Activities and Reports
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April 19, 2021
285th Session of the International Executive Committee of the IPU (Sixth sitting)
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
April 14, 2021
Inter-Parliamentary Dialogue on Gender-Responsive Recovery Post COVID-19: Violence against women and girls
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
During the meeting, Canadian delegates were able to hear from parliamentarians from Bangladesh, Bahrain, the Philippines, Syria, Tanzania, Turkey, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Azerbaijan, Fiji, Nicaragua, Benin, Madagascar and Ecuador, and from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean. The UN Under-Secretary-General, Ms. Pramila Patten, addressed participants through a pre-recorded video. Dr. Dubravka Šimonovic (UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women), Dr. Giovanna Lauro (vice president of Programs and Research at Promundo) and Mr. Khamsavath Chanthavysouk (policy specialist at UN Women) also made presentations.
This meeting was the second of a series entitled “Inter-Parliamentary Dialogue on Gender-Responsive Recovery Post COVID-19.”
April 14, 2021
Extraordinary Meeting of the Committee on the Middle East Questions
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
April 13 - May 27, 2021
142nd IPU Assembly and related meetings
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
April 9, 2021
285th Session of the International Executive Committee of the IPU (Fifth sitting)
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
April 7, 2021
Inter-Parliamentary Dialogue on Gender-Responsive Recovery Post COVID-19: Women’s economic empowerment
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
During the meeting, Canadian delegates were able to hear from and exchange with parliamentarians from Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, Ireland, Cyprus, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, Madagascar, Seychelles, Montenegro, and Fiji. Panellists from the World Economic Forum, UN Women, Oxfam Great Britain and the Equal Pay International Coalition also made presentations. Panellists and parliamentarians discussed the unique ways in which this global crisis is affecting women and girls, as well as the various measures that have been taken – or that need to be taken – by governments.
This meeting was the first of a series entitled “Inter-Parliamentary Dialogue on Gender-Responsive Recovery Post COVID-19.”
March 24, 2021
65th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women Side Event: “We Have Your Back” - Breaking the cycle from online harassment to threats to violence against women and girl leaders
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
Presenters emphasized the gendered treatment of parliamentarians and other public figures online, noting that women face a higher degree of personal abuse and aggressive behaviour. As many presenters observed, beyond negatively impacting the lives of those who are targeted, online harassment undermines democracy and limits free speech by discouraging women and girls from being politically active.
The honourable Dr. Hedy Fry, PC, MP participated in a panel of parliamentarians sharing their experiences of, and opinions on, online harassment. In her remarks, Dr. Fry highlighted that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the growing trend of gender-based harassment and violence and spoke about the actions Canada is taking to address the issue domestically and internationally. The honourable Donna Dasko, Senator, attended the event on behalf of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU).
March 23, 2021
Annual Parliamentary Meeting on the occasion of the 65th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women: “What will it take to reach parity in political participation in a post-Covid-19 world?
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
Ms. McPherson was a featured panellist. In her remarks, she noted that Canada has made progress in increasing women’s political participation, particularly in terms of nearly achieving a critical mass of women parliamentarians in the House of Commons (29.5%) and gender parity in the Senate (49.5%). She also highlighted the growing number of women assuming leadership roles in public life, noting the appointment of the first female Minister of Finance as well as the prominent role played by women Chief Public Health Officers in guiding Canada’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She underscored the importance of improving the diversity of women’s representation by increasing the political opportunities and experiences offered to racialized, Indigenous and young women, as well as women with disabilities, especially at the level of political parties. She also emphasized the need for legislation and public policy measures related to financial support, access to child care, and the prevention of online harassment of women in politics to overcome barriers that otherwise discourage women from considering a political career. Ms. McPherson highlighted Canada’s role in supporting women globally through its Feminist International Assistance Policy, but also pointed out that Canadian contributions to development assistance has been in decline.
Senator McPhedran sought out best practices from the event’s participants regarding regulations or legislation in place or under development to address online harassment of women in politics, particularly in light of the impact of these experiences on their families and career choices. Ms. Vignola emphasized the role that education plays in building young girls’ and boys’ skills and self-belief to promote their confidence and interest in political careers.
Interventions from women parliamentarians from the African, Asia-Pacific, Arab, European and Latin American regions highlighted other aspects of the theme. Among other issues, participants reflected on how COVID-19 has undermined progress in women’s political participation and gender equality, as well as how it is driving change by exposing the importance of including women in decision-making positions and pandemic responses measures. Many participants also underscored the importance of data in tracking progress in women’s political participation and referenced the IPU’s annual report, Women in Parliament 2020: The year in review, as well as the map, Women in Politics: 2021, jointly produced by the IPU and UN Women, to document the rankings of countries around the world in this aspect.
