A delegation of the Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth
Parliamentary Association visited the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago from
February 19-24, 2011. The Canadian Branch was represented by the following
delegation:
·Mr. Russ Hiebert, MP, Chair of the Canadian Branch, Leader of the
delegation
·The Honourable Elizabeth Hubley, Senator
·The Honourable Donald Plett, Senator
·Mr. Merv Tweed, MP
·Mr. Jim Maloway, MP
The delegation was assisted by Philippe
Méla, Acting Executive Secretary of the Branch.
The objectives of the visit to Trinidad
and Tobago included:
·Increasing collaboration between the branches of
the Caribbean, Americas and Atlantic Region and the Canadian Branch of the CPA
·Conducting bilateral and multilateral meetings
with multiple branches of the Caribbean, Americas and Atlantic Region at the
Regional Secretariat in Port of Spain
·Working together towards modernization of the
CPA as it marks its centennial year
·Examining methods of strengthening democracy
throughout the Commonwealth
·Increasing trade relations
·Assessing the role of CARICOM in enhancing trade
partnerships in the region
·Exploring strategies of recovery following the
economic downturn
·Strategizing on bilateral issues including
migration, education, health, energy and financial services
·Sharing best practices pertaining to coalition
governments and minority parliaments
A.Meeting with representatives of the
Tobago House of Assembly The delegation met in Trinidad and Tobago on these
issues and started with a meeting with representatives of the Tobago House of
Assembly (THA).
The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) is
the local government body responsible for the island of Tobago within the
twin-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago. The THA was established in 1980 to
rectify some of the disparities in the relationship between the two islands,
though a prior body using the same name which existed from 1768–1874. In
addition to the normal local government functions, the THA handles many of the
responsibilities of the central government, but lacks the ability to collect
taxes or impose local laws or zoning regulations. The THA consists of: One
Presiding Officer, twelve elected assemblymen, and four appointed councillors.
Three of the councillors are appointed on the advice on the Chief Secretary and
one on the advice of the Minority Leader. The Chief Secretary is the leader of
the majority party in the assembly. Chief Secretary Orville London, Presiding
Officer Honourable Ann Mitchell-Gift, minority Leader Ashworth Jack and 7 other
representative of the THA met with the Canadian Delegation.
The discussion focussed on how to
improve relations between Canada and Trinidad and Tobago regarding oil and gas
exploration, development of the pharmaceutical industries, agro-processing,
information technologies and tourism. Mr. London indicated that the Canadian
tourism market is worth being explored as Canadians do not hesitate to travel
long distances to go on vacation. He, however, pointed out that only around
7,000 Canadians come on vacation to Trinidad and Tobago where 700,000 go to the
Dominican Republic and a million to Cuba.
The Canadian delegation indicated that
it would probably be easier for Canadians to visit Trinidad and Tobago if there
were direct more flights from cities other than Toronto, for example, perhaps
flights from Calgary or Edmonton. Many people in Winnipeg are from Guyana and
Trinidad but, unfortunately, they cannot enjoy visiting with their relatives
regularly because of the time it takes to get to Trinidad and the cost
associated with the trip. As a proposed solution, the Government of Trinidad
and Tobago should try to enter into agreements with airline or charter
companies to render the destination more attractive from an economic stand
point to travellers. Also, Trinidad and Tobago should advertise how safe the
destination is as more and more travelers are sensitive to this scene. In
addition to those looking for a short holiday, the market of “snowbirds” could
also be tapped into.
The delegation from the THA also mentioned that when it
comes to funding from the Canadian International Development
Agency (CIDA), they felt CIDA should consider Tobago as a region on its own,
separate from Trinidad, to obtain more funding as the Republic of Trinidad and
Tobago as a whole maybe above the level of contribution.
As a result of the discussion, the
delegation from THA asked if the Canadian delegation could appoint a contact
person to deal with specific issues related to Trinidad and Tobago, someone who
could convey messages from the THA to the government of Canada. Mr. Merv Tweed
accepted to be the contact person.
