NEWS RELEASE

Ottawa to host the Open Government Partnership’s Global Summit

OTTAWA – May 28, 2019– From May 30–31, 2019, the Government of Canada is hosting the Open Government Partnership’s 6^th Global Summit. Representatives from 79 countries and 20 local governments that are members of the Open Government Partnership will join participants from local and regional governments, civil society groups, academics, and citizens to discuss solutions to enhance the openness and transparency of governments around the globe.

“Certainly, citizens in many countries worldwide are seeking openness, accountability and transparency in their governments and elected representatives,” said the Honourable Robert Nault, P.C., M.P., President of ParlAmericas and Chair of the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas. “This reality is a prime motivator of the valuable efforts of ParlAmericas’ Open Parliament Network. Trust between legislators and the public can be hard to establish but easily shattered, and elected representatives must be mindful of the fragility of democracies.”

In addition to the Global Summit’s meetings, on May 29, ParlAmericas is holding a one-day workshop on the theme of building trust between public institutions and the citizens they serve by rethinking the relationship that exists between them. Mr. Randy Boissonnault, M.P., Vice-President of ParlAmericas’ Open Parliament Network, will address the workshop.

“As elected officials, we need to build bridges between legislatures and the public in order to strengthen parliamentary oversight,” said Mr. Boissonnault. “Our goal is that national legislatures increase their relevance and the public’s trust in them by adapting their own specific practices to meet – or, better yet, to exceed – the public’s expectations.”

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 learn more, follow us on our Twitter account:
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