The discussions at the Annual Parliamentary Meeting contribute to the deliberations of the CSW65 as well as the decisions of the 142nd Assembly of the IPU (May 2021), which will focus on overcoming the pandemic and ensuring post-COVID recovery. The IPU and UN Women will continue their deliberations in a series of co-organized Strategic Inter-parliamentary Dialogues scheduled to take place virtually on several dates in April on the theme, “Gender-responsive recovery post COVID-19.”
March 22, 2021
285th Session of the International Executive Committee of the IPU (Fourth sitting)
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
March 9, 2021
45th Session of the Bureau of Women Parliamentarians
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
February 17 - 18, 2021
Annual Parliamentary Hearing at the United Nations: Fighting Corruption to Restore Trust in Government and Improve Development Prospects
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
The hearing included remarks by United Nations General Assembly President Volkan Bozkir, and IPU President, Duarte Pacheco, as well as a video address from United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres. The keynote speech, entitled How corruption undermines democracy and development: the need for parliamentary engagement, was delivered by Ms. Delia Ferreira Rubio, Chair of the Board of Transparency International. During a panel on gender-sensitive anti-corruption policies, Senator McPhedran made a statement highlighting gender parity in the Senate of Canada and gender-sensitive aspects of the Government of Canada’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic as best practices and asked panelists about the role of gender quotas for members of parliaments in the fight against corruption.
During a panel on key anti-corruption measures, Senator Ataullahjan asked panelists how anti-corruption measures can be better designed to facilitate effective enforcement and implementation and Mr. McGuinty highlighted the effectiveness of imposing targeted sanctions against corrupt foreign officials, such as through Canada’s Sergei Magnitsky Law.
February 15, 2021
Informal Meeting of the Steering Committee of the 12+ Group
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
The Twelve Plus Group is a collective of 47 IPU member states that caucus together to discuss key issues and coordinate action regarding IPU matters.
February 8, 2021
285th Session of the International Executive Committee of the IPU (Third sitting)
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
January 22, 2021
285th Session of the International Executive Committee of the IPU (Second sitting)
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
January 20, 2021
Briefing Session for Parliamentarians: Reforming the Security Council: When?
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
January 18, 2021
285th Session of the International Executive Committee of the IPU
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
December 9, 2020
Third Roundtable on the Common Principles for Support to Parliaments: Challenges and opportunities in parliamentary monitoring and evaluation
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
December 3, 2020
Webinar on the Global Post-COVID-19 Economy: Devising sustainable trade policies to support the fight against poverty
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
Speakers emphasized that international trade should remain a key focus of economic development policies in a post-COVID-19 global economy. In addition, they highlighted various aspects of international trade and economic policies that could be considered by countries and parliamentarians to ensure a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient global economic recovery. Participants discussed the importance of reinvigorating multilateral trade negotiations and strengthening the dispute-settlement mechanism of the World Trade Organization, as well as the need to ensure free and fair trade in health goods and access to COVID-19 vaccines. In addition, they discussed the role that trade policies can play in reducing poverty, fighting climate change, promoting labor rights, and facilitating the participation of developing countries in the global economy.
November 25, 2020
Discussion on Violence Against Women in Politics
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
November 18, 2020
Meeting on Young Women’s Political Participation and Leadership
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
The main objectives of the event were to increase the interest in participation of young women in politics, to recognize and understand the challenges faced by young women who are engaging in political leadership, to allow participants to share experiences and build capacity, to identify strategic solutions, and to develop a call to action. Following the opening session, the meeting was divided into three working sessions: i. Building Capacity and Mobilizing Support, ii. Campaigning and Elections, and iii. Occupying Office and Creating Change from Within.
Senator Ataullahjan of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU), in her capacity as President of the Committee on Middle East Questions and Member of the IPU Bureau of Women Parliamentarians, was invited to share her insights and recommendations as a panellist for the third session, Occupying Office and Creating Change from Within. The Senator spoke of the need to create safe spaces for women, the importance of mentoring young women, and the role the press and political parties can play. She emphasized that the best thing women can do is to be champions for each other. During the Q&A Senator Ataullahjan also shared her experience in running for the presidency of the IPU.