B.Meeting with Officials of the High
Commission for Canada to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago The delegation met with Her Excellency Karen
McDonald, High Commissioner for Canada to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
After reviewing the results of the last general election where the party in
power, the People’s National Movement was overturned by a coalition of four
parties called the People Partnership after an election campaign based on
change, transparency, changes to the laws regarding crime and expansion of
child care program, additionally the delegation exchanged with Officials of the
High Commission on various other subjects.
Regarding safety, it was indicated that
in 2009, Trinidad and Tobago experienced more than 480 murders, mostly related
to the drug trade. In fact, the shortest distance between Venezuela and
Trinidad is only 10 km and a lot of drugs from Colombia are landing on the shores
of Trinidad from Venezuela. It is very difficult to control and intercept the
fast, small boats used to smuggle drugs into Trinidad to be then boarded onto
bigger boats to be redirected to Europe, the United States and Canada. So far,
the high rate of crime has not targeted foreigners living in Trinidad and
Tobago or tourists, aside from one incident of a British National who was the
victim of a home invasion and severely beaten by her assailants. The government
of Trinidad and Tobago has made the war on drugs one of its priorities, and has
hired a new Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Police, both of them,
former RCMP Officers from Canada.
In 2003, the Government of Trinidad and
Tobago created the Special Anti-Crime Unit of Trinidad and Tobago (SAUTT), to
support all security forces in their task of fighting crime. Since then,
allegations that members of the SAUTT and members of the Special Intelligence
Agency have engaged in illegal activities have come forward and the new
government has decided to dismantle the SAUTT and replace by the Strategic
Service Agency.
The economy of Trinidad and Tobago, a
small oil and gas producer, has suffered from the financial crisis driving the
price of oil and gas down. Trinidad and Tobago is also not part of Petrocaribe,
a Caribbean oil alliance with Venezuela to purchase oil on conditions of
preferential payment. The alliance was launched in June 2005. The payment
system allows for a few nations to buy oil at market value, but only a certain
amount is needed up front; the remainder can be paid through a 25 year
financing agreement on 1% interest. The deal allows for the Caribbean nations
to purchase up to 185,000 barrels of oil per day on these terms. Trinidad and
Tobago being the southernmost islands of the Caribbean, tourism tends to be
limited which has a cumulative effect on the economy. The economy is expected
to grow by 3 to 3.5% over the next 5 years on the expansion of infrastructure
project aimed at increasing tourism activities. Trinidad and Tobago is looking
at expanding its use of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power.
The High Commissioner indicated that
the Canadian mission is 60 officials strong, about 30 of whom are dedicated to
immigration matters. Trinidad and Tobago has very good relations with Canada
and is a welcoming and stable place for business from Canadian entrepreneurs
and investors alike. As an example of this, Canada is the second biggest
investor in Trinidad and Tobago. Some restrictions do exist for Canadians who
might wish to relocate to Trinidad and Tobago.
C.Courtesy call on His Excellency George
Maxwell Richards, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago The President immediately underlined the close
relationships that have existed between Trinidad and Tobago and Canada since
the early stage of Canadian Confederation. He indicated that this mission was
opportune as a Ministerial visit from Canada is in preparation. These visits
are very good opportunities to examine where trade avenues could be developed
as oil reserves of Trinidad and Tobago are only estimated to be in the realm of
10 to 12 years in duration. The President also indicated that Canada and
Trinidad and Tobago have excellent relations when it comes to education as many
students benefit from agreements in place to study in Canada. When it comes to
education, the government of Trinidad and Tobago offers free tuition to post
secondary students and a system of student loans is in place to cover housing
costs.
The President, who is also the Army
Chief of Staff, indicated that he would welcome any help from Canada,
particularly in Coast Guard activities, to attempt to discourage drug cartels
to use Trinidad and Tobago as a platform for shipping drugs around the world
due to the proximity to Venezuela where the drugs are coming from.
The Canadian delegation exchanged views
with the President on existing trade opportunities, on the development of
infrastructures to develop tourism and on the fact that education is the
cornerstone of development of a country. It was agreed that education leads to
opportunities. Security in Trinidad remains an issue which needs to be
addressed. Tourism must also be developed. The delegation expressed its
appreciation that the Government of Trinidad and Tobago had ratified The Ottawa
Treaty, otherwise known as the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use,
Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their
Destruction and that no troops were sent to Afghanistan.
