NEWS RELEASE

Canadian parliamentarians attend ParlAmericas Open Parliament Network and 8^e Summit of the Americas in Lima, Peru

Discussions focused on open parliaments, corruption and women empowerment

OTTAWA – A Canadian all-party parliamentary delegation representing the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas attended the 3^rd Gathering of the Open Parliament Network and 8^e Summit of the Americas in Lima, Peru from April 11^th to 13^th, 2018.

The Honourable Bob Nault, P.C., M.P., Vice-President of ParlAmericas and Chair of the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas, delivered remarks at the meeting of the Open Parliament Network, which was focused on “Open States for Democratic Governance Against Corruption.” He also led the Canadian delegation, which comprised the Honourable Rosa Galvez, Senator, the Honourable Michael L. MacDonald, Senator, Mr. Marc Serré, M.P. and Mr. François Choquette, M.P.

During the Open Parliament Network meeting, delegates participated in sessions on such topics as mechanisms to fight corruption in the hemisphere, the contribution that ethical standards and probity in public service can make in strengthening parliamentary integrity and parliaments’ use of technology to enhance collaboration with civil society. As well, Mr. Randy Boissonnault, M.P., was elected as the Open Parliament Network’s Vice-President for North America, and delegates adopted a resolution on the meeting’s topics.

“I was very pleased to lead a Canadian delegation to this critical meeting, and to provide remarks highlighting the role that parliamentarians must play in combatting corruption, which left unchecked, can easily undermine the legitimacy of our democratic institutions,” stated Nault. “During the course of our meetings, it became clear that we need to engage civil society, encourage women’s leadership initiatives and consult other relevant stakeholders in order to develop robust solutions.”

Mr. Nault concluded: “In addition, the Open Parliament Network provided me with an excellent opportunity to highlight ParlAmericas’ upcoming 15th Plenary Assembly which will be held in Victoria, British Columbia from September 9^th to 12^th, 2018 on the theme of “Promoting Inclusive Societies for Sustainable Development. I know that the Speakers of Canada’s Senate and House of Commons, and all members of the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas, are very much looking forward to hosting this important meeting.”

Following the meeting of the Open Parliament Network, the Canadian delegation attended the 3^rd CEO Summit of the Americas and a roundtable discussion on the topic of “Strengthening Democratic Governance through Women’s Empowerment and Leadership.” As well, delegates participated in the official inauguration of the 8^e Summit of the Americas along with the Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau.

Founded 17 years ago in Ottawa, ParlAmericas is the only inter-parliamentary institution with its International Secretariat headquartered in Canada.

The Canadian Section of ParlAmericas works closely with ParlAmericas’ International Secretariat to advance parliamentary diplomacy and political dialogue across the hemisphere.

To learn more, follow us on our new Twitter account:

Twitter: @ParlDiplomacy

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To arrange an interview with the Hon. Bob Nault, please contact:

Julian Morelli
613-222-6123
bob.nault.a1@parl.gc.ca

Melissa Dawe
613-996-1161
bob.nault.a2@parl.gc.ca