REPORT

From 15 to 18 April 2019, the Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (the Association) sent a delegation of six parliamentarians on a mission to Lisbon, Portugal, to strengthen and promote bilateral relations between Portugal and Canada and to discuss key issues related to the European Union (EU). The delegates were Scott Simms, MP and head of the delegation; Alexandra Mendès, MP and co-chair of the Canada-Portugal Parliamentary Friendship Group; Bev Shipley, MP; Marjolaine Boutin-Sweet, MP; Senator Percy E. Downe; and Senator Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia. The delegation was accompanied by Josée Thérien, Association secretary, and Madalina Chesoi, Association advisor. Ambassador Elizabeth Rice Madan and Joël Monfils also accompanied the delegation throughout its mission.

Briefing with Canada’s Ambassador to Portugal

The delegation began its mission with a briefing by Her Excellency Elizabeth Rice Madan, Ambassador of Canada to Portugal. Joël Monfils, Counsellor and Head of Political Affairs at the Mission of Canada to Portugal, Tianshi Devon Zhang, Mission Management and Consular Program Manager, and Sandro Dinis de Almeida, Trade Commissioner, also took part in the briefing.

Ambassador Rice Madan welcomed the delegates to Portugal and mentioned that it was the first visit by a Canadian parliamentary delegation in at least a decade. She underlined that such a visit contributes invaluably to strengthening bilateral relations between Portugal and Canada. The briefing started with an overview of the Portugal’s international engagements. Specifically, presenters raised the importance of transatlantic and European relations for Portugal as well as of multilateralism at the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Lisbon is also home of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries, which is a strong political association of Lusophone nations across the world.

Ambassador Rice Madan presented Canada’s priorities in Portugal, which are trade, promotion of global common values, ocean management and services to Canadians in Portugal. Trade between both countries is very targeted and mostly pertains to sectors such as clean technology; information and communication technology, which includes smart mobility and intelligent vehicles; aerospace; academic research; and fisheries. Portugal ratified the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the EU in December 2017 and is a strong promoter of the trade deal. Between October 2017 and September 2018, there was a trade increase in 30% of products and services from Canada to Portugal, representing more than $430 million in trade surplus. Trade from Portugal to Canada also increased by 10%, equalling $600 million. In terms of values, Canada and Portugal promote good governance, gender equality, respect of human rights and pluralism. As maritime countries that border the Atlantic Ocean, Canada and Portugal prioritize ocean-related cooperation, such as ocean protection and sustainability. This is done through forums, such as the Canada-Portugal Committee on Fisheries Cooperation, as well as through bilateral agreements that allow Canadian and Portuguese academic and business to access European and Canadian research and innovation funding on ocean technologies.

The Mission of Canada to Portugal provides consular services to Canadians travelling to Portugal for holidays or business. It does not offer services to those who want to immigrate to Canada, because immigration processing is done in Paris. In 2018, 274,000 Canadians visited Portugal as tourists. That number has doubled since 2014. Due to the implementation of the electronic travel authorization (eTA) last year, the Mission saw an increase of 15% in passport applications in 2017–2018. This can be explained by the high number of Canadians (estimated between 6,000 to 20,000) residing in Portugal, who can no longer enter Canada without a valid Canadian passport.

Ambassador Rice Madan also discussed the enhanced bilateral relations between Portugal and Canada after the Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa visited Canada in 2018. Canada and Portugal have since implemented a new working holiday agreement to increase youth mobility between both countries, with 400 spots for Portuguese in Canada and 200 spots for Canadians in Portugal. There is also a memorandum of understanding on aeronautical search and rescue operations in the Atlantic Ocean, which builds upon existing defence relations. Finally, Canada and Portugal signed a modernized agreement on social security to continue to ensure income security protection and promote trade and investment between both countries.

Meeting with the Vice-President of the Portuguese Parliament and with the Chair of the Portugal-Canada Friendship Group

The delegation then travelled to the Assembly of the Portuguese Republic, located in the São Bento Palace, to meet with José de Matos Correia, the Vice-President of the Portuguese Parliament, and with Maria Luis Albuquerque, Chair of the Portugal-Canada Friendship Group. Ambassador Rice Madan and Mr. Monfils also participated in the meeting.

Following the introductions, Ms. Mendès provided an overview of the Association’s mission. Mr. de Matos Correia and Ms. Albuquerque also introduced themselves, their respective roles, and their party, the Social Democratic Party, also known as PSD.