D.Courtesy call on the Joint Presidents of
the Trinidad and Tobago Branch of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association The Canadian delegation met with the Honourable
Timothy Hamel-Smith, Senator, President of the Senate together with The
Honourable Wade Mark, MP, Speaker of the House of Representatives. The
President and Speaker are the joint Presidents of the Trinidad and Tobago
Branch of CPA. The Presidents explained that since the last general election of
2010, there are 41 Members of Parliament directly elected by the population and
31 Senators, 16 appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister, nine are
appointed by the President and six appointed by the President on the advice of
the Leader of the Opposition. At the present time, the Parliament Building is
being renovated and advice has been sought from the Canadian Parliament on how
to proceed in a cost effective manner. Also, at the present time, the House of
Representatives and the Senate are sharing the same Chamber but want to have
separate Chambers at the end of the renovation process. The Parliament of
Trinidad and Tobago is trying to achieve full autonomy from the Executive
Branch (i.e. with a separate budget) and will try to put in place a new
management structure, complete the renovation to the Parliament Building and
amend its Standing Orders before the end of the present term in 2015. The
Legislature could change the constitution to have elections at fixed dates, not
more than two terms for the President, have a recall mechanism for MPs much
like the one existing in some parts of Canada, and more referenda to consult
the population on key issues. Also, Trinidad wants to improve its relations
with Tobago to avoid the question of full autonomy put forward at times by
Tobago.
The Canadian delegation explained that
there are similarities between Canada and Trinidad and Tobago with the province
of Quebec seeking independence, with the renovation of the Parliament Buildings
and with the reform of the institutions. On the reform of the Senate in
Canada, the delegation elaborated on the fact that several opinions exist in
Canada, from having an elected Senate to eliminating the Senate altogether. It
was noted that the Senate still represents the Provinces and ensures that
aboriginal people have a voice in the Senate. Also emphasized was the fact that
Senators are not all politicians, some being recognized experts in their
fields.
The delegation also exchanged views
with the two Presidents on the conditions of prorogation, length of terms for
Senators and Members of Parliament and on the number of terms desirable for the
leader of a country.
Speaker Mark went on to describe that
during the latest elections in Trinidad and Tobago and for the first time in a
modern democracy, rather than several political parties competing to obtain a
majority of seats, the party in power was opposed by a coalition of five
different parties, each with a unique platform and a single leader. The
coalition ended up winning the elections and the Leader became the Prime
Minister. He thought that if the coalition were to remain in power until the
end of its term in 2015, it would be a good test case for political scientists
to look at. He concluded the meeting by adding that Trinidad and Tobago will
host the 2012 Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers.
E.Meeting with Canadian business people in
Trinidad and Tobago The delegation met with four individuals doing
business in Trinidad and Tobago and exchanged views on the business conditions
and on the various markets in Trinidad and Tobago.
It was explained that the global financial
crisis and the arrival of a new government in Trinidad and Tobago had a
cumulative effect on the situation of doing business in Trinidad and Tobago
which has become a very difficult environment for investors. Nevertheless,
Canadians are well regarded business partners due to excellent know how and
business ethics. However, some specific reasons seem to hinder the capacity to
develop business opportunities in Trinidad and Tobago. The arrival of a new
government which has decided to look at the way government contracts were
attributed under the previous government has had the effect of stopping all
projects. The difficulty to find heavy machinery and equipment and skilled
operators create difficulties in some industries. The length of time it takes
to sign contracts with the government or to obtain working permit for
expatriate workers also makes for difficult business conditions.
F.Meeting with the Minister of National Security of Trinidad
and Tobago The delegation met with the Minister of National Security,
the Honourable Martin Joseph, Senator and exchanged views on a number of
topics. Minister Martin indicated that the political and economical situations
are stable and that Trinidad and Tobago should be viewed as an excellent place
for foreign investors to do business. He explained that expatriates do not
require a work permit if they intend to work in Trinidad and Tobago for less
than 30 days and that working permits for longer periods can be issued if the
situation warrants it.
