Minutes

The Joint Interparliamentary Council met in camera this day at 12:34 p.m., in a hybrid format, Mr. Chris d’Entremont, MP, presiding.

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

Representing the House of Commons: James Bezan, Chris d’Entremont, Marilène Gill, Lindsay Mathyssen, Hon. David McGuinty, Ruby Sahota and Marc Serré, MPs.

In attendance:

From the International and Interparliamentary Affairs Directorate:
Marie-Ève Belzile, Principal Clerk, Parliamentary Exchanges and Protocol;
Mariane Beaudin, Deputy Principal Clerk, Parliamentary Associations;
Jubilee Jackson, Acting Deputy Principal Clerk, Parliamentary Associations, Conferences and Logistics;
Caroline Belley, Manager, Resource Planning and Administration;
Chantal Goulet, Logistics Coordinator, Parliamentary Associations, Conferences and Logistics.

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

From the Library of Parliament:
Christine Ivory, Senior Director, Economics, Resources and International Affairs;
Laura Barnett, Senior Manager, Human Rights, Immigration and Citizenship;
Nicole Sweeney, Senior Manager, International Affairs.

1. Approval of Minutes:

The minutes of the meeting of July 23, 2021 were adopted.

2. Moratorium on associations’ activities:

Considering the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and current travel restrictions:

It was agreed -- That the moratorium on all International and Interparliamentary Affairs-supported international travel and incoming delegations, set to expire on December 31, 2021, be extended until March 31, 2022.

3. Virtual meetings and Annual General Meetings:

The Council discussed options and adopted the following motion:

It was agreed -- That associations and interparliamentary groups that have a vacancy in one of their chair positions hold an annual general meeting (AGM) in a virtual format by March 31, 2022; that any reference in those associations’ constitutions related to the election of an executive committee be interpreted in a manner consistent with the virtual nature of the proceedings; that all other associations and interparliamentary groups be relieved from their constitutional obligation to hold an AGM in 2022 and current executive membership be extended by one year until March 31, 2023; that, in the absence of an AGM, budgetary and financial documents typically presented at the meeting be sent to association members by email; and that executive committees be empowered to fill any vacancies which may occur.

4. Update on conferences:

The Clerk of the Council gave an update on parliamentary conferences to be held in Canada in 2022.

At 1:29 p.m. the Council adjourned to the call of the Co-Chairs.

Jeremy LeBlanc

Clerk