The discussions then touched on the people-to-people relations between Canada and Portugal, historically and currently, as well as the trade relations, especially regarding CETA. The upcoming European elections and Brexit were also thoroughly discussed. In particular, the delegates learned that Portugal and the United Kingdom (U.K.) have deep historical ties as maritime countries that share the Atlantic Ocean. Trade, security and defence are common concerns for Portugal and the U.K. and those relations will be different post-Brexit.

The delegates asked questions about Portugal’s history with drug decriminalization and the current legislative framework. Overall, the Portuguese parliamentarians stressed that decriminalization changed the way people see the issue—drug use is seen now as a health problem—and they are increasingly seeking help to deal with it. However, trafficking remains a problem and Portugal is seen as the drug gateway into the EU. The delegates then explained Canada’s recent experience with cannabis legalization.

Finally, the delegates toured the assembly with a guide that spoke about Portugal’s electoral system as well as history.

Meeting with Chief Executive Officer, EDP Renováveis

On 16 April, the delegation had a breakfast meeting with João Manso Neto, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of EDP Renováveis (i.e. Renewables). Ambassador Rice Madan, Mr. Monfils and Mr. Dinis de Almeida were also in attendance.

Mr. Manso Neto explained that EDP Renewables (EDPR) is part of the Energias de Portugal Group, which is the largest Portuguese industrial group. Since the mid-1990s, EDPR was created to develop, construct and operate wind farms and solar plants in Portugal and beyond. The company emphasizes the need for energy transition and aims to help Portugal meet the Sustainable Development Goals. Mr. Manso Neto echoed the company’s 2018 annual report, which states that:

EDPR supplies affordable [and] clean energy while mitigating the climate change… impacting positively on communities [and] fostering innovative infrastructures [and] circular economy … ensuring decent work, gender equality [and] preservation of the environment.[1]

EDPR is currently the world’s fourth-largest wind energy producer with 11.7 gigawatts of installed capacity in the EU and the Americas. In Portugal, EDPR has a capacity of 1,309 megawatts, which powers about a quarter of Portugal’s energy. In Canada, EDPR’s capacity is of 300 megawatts and additional capacity is expected to be operational later in 2019. EDPR entered the Canadian market in 2010 through the acquisition of wind farm projects in southwest Ontario and, later, in eastern Alberta[2]. EDPR also has a development office in Toronto. Mr. Manso Neto added that EDPR intends to keep growing and investing in Canada, as an important part of EDPR’s long-term North American growth strategy.

While more than 70% of EDPR’s capacity is built with onshore wind technology, EDPR is also investing in technology for solar energy as well as offshore wind. Mr. Manso Neto explained that the technology for solar energy tends to be cheaper now than in previous years. It also has some advantages over wind power, such as a lower sound and visual impact on nearby communities. Mr. Manson Neto believes solar will become more important in the near future and that EDPR is increasing its competitiveness. Regarding offshore wind energy, EDPR is developing several projects through partnerships.

The delegation discussed the impacts of renewables on local communities and the environment and the storage capacity for renewable energy. A comparison ensued between renewables and other sources of power used in Portugal and Europe, as well as in Canada. The discussions also touched on policy initiatives and government support for energy transition towards renewables.

Meeting with the Representation of the European Commission in Portugal

The delegation met with João Faria, Head of the Political Department at the Representation of the European Commission in Portugal. Ambassador Rice Madan and Mr. Monfils also took part in the meeting.

Mr. Faria explained the roles and activities of the Representation of the European Commission in Portugal, which mainly serves to raise awareness of the EU in Portugal and to reconcile Portuguese and European issues. Mr. Faria also provided a quick historical overview of Portugal’s history and its integration into the EU. He stated that Portugal originally saw its EU membership as a guarantor for democracy after its authoritarian regime.

Mr. Faria remarked how Portugal’s postcolonial relationships, especially with the Community of Portuguese Language Countries, influence Portugal’s foreign policy. For example, he mentioned that, during the Portuguese EU presidency in 2021, Portugal wants to organize an EU-Africa Summit.

The delegates asked about Portuguese citizens perception of the EU and its policies as well as the impact of EU policies on Portuguese policies. Mr. Faria indicated that, overall, Portuguese were in support of the EU, unlike other member states. There were also discussions with respect to CETA and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Working lunch with the Portugal-Canada Parliamentary Friendship Group

During a working lunch, the delegation met with Ricardo Baptista Leite, Vice-Chair of the Portugal-Canada Parliamentary Friendship Group, and Jamila Madeira, member of the same group. Ambassador Rice Madan and Mr. Monfils also participated in that meeting.