He indicated that the government has
put on the market eleven drilling blocks for oil exploration and that three
have been purchased although no Canadian company took part in the bidding
process. He also indicated that it is government policy to honour contracts
signed by the government even if the signatories are foreign investors or
companies.
G.Meeting with the Minister of Tourism and the Minister of Foreign
Affairsof Trinidad and Tobago The delegation met with Mr. Stephen Cadiz, Minister
of Tourism and Dr. Surujrattan Rambachan, Minister of Foreign Affairs. Mr.
Cadiz indicated that since becoming a Republic in 1976, and long before, Canada
and Trinidad and Tobago always enjoyed excellent relations. There are about
100,000 people from Trinidad and Tobago living in Canada, mainly in Toronto.
The Parliament of Canada is a source of inspiration in the conduct of its
debates where everyone gets a chance to express their views. The Ministry
commended the application of the Standing Orders. He also indicated that since
the new government has started its work, the debates have been closely followed
by the population and roughly 20% of the population watches the debates on
television.
Regarding Tourism, the Minister explained that Trinidad
and Tobago is first trying to attract eco-tourists looking for all inclusive
services with mid range accommodations and then will develop the services from
this point on. The Carnival also attracts a lot of tourists.
The Canadian delegation elaborated on tourism by
indicating that Canadians do not hesitate to travel far distances to go on
vacation and they go mainly to Spanish-speaking countries like Mexico, Cuba or
the Dominican Republic when they could go to an English-speaking country like
Trinidad and Tobago. It seems they do not know enough about the country to
take the leap and book their vacations there.
The Canadian delegation indicated to the Minister that
Mr. Mervin Tweed will be the contact person between Trinidad and Tobago and
Canada if issues need to be brought forward to the attention of the Canadian
Government. The Canadian delegation mentioned that the value of exports from
Canada to Trinidad and Tobago is about $500M and that both countries should
work at increasing the trade relations as long as there are assurances that
contracts will be respected and suppliers paid. All eyes are now turning toward
the negotiation of the free trade agreement between the Caribbean Community
(Caricom) and Canada.
Dr. Rambachan started by indicating that Trinidad and
Tobago has a good reputation as a business partner and it pays its suppliers
and honours its contracts but also pointed out that these requirements also
apply to suppliers doing business with the government. He indicated that he had
hopes that the free trade agreement could be signed by the end of 2011. He
mentioned that major infrastructure projects are presently being studied such
as two hospitals and roads and Canadian companies could be interested in taking
part in these projects. However, he underlined that Export Development Canada
(EDC) should be more flexible with its criteria to fund projects as is the case
with China. He mentioned that Trinidad and Tobago is the number one producer of
methanol in the world and pointed out that Trinidad and Tobago has a great
international experience in dealing with big companies such as BP or BHP. On
the Canadian side, he indicated that Trinidad and Tobago is going to have four
honorary Consuls in Canada and wants to open a trade office in Vancouver.
H.Meeting with the Leader of the Opposition The delegation met with The Honourable Dr. Keith Rowley, MP, Leader of the
Opposition and exchanged views on tourism, trade and the Commonwealth
Parliamentary Association. Dr. Rowley indicated that almost a third of the total
population is involved in the Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago and it is too bad
that so few tourists come for it.
Regarding trade, Dr. Rowley is former Minister of Trade
and was involved in the negotiation of the Trinidad and Tobago – European Union
free trade agreement. One of the problems encountered during the negotiation
was the opening of procurement contracts at the Caricom level in order to have
the market totally open. The subsidiary of a global company could use the
resources of the parent company which would make it very difficult to compete
against for local companies. He mentioned that Canada is well regarded as a
negotiating partner because it respects its partners and does not drive
negotiations too hard. He pointed out that Canada has an interest in the
development of Trinidad and Tobago given the number of immigrants applying to
come to Canada.
Regarding tourism, Dr. Rowley indicated that he feels
that Trinidad and Tobago does not have enough flights from international
destinations and better and more effective marketing campaigns are needed in
order to attract tourism, particularly during the time of the Carnival.
