NEWS RELEASE

ParlAmericas’ Canadian Section held successful meetings with high-level members of Brazil’s National Congress and Cabinet

Canadian parliamentarians met with Brazil’s Minister of Human Rights, Family and Women, and with key legislators

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

Members of the delegation met with Brazil’s Speaker of the Federal Senate, Senator Davi Alcolumbre, and with the legislators who chair the country’s Foreign Relations and National Defense Committees in the National Congress: Senator Nelsinho Trad and Deputy Eduardo Bolsonaro. Delegates also had the opportunity to meet with Brazil’s Minister of Women, Family and Human Rights, Damares Alves. During these meetings, discussions focused on commercial partnerships and social issues, among other topics.

"Our delegation of Canadian parliamentarians was the first to visit Brazil since that country inaugurated its new president on January 1^st,” stated Mr. Nault. "During our meetings, we built a strong foundation upon which meaningful relationships between Canadian and Brazilian elected representatives can be developed and sustained."

In addition, the types of federal services provided for Indigenous peoples in Brazil were discussed during meetings with Indigenous leaders – Alvaro Tukano and Carlos Terena – and with Franklimberg de Freitas, who is President of Brazil’s National Indigenous Foundation. The Canadian delegation also met with representatives of the Brazil-Canada Chamber of Commerce. Business leaders from Canadian firms in Brazil spoke with delegates about various business-related opportunities and challenges. Delegates then met with representatives from the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and civil society organizations to discuss migration issues and gender-based violence in Brazil.

Mr. Nault concluded: "We were very fortunate to gain insights about opportunities for Canadian firms operating in Brazil, and about the priorities of the country's new administration, including pension and tax reform. Canadians and Brazilians have much in common, and we look forward to close collaboration and cooperation on shared issues of concern.”

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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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