NEWS RELEASE

Visit of Canadian Parliamentarians to Cameroon

As part of its mandate to enhance exchanges between Canadian and African parliamentarians, the Canada–Africa Parliamentary Association (the Association) travelled to Yaoundé, Cameroon from 13–17 November 2023. The following six members of the Association took part in this bilateral mission: the Association’s Co-Chair, the Honourable Senator Amina Gerba; the Honourable Senator René Cormier, Vice-Chair; Lianne Rood, M.P., Vice-Chair; Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe, M.P., Vice-Chair; Joël Lightbound, M.P.; and Richards Cannings, M.P.

During the trip, the delegation met with the Prime Minister of Cameroon, the Honourable Joseph Dion Ngute, the Speaker of Cameroon’s National Assembly, the Honourable Cavayé Yeguie Djibril, the Deputy President of the Cameroonian Senate, the Honourable Aboubakary Abdoulaye, and members of various parliamentary committees. Discussions focused on Canada–Cameroon bilateral relations, the legislative process in Canada and Cameroon, the representation of women in parliament, and the insecurity crises in the North-West and South-West regions of Cameroon.

The delegation also met with government officials, members of civil society and business groups to discuss issues of bilateral interest, including human rights, the rights of the LGBTQI+ community, official bilingualism, women and youth empowerment, education as well as trade and investment opportunities.

The Honourable Amina Gerba said: “Since Canada and Cameroon established diplomatic relations in 1962, our two countries have made significant strides in building the relationship that we have today.”

“In addition, the delegation had very positive and productive meetings in Cameroon. We learned about the current political, human rights and economic situation in Cameroon, and heard about the priorities of the Cameroonian government and Parliament,” Senator Gerba concluded. The information gained during this trip will be included in a report that will be presented to the Parliament of Canada.

ABOUT: Established in 2003, the Canada–Africa Parliamentary Association promotes exchanges between African and Canadian parliamentarians and proposes initiatives aimed at fostering better mutual understanding of national and international problems. In addition, the Association works to develop ties with regional parliamentary groupings and the Pan-African Parliament.

For more information, please contact:

Mr. Marc-André Bourgon, Association Secretary, CAAF@parl.gc.ca, 613-944-7370