Dr. Rowley elaborated on the security issue which
appears to be a serious problem due to drug trafficking in the region. He indicated
that he would have preferred to see a local commissioner of police appointed
alongside his deputy who is from Canada rather than two Canadians. Local
knowledge of the street is important to train police forces. He felt that if
security was not resolved, people who are leaders in the society may feel
threatened and leave Trinidad and Tobago which would result in impoverishment
of the Caribbean. He recommended that there should be more contacts at the
parliamentary level between Trinidad and Tobago and Canada and the United
States of America.
When asked by the delegation if a member of the
opposition of Trinidad and Tobago will participate at the CPA conference in
July 2011, Dr. Rowley indicated that he was planning on attending.
I.Courtesy call on the Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad
and Tobago The delegation met with Right Honourable Ms Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Prime
Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the seventh person to hold
this position and the first female Prime Minister, who was elected in May 2010.
The Prime Minister indicated that she had met the Prime Minister of Canada at
the United Nations and he appeared to be clear and focused on his objectives
for Canada. She mentioned that one of the biggest hotels in Tobago had been
shut down and was looking for investors, possibly Canadians and she gave all
assurance that in Trinidad and Tobago contracts are honoured and suppliers are
paid as they should which was to the satisfaction of the Canadian delegation.
The Head of the Canadian delegation commented on the
differences in bringing forward an opposition coalition during the mandate of a
government and presenting a coalition to the electorate as a choice of possible
government. The Prime Minister agreed and indicated that in order to become the
new Prime Minister, there was no other alternative than creating a coalition of
five political parties before the past elections as a choice to the electorate.
The Head of the Canadian delegation pointed out that Trinidad and Tobago was the
second largest trade investor in the Caribbean after Cuba and that relations
between the two countries should be increased. The Head of the delegation
noted that Mr. Merv Tweed was the parliamentarian point of contact for Trinidad
and Tobago on tourism-related issues.
The delegation indicated that they were looking forward
to bring opportunities to Canadian entrepreneurs in a stable and secure
business environment but noted that the links by air between Canada and
Trinidad and Tobago needed to be improved.
J.Meeting with the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’
Association The delegation met with Mr. Greig Laughlin, President and Dr.
Trevor Townsend, Director of the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’
Association (TTMA). The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers'
Association was founded in 1956 and is comprised today of about 400 members. The TTMA promotes, encourages and assists
the growth and development of manufacturing industries in Trinidad and Tobago.
The TTMA also acts as a representative for industries in dealing with
government and in the monitoring of legislation affecting manufacturers. The
TTMA is also responsible for the generation of market expansion both regionally
and internationally through the mounting of local, regional and international
trade fairs, exhibitions and foreign trade missions.
The TTMA promotes the use of modern
methods of manufacturing and education for all of its members. The TTMA also
focuses on assisting local manufacturers in the maintenance of required
standards of safety, labor relations, wages and benefits, communications,
public relations and advertising. Moreover, the TTMA provides assistance in the
field of securing markets for both raw materials and finished products as well
as in the sourcing of investment partners for members.
As TTMA is very involved in the
negotiation of a free trade agreement between Canada and Trinidad and Tobago,
the two representatives explained that it took eight years to negotiate a free
trade agreement with the EU because of the way the negotiations are conducted
by Cariforum on behalf of Caricom and the consensus based process. Canada is
the fourth largest trading partner of Trinidad and Tobago (oil and gas, pasta,
juice, textile). In the negotiation for a free trade agreement with Canada,
Canada wants to impose environmental standards which do not pose a problem to
Trinidad and Tobago but could pose a problem to other members of Caricom.
Presently, certain goods are exported to Canada duty free according to a waiver
agreed to at the World Trade Organization (WTO). At the end of 2011, this
waiver will expire and these goods will have duties imposed on them by Canada
which is troublesome for Trinidad and Tobago because these goods will lose
their competitive edge. Canada could go to the WTO and ask to extend the waiver
for a longer period but in doing so may have to agree to extend the waiver with
other countries, which Canada does not seem to be ready to do at the present
time.
The delegation explained that Canada
finds it difficult to negotiate trade agreements with groups of countries and
preference is given (aside from the Canada-EU enhanced economic agreement being
negotiated) to bilateral trade negotiations.
