paulo, Brazil for bilateral meetings. Mr. Nault will be accompanied by the Honourable David M. Wells, Senator, the Honourable Jim Munson, Senator, the Honourable Kellie Leitch, P.C., M.P., and Ms. Brenda Shanahan, M.P.

In Brasilia, delegates are meeting with Brazil’s Minister of Human Rights, Family and Women, Damares Alves, the Speaker of the Federal Senate, Davi Alcolumbre, and a number of members of the National Congress, including those who serve on the foreign affairs committees in the Federal Senate and the Chamber of Deputies. In addition, they will participate in a roundtable discussion about Indigenous issues. In São Paulo, delegates will meet with business leaders, academics and representatives of civil society organizations.

“These meetings are both timely and extremely important. We will be the first delegation of Canadian parliamentarians to visit Brazil since that country inaugurated its new president on January 1st,” said Mr. Nault. “Engaging with Brazil’s cabinet members and legislators, as well as with government officials, at this early stage will help us to establish relationships that will be beneficial for both of our countries.”

Mr. Nault concluded: "Canadians and Brazilians have much in common, and our two countries have worked – and continue to work – side by side on a range of important issues. We hope to build momentum as the Bolsonaro administration and Cabinet, and members of Brazil’s National Congress, begin their new mandate.”

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

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Twitter: @ParlDiplomacy
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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