Canada-France Inter-Parliamentary Association (CAFR)

On February 16, 2021, members of the Canada–France Inter-Parliamentary Association (CAFR) Executive Committee attended a virtual meeting with the French ambassador, Kareen Rispal, and other members of the French diplomatic corps. Representing the CAFR were its Chair, Marie France Lalonde, MP, and two Vice-Chairs, the Honourable Senator René Cormier, and Jacques Gourde, MP. The other Executive Committee members in attendance were senators Jean Guy Dagenais and Pierre Dalphond, and Steven Blaney, MP.

The Ambassador began by providing an overview of the relationship between Canada and France, noting that the relationship is excellent, but that trade between the two countries could be increased. The Ambassador went on to discuss the COVID-19 situation in France and the measures taken by the French government to contain the health crisis and stimulate the economy. Members of the Executive were given the opportunity to ask questions. The discussion then moved on to the role the digital sector will play in France’s economic revitalization plan, as well as possible areas of collaboration between France and Canada in this regard. Other topics of discussion were the French tax on digital companies, the French presidential election coming up in 2022, domestic and international terrorism, France’s relationship with China and ideas for potential partnerships between different regions of France and Canada. Lastly, the issue of protectionism as it relates to the Canada–European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and vaccine supply was raised.

325, Wellington Building

6:30 p.m.

To be eligible to vote at the AGM the deadline for membership for this association is 7 days before the meeting.