The representative of TTMA explained that since the new
government is in place they find it difficult for bills to be settled and the
government can take up to six months to pay. The delay having to be factored in
the cost of production of goods or services tends to increase the final cost.
Another problem Trinidad and Tobago is facing is the collection of taxes. Very
few businesses are computerized so it is difficult for the government to know
how much tax is owed to the government.
K.Meeting with the representative of the British Virgin Islands,
Grenada and Trinidad and Tobago The delegation met with Dr. Orlando Smith, MP, Leader of the Opposition of
the British Virgin Islands (BVI), the Honourable George James Mc Guire, MP,
Speaker of the House of Representatives of Grenada and The Honourable Wade
Mark, Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Trinidad and
Tobago. The participants indicated that multilateral meetings are very useful
as they allow exchanging best practices but how can these best practices be
transferred for a CPA context to the respective participating governments. Dr.
Smith indicated that, in BVI, the legislator can authorize the disbursement of
money for specific need (i.e.: if a citizen needs money to cover a hospital
bill.) In his experience, he explained that in the Seychelles, people tend to
ask their own MP directly and often they end up footing the bill out of their
own pockets.
The participants talked about the Canadian submission to
CPA regarding the regional rotation of Executive positions at the Secretariat
General. It appears that the CPA is often presided over by the same countries
and it appears that there is a growing sense that more and more countries feel
excluded. The Canadian proposal of a rotation system would allow for the key
positions to be rotated through the regions.
Mr. Mark indicated that there are tremendous trade
opportunities which exist between Canada and Trinidad and Tobago due to the
historic connections between the two countries for more than 100 years. He was
doubtful that the free trade agreement between Canada and Trinidad and Tobago
would be concluded by the end of 2011 because all members of Caricom may not be
able to come to an agreement themselves.
Mr. McGuire agreed with Mr. Mark and explained that it
is difficult for negotiators of the free trade to travel due to the limited
resources they have at their disposal. Mr. Smith indicated that the use of
video conferences could alleviate the need of meeting in person and reduce the
cost for all participants and should be explored. Mr. McGuire indicated that
some assistance may be needed to access the Canadian market for some new
promising new products such as nutmeg (the use of the nutmeg as an ingredient
in natural pain killers).
Mr. Mark explained that the worldwide financial crisis
has hit Trinidad and Tobago very hard but that the country has at its disposal
a heritage fund of TT$3 billion or roughly Can$500M and it may have to start
using these funds as a stimulus for the local economy. One of the problems is
that local products are exported and internally consumed products are imported
which tends to raise the cost of living. He also pointed out that the drug
trade in the region is a serious threat, not only for the safety of the people
but also for democracy as the drug money could be used to bribe public
officials, the judiciary or politicians who would amplify the problem and
therefore, the promotion of democracy is an absolute necessity.
The Canadian delegation explained that Canada had
recently ratified a free trade agreement with Colombia to improve trade but
also improve democracy. Is was also suggested that the Government of Grenada
approach American airline companies and offer them subsidies as an incentive to
bring tourism to the country. Mr. McGuire explained that Grenada is less
inclined to do that after the government helped foreign entrepreneurs to start
with the construction of hotels and they left the country after receiving the
subsidies leaving the project uncompleted but wondered if the $600 million
development program that Canada has in the region could not be used for more
commercially oriented projects.
Mr. McGuire emphasized the fact that citizens of Grenada
need a visa to enter Canada due to fraud that occurred six years ago where
false passports were sold to give access to Canada. He gave the Canadian
delegation all assurances that the fraud has now stopped and all passports that
were in circulation at the time of the fraud were discovered and are now all
expired. In the past, 200 people from Grenada would go to Canada as temporary
labourers but due to the visa restriction, the number has now fallen to ten
which causes an economic problem for the island. He expressed his wish that
Grenada go back to initial levels after the visa requirement is lifted. Mr.
McGuire explained that regarding energy, Grenada cannot be dependent on OPEC
countries and is looking at alternative sources of energy, solar, wind and
geothermal with an ambitious geothermal project where Mount St. Catherine, a
volcano, would possibly generate 30 to 60 megawatts of electricity.
