Minutes

The Joint Interparliamentary Council met in camera this day at 11:01 a.m., by videoconference, Mr. Bruce Stanton, MP, presiding.

Representing the Senate: Hon. Percy Downe, Hon. Ratna Omidvar and Hon. Donald Plett.

Representing the House of Commons: Claude DeBellefeuille for Marilène Gill, Francis Drouin for Hon. Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Hon. Wayne Easter, Marilène Gill, Brian Masse for Lindsay Mathyssen, Hon. David McGuinty, Alex Ruff, and Bruce Stanton, MPs.

In attendance:

From the International and Interparliamentary Affairs Directorate:
Jodi Turner, Principal Clerk, Parliamentary Exchanges and Protocol;
Jubilee Jackson, Acting Deputy Principal Clerk, Parliamentary Associations, Conferences and Logistics;
Caroline Belley, Manager, Resource Planning and Administration.

From the Senate:
Stéphanie Giroux, Financial Advisor, Finance and Procurement Directorate.

From the House of Commons:
Samuel Maheu, Financial Management Advisor, Financial Planning.

From the Library of Parliament:
Christine Ivory, Senior Director, Economics, Resources and International Affairs;
Nicole Sweeney, Senior Manager, International Affairs.

1. Approval of Minutes:

The minutes of the meeting of February 8, 2021, were adopted.

2. Moratorium on associations’ activities:

Considering the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and the current travel restrictions:

It was agreed -- That the moratorium on all International and Interparliamentary Affairs-supported international travel and incoming delegations, set for April 16, 2021, be extended until June 30, 2021.

3. Resources for virtual meetings:

Members of the Council took note of the response issued by the Board of Internal Economy regarding resources for virtual meetings.

4. Canada-China Legislative Association:

The Council discussed the activities of the Canada-China Legislative Association.

5. Gender breakdown on association executive committees and delegations:

It was agreed -- That, as part of the upcoming five-year review of Parliament’s involvement with associations and recognized interparliamentary groups, the Council consider the development of a gender equity policy as it relates to executive positions of parliamentary associations.

6. IIA updates:

The Clerk provided updates on various administrative issues.

At 11:58 a.m. the Council adjourned to the call of the Co-Chairs.

Jeremy LeBlanc

Acting Clerk