NEWS RELEASE

Canada to host 5th Gathering of ParlAmericas’ Open Parliament Network

Between March 15 and March 26, the Parliament of Canada will host the 5th Gathering of ParlAmericas’ Open Parliament Network. Mr. Marc G. Serré, M.P., Chair of the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas, will lead the Canadian delegation. Other delegates will include the Honourable Rosa Galvez, Senator, Vice-Chair of the Canadian Section and Vice-President (North America) of ParlAmericas' Parliamentary Network on Climate Change, the Honourable René Cormier, Senator, the Honourable Raymonde Saint-Germain, Senator and Mr. Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, M.P.. Originally intended to be held in Brazil in 2020, the meeting was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Honourable Anthony Rota, M.P., Speaker of the House of Commons, and the Honourable Pierrette Ringuette, Senator, Speaker pro tempore of the Senate of Canada, will deliver opening remarks to delegates on March 15. Then, legislators will hear from experts about ways to mitigate the impacts of disinformation, and will examine such topics as public confidence in democratic systems, the gender-related dimensions of disinformation, good practices concerning data protection and the use of algorithms, and ways in which legislatures can work with news media to safeguard and strengthen the right of access to public information.

On March 19, Senator Galvez will open a working session that will be held in Portuguese and Spanish. In a March 26 plenary session, delegates will present progress reports on commitments presented at the 4^th Gathering of the Open Parliament Network and will share their action plans for more transparent and accountable parliaments.

"It is important for legislators to understand the origins of disinformation, and to take actions to counter it, especially during a global pandemic," said Mr. Serré. "Although we are still unable to meet in person, this is a wonderful opportunity for Canada to host an important virtual event attended by our colleagues from across the Americas and the Caribbean. At the 5^th Gathering of ParlAmericas’ Open Parliament Network, we will work together to contribute to accountability in government and public institutions, and with a focus on the importance of democratic principles.

Senator Galvez commented, "As chair of the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas' Sub-committee on Open Parliament, I have been working with my colleagues to explore ways to improve parliamentary openness and transparency. We hope to have many fruitful and inspiring discussions on this theme with our colleagues from across the hemisphere as we continue our tradition of learning from each other."

Founded in 2001 in Ottawa and celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, ParlAmericas is the only interparliamentary institution with its International Secretariat headquartered in Canada. The Canadian Section of ParlAmericas works closely with the International Secretariat to advance parliamentary diplomacy and political dialogue throughout the Americas and the Caribbean.

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To arrange an interview with Marc G. Serré, Chair of the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas, please contact:

Kaylie Dudgeon
(705) 897-2222
marc.serre.c1a@parl.gc.ca

For further information about the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas, please contact:

Julie Pelletier
Association Secretary
(613) 995-5854
CPAM@parl.gc.ca