L. Meeting with the Minister
of Science, Technology and Tertiary Educationof Trinidad and Tobago The delegation met with the Honourable Fazal Karim, MP, Minister
of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education. He indicated that he has
been a teacher at all levels for all of his life, has travelled extensively,
studied abroad and is now trying to provide the best tools available for the
education of the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago. He indicated that there are
very close relationships between Canada and Trinidad and Tobago with a number
of students going to study on scholarships provided by CIDA. He suggested that
exchange programs should be envisioned with universities in the maritime
provinces. The Delegation indicated that Canada issues on average 800 student
visas per year, that the University of Western Indies has a cooperative
arrangement with about 20 Canadian universities.
Mr. Karim spoke about a program named the Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network (CKLN), a multilateral
project, supported by the OAS, the World Bank, the European Union and the
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). It was launched by the
Caribbean Community (Caricom) and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States
(OECS) in 2004. The project is designed to enhance the competitiveness of
Caribbean countries, using information and communication technologies to
connect the Caribbean to the global pool of knowledge, developing human
resources and facilitating greater regional integration. He also explained the
concept of Open Scholarship for the best and brightest students of Trinidad and
Tobago who can choose to study anywhere in the world (upon acceptance in the
chosen university) and the government will pay the full amount of tuition and
will also provide funding by way of student loans for other expenses.
He spoke about two projects that have
been put in place to bring more information to the population regarding
education. They take the form of buses circulating the streets of the country.
One bringing knowledge regarding the advancement of technology and the other
providing information on the education programs available to the population.
The latter was inspired by a similar initiative that the Minister encountered
in Canada.
The Head of the delegation explained that more and more
Canadian universities have no choice but to link their knowledge in the
research field with the realities of the various markets, giving the University
of British Columbia as an example. The delegation indicated
that Canada is working with the University of Trinidad and Tobago and College
of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT) to
help develop such links.
He also suggested that there could be an increase of
scholarships awarded by Commonwealth countries and as such, Canada has
increased its scholarships from 15 in 2008 to over 50 in 2010. He also
mentioned that faculty research fellowships exist.
The delegation also pointed out a
specific project that was developed by the University of Manitoba called Smartpark
Development Corporation. It is a subsidiary corporation of the University of
Manitoba. As a separate legal entity from the University, with its own Board of
Directors, the Corporation has the mandate to develop a designated 100 acres of
university land as Smartpark Research and Technology Park. Smartpark's
vision is to “Build a Community of Innovators” on the doorstep of the
University of Manitoba. It does this by developing land and space for lease to
research and technology companies and organizations involved in research areas
that coincide with research expertise at the University.
Canada is also taking a good look at
the future in terms of energy in other countries such as China, Saudi Arabia
and the State of Arizona to name a few. The delegation indicated that solar
energy should be considered in Trinidad and Tobago even though the initial
investment may have to be larger than other renewable sources of energy.
The delegation indicated that education
could also be part of the negotiation on the free trade agreement between
Canada and Trinidad and Tobago.
When the Minister expressed the idea of creating a
national trade program to allow people who are not university educated to
obtain a diploma in a specific trade, the delegation explained that Canada has the Red Seal program which allows qualified trades people to practice
their trade in any province or territory without having to write additional
examinations, thus improving labor mobility in Canada and saving time and
resources by eliminating the need for multiple examinations. Labour mobility
means that workers qualified for work in a particular occupation in one
jurisdiction have access to similar employment opportunities in any other
Canadian jurisdiction. Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and its
partners work to reconcile national occupational standards to allow workers
access to jobs across Canada.
In conclusion, the members of the delegation wish to
extend their sincere thanks to the
Hon. Timothy Hamel-Smith, Senator, President of the Senate;
Hon. Wade Mark, MP, Speaker of the House of Representatives.; the
parliamentarians and staff of the parliaments of Trinidad and Tobago for their
active participation in the development and implementation of the program and
their generous hospitality throughout the visit. A strong vote of thanks must
also be sent to Ambassador Karen McDonald, Canadian High Commissioner to
Trinidad and Tobago and her staff for their invaluable assistance throughout
this bilateral visit.
Respectfully submitted,
Mr. Russ
Hiebert, M.P., Chair,
Canadian Branch of the
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA)