NEWS RELEASE

Canadian Section of ParlAmericas attends UN Climate Change Conference in Madrid

From December 2 to December 3, 2019, the Honourable Rosa Galvez, Senator, Vice-Chair of the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas and Vice-President (North America) of ParlAmericas’ Parliamentary Network on Climate Change, represented the Canadian Section at the 25^th Conference of the Parties (COP 25), which occurred in Madrid, Spain within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Senator Galvez said: “This was the first year that ParlAmericas’ International Secretariat has participated in the annual UN climate change conference as an official observer organization. Through the participation of the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas at COP 25, we were able to engage on the most pressing issue humanity faces today.”

“Throughout the conference, I was acutely aware of legislators’ responsibilities in helping their countries to reach the Paris Agreement’s goals, transforming economies, bringing forward a just transition for affected workers, and fostering the social dialogue necessary to address this urgent issue without furthering social divisions. The need to address climate injustice has never been more compelling. G20 countries like Canada need to significantly ramp up efforts in domestic reductions and international cooperation. It’s now or never,” concluded Senator Galvez.

While at COP 25, Senator Galvez met with legislators, researchers, youth, Indigenous people, unions and other members of civil society. As well, she attended sessions focused on ways to increase global ambitions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to improve adaptation to climate change. In providing a parliamentary perspective, Senator Galvez also participated in a session that highlighted the specific contributions that legislators can make to addressing the challenges arising from climate change.

Founded in 2001 in Ottawa, ParlAmericas is the only interparliamentary institution with its International Secretariat headquartered in Canada. The Canadian Section of ParlAmericas works closely with the Secretariat to advance parliamentary diplomacy and political dialogue throughout the Americas and the Caribbean.

-30-

To learn more, follow us on our Twitter account:
Twitter: @ParlDiplomacy
Hashtag: #CPAM / #ParlAmericasCC

For further information about the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas, please contact:

Julie Pelletier
Association Secretary
613-995-5854
CPAM@parl.gc.ca