November 18, 2020
Briefing Session for parliamentarians: Reviewing UN peacebuilding
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
November 17, 2020
Webinar on Universal Health Coverage in times of COVID-19: Parliamentary best practices and challenges
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
In her remarks, Ms. Blaney highlighted the key role played by Tommy Douglas in introducing UHC to Canada over fifty years ago, noting that it has become one of Canada’s most valued institutions. While emphasizing that many Canadians have benefitted from UHC, she also observed that challenges continue to exist, in particular for seniors, women, and racialized communities. She stated that these challenges have been notably exacerbated in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. As well, she underscored the role that the Canadian parliament is playing in considering options to expand Canada’s health system to include a national pharmacare program and in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr. Spengemann acknowledged that, while Canada has a high global ranking regarding UHC, the system is not perfect. Among the challenges Canada faces as it strives to implement UHC more broadly is the country’s vast geography and the related difficulty of accessing remote communities. He highlighted the difficulties faced by Indigenous peoples as well as recommendations by national and international processes that call on their healthcare rights to be upheld. He also underscored the importance of national as well as global collaboration to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly where the development and distribution of vaccines are concerned. In this respect, he noted the contributions Canada has made to the global effort.
The webinar, which was attended by over 80 participants, was intended as an initial step in holding parliaments to account for the implementation of the IPU resolution, “Achieving universal health coverage by 2030: The role of parliaments in ensuring the right to health,” adopted at the 141st Assembly in October 2019.
November 10, 2020
Parliamentary Roundtable at the Internet Governance Forum
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
November 1 - 3, 2020
206th Session of the Governing Council
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
• the Honourable David McGuinty, P.C., M.P., President of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) and Vice-President of the IPU Executive Committee for the Twelve Plus Group (official delegate);
• the Honourable Salma Ataullahjan, Senator, Vice-President of the UIPU, Chair of the IPU Committee on Middle East Questions, and Bureau member of the IPU’s Forum of Women Parliamentarians (observer);
• the Honourable Senator Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia, Senator, Member of the Executive of the UIPU (official delegate);
• Ms. Marilène Gill, M.P., Member of the Executive of the UIPU (observer); and
• Ms. Stephanie Kusie, M.P. (official delegate).
October 30, 2020
Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Group
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
The agenda included briefings on recent activities by the IPU’s Executive Committee and the ASEAN+3 Group, as well as the IPU presidential election taking place during the Governing Council. Senator Ataullahjan addressed the Group as a candidate for the IPU presidency.
October 30, 2020
284th Session of the International Executive Committee of the IPU
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
The members in attendance were given an update on the preparations for the upcoming session of the IPU Governing Council and discussed financial matters and future meetings of the IPU. They also continued discussions on the status of some IPU memberships.
October 26, 2020
Meeting of the 12+ Group
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
Members heard from the candidates for the chair of the 12+ Group and proceeded to vote in a virtual secret ballot election. Ms. Arda Gerkens from the Netherlands was elected Chair of the Group for a two-year term. The Group also reviewed proposals for future Group activities, examined the financial situation of the Group and discussed matters that will be on the agenda of the upcoming session of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Governing Council. During the meeting, the Honourable David McGuinty, who is also the 12+ Group's IPU Executive Committee Vice-President, reported on the proceedings at the Executive Committee.
The 12+ Group is a collective of 47 IPU member states that caucus together to discuss key issues that will be presented to the Governing Council of the IPU, the Union’s main administrative and policy-making body.
October 26, 2020
Meeting of the Steering Committee of the 12+ Group
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
The 12+ Group is a collective of 47 IPU member states that caucus together to discuss key issues that will be presented to the Governing Council of the IPU, the Union’s main administrative and policy-making body.
October 20, 2020
Briefing session for parliamentarians: SDG 1 and the UN definition of poverty
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
October 19, 2020
Meeting of the 12+ Group
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
The Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) was represented at this meeting by a delegation composed of the Honourable David McGuinty, P.C., M.P., President of the UIPU and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Executive Committee Vice-President for the 12+ geopolitical Group, the Honourable Salma Ataullahjan, Senator, the Honourable Rob Black, Senator, the Honourable Raymonde Saint-Germain, Senator, Ms. Marilène Gill, M.P., Ms. Iqra Khalid, M.P., Ms. Lindsay Mathyssen, M.P.
The 12+ Group is a collective of 47 IPU member states that caucus together to discuss key issues that will be presented to the Governing Council of the IPU, the Union’s main administrative and policy-making body.
October 8, 2020
Webinar on climate legislation: Legislative approaches in ensuring social stability in communities facing climate-induced risks
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
October 6, 2020
Extraordinary meeting of the 12 + Group
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
This meeting was called at the request of the chairs from the five Nordic IPU delegations (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden) to discuss the IPU presidency.
September 28, 2020
Meeting of the Steering Committee of the 12+ Group
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
The 12+ Group is a collective of 47 IPU member states that caucus together to discuss key issues that will be presented to the Governing Council of the IPU, the union’s main administrative and policy-making body.
September 18, 2020
International Equal Pay Day
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
September 17, 2020
Webinar on climate legislation: Law and governance approaches within the ocean-climate nexus
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
September 15, 2020
Panel debate on COVID-19 and democracy: Can parliaments come to the rescue?
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
August 31, 2020
Extraordinary Session of the International Executive Committee of the IPU
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
August 27, 2020
Webinar on climate legislation: Compliance and implementation under the Paris Agreement
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
The presenters explored topics like the meaning of compliance in international law as well as compliance within domestic climate change legislation. The role of the Paris Agreement Implementation and Compliance Committee, of the UNFCCC Secretariat in aiding implementation and supporting coordination, and the essential role of parliaments and parliamentarians were also discussed. The presentations were followed by a lively virtual Q amp; A session with participants.
July 22, 2020
Extraordinary Meeting of the Committee on the Middle East Questions
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
The MEQ was formed in 1987 by the IPU Governing Council to follow the peace process in the region. It is comprised of 14 members with experience or keen interest relating to the Middle East, and each member of the committee is elected by the Governing Council of the IPU for a period of 4 years. Members of the Committee encourage contact between parliamentarians from all sides of the Israeli and Palestinian parliaments, neighbouring countries and members of the Quartet of peace mediators (United Nations, United States, European Union and Russia) and strives to strengthen ties between parliamentarians of the region. Though the Committee meets in private, it prepares and submits reports to the IPU’s Governing Council.
July 15, 2020
Parliamentary Forum on the occasion of the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
The Honourable David McGuinty, P.C., M.P., President of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU), led a delegation of parliamentarians composed of the Honourable Peter Boehm, Senator, the Honourable Kim Pate, Senator, Ms. Julie Dzerowicz, M.P., Ms. Iqra Khalid, M.P. and Mr. Sven Spengemann, M.P. The delegates heard presentations from experts and discussed the importance of increasing support for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with fellow parliamentarians. Speakers emphasized that the COVID-19 pandemic has made the need to transition to more sustainable and equitable economic models all the more apparent. Mr. McGuinty and Senator Boehm spoke on behalf of the delegation, highlighting the cross-sectional effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on pursuing the SDGs and the need to translate principles into evidence-based policies that can win the support of constituents.
July 13 - 14, 2020
Webinar for committees in charge of human rights of the Parliaments of Africa, the Caribbean and Canada, and Members of the Commonwealth on the promotion of human rights including the work of the UN Human Rights Council and its Universal Periodic Review
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
Senator Ataullahjan moderated a panel on strengthening strategies for a better contribution to the promotion and protection of human rights at the national level in light of COVID-19. Mr. Spengemann presented a selection of activities by Canada’s parliament related to the implementation of the most recent UPR recommendations; he also pointed out the role that the IPU and its Committee on Democracy and Human Rights can play to strengthen parliamentary engagement regarding the UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process. Mr. McGuinty highlighted the work of parliamentary committees that touch on broad aspects of human rights, as well as gender representation in parliament, the cabinet and heads of Canada’s missions abroad. Senator Ataullahjan, Mr. Spengemann and Ms. Khalid noted the importance of parliament and parliamentary human rights committees in enhancing their work related to the UPR, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on human rights, and the value of webinars such as this one to exchange knowledge and best practices about human rights at the national and international levels.
July 9, 2020
Extraordinary Session of the International Executive Committee of the IPU
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
June 26, 2020
Extraordinary Session of the International Executive Committee of the IPU
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
June 23, 2020
12+ preparatory EXCOM meeting
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
June 22, 2020
Joint Briefing on Venezuela hosted by the International Secretariat of ParlAmericas
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
June 18, 2020
Extraordinary Session of the International Executive Committee of the IPU
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
June 11, 2020
Extraordinary Session of the International Executive Committee of the IPU
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
June 9, 2020
12+ preparatory EXCOM meeting
By videoconference
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
February 5, 2020
Annual General Meeting
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
Room 430, Wellington Building
5:30 p.m.
To be eligible to vote at the AGM the deadline for membership for this association is 7 days before the meeting.
February 5, 2020
Executive Committee Meeting
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU)
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