Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (CAEU)

The Parliament of Canada has observer status at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) and regularly sends delegates to participate in debates. This forum is also an opportunity for the Canadian delegation to hold meetings with representatives from member and observer states of the Council of Europe to discuss bilateral and European Union-related issues.

A delegation went to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) to participate in its debates. The delegation then proceeded to Italy for a bilateral mission held in conjunction with the Canada-Italy Interparliamentary Group. The objectives of this mission were to pursue meaningful discussions between Italian and Canadian parliamentarians, to promote a better understanding of the impacts and opportunities created by CETA (the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement). The following themes were discussed in the different meetings and discussions: trade and investment; bilateral relations; the Italian style of government; migration; and climate change.

The bilateral mission to Portugal was held in conjunction with the Canada-Portugal Parliamentary Friendship Group. The objectives of this mission were to pursue meaningful discussions between Portuguese and Canadian parliamentarians, to promote a better understanding of the impacts and opportunities created by CETA and to allow Canadian parliamentarians to better understand the diversity of the Portuguese socio-economic fabric, and the important investments in greening its economy.

An annual interparliamentary meeting was held between Canadian parliamentarians and members of the European Parliament as well as representatives of this institution. This year's meeting focused on the environment and climate change, trade policy and the Canada-European Union Strategic Partnership Agreement, as well as migration and refugees.