Mr. Baptista Leite was born in Toronto, Canada, and the lunch discussions began by touching on the Portuguese diasporas in Canada, the United States and Venezuela. Language rights, heritage and cultural issues were other topics of discussions. The delegates were also interested in hearing about CETA, drug decriminalization, drug trafficking as well as infectious diseases and vaccination rates.

Visit to the European Maritime Safety Agency

The delegates met with Georgios Christofi, Head of the Environment and Capacity Building and Manuela Tomassini, Head of Safety and Standards, at the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA). Ambassador Rice Madan and Mr. Monfils also accompanied the delegation.

Since its creation in 2002, EMSA’s mandate has evolved to its current one, which is ensuring safe and green shipping. Mr. Christofi and Ms. Tomassini provided an overview of EMSA’s role, activities and tools, including a shared e-learning platform with Transport Canada. Since Canada applies the same shipping standards as the EU, there are often joint training sessions and other initiatives, such as information sharing about emission controls, between EMSA and Transport Canada. They also showed the delegates different vessels position and traffic monitoring tools. One of those tools was co-developed with Canada; the SAT-AIS tracks ships with Automatic Identification System equipment by satellites. EMSA also cooperates with other organizations with maritime operations, such as Frontex and NATO.

The delegates asked about fuel alternatives in shipping, automated and crew-less ships, modern-day piracy, lost fishing gear and plastic use in a marine environment. They also inquired as to EMSA’s practices of intervention if there are oil spills in the jurisdictions of an EU member state. Once a member state contracts EMSA leased vessels, it will pay for the oil clean-up service.

Meeting with the General-Directorate for the Intervention Service against Addictive Behaviours and Dependency

On 17 April, the delegation met with João Goulão, Director-General of the General-Directorate for the Intervention Service against Addictive Behaviours and Dependency (SICAD), an institution under the Ministry of Health in Portugal. Ambassador Rice Madan and Mr. Monfils also took part in the meeting.

Mr. Goulão explained SICAD’s main responsibility is to promote the reduction of addictive behaviours with licit and illicit substances (i.e. alcohol, drugs) and of addictive behaviours without substances (i.e. gambling). To decrease addictions across Portugal, SICAD coordinates treatment, reintegration and prevention strategies across different state institutions and non-governmental organizations, supports harm reduction mechanisms and collects the latest information and statistical data for annual submission at the Portuguese Parliament and to the European Monitoring Centre on Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA).

Mr. Goulão explained that Portugal’s current drug policy originates from the 1980s drugs crisis. Considering the regime change and the transition to postcolonial Portugal, new world markets were opening to the country, which brought in new products, including drugs. This impacted all levels of the Portuguese society and the initial policy responses were not efficiently discouraging drug consumption. In 1987, an inter-ministerial project called Project Vida (Project Life) was established, bringing together eight ministries—including justice, health, and education—to identify additional measures they could each take to address the drugs crisis. Mr. Goulão added that Project Life led to several inefficient responses because it lacked a clear national strategy. In 1998, the government created a multidisciplinary Commission of nine people that recommended one major change to Portugal’s laws: the decriminalization of personal use of drugs and possession for use. The Commission focused on addressing the health issues by preventing addictive behaviours as well as helping and integrating people with addictive behaviours. After establishing the Drug Strategy in 1999, a series of public discussions followed, informing the legislative process and leading to the new law coming into force in 2001.

The delegates asked about Portugal’s current system, which is enforced by the police. People still go to prison for supply and drug dealing. Mr. Goulão clarified that there are thresholds—different levels depending on the drug—which trigger either an administrative sanction or a criminal offence. An administrative sanction is administered by the Commission for the Dissuasion of Drug Addiction, composed of psychologists, social workers and lawyers. The Commission can recommend treatment (not compulsory), community service, fines or periodic appearances at a designated place. If the conditions set by the Commission are not met, a person can be referred to the justice system.

Mr. Goulão pointed out that the overall system is a percent of the Portuguese health budget—about €75 million. However, he remarked that Portugal’s biggest health challenge currently is dealing with aging people who are in poorer health due to their addictive behaviours with licit and illicit substances.

Visit to the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction

The delegation met with Frédéric Denecker, Principal Programme Management Officer; Brendan Hughes, responsible for the European Legal Database on Drugs; and Ignacio Vazquez Molini, Principal Officer and Data Protection Officer, at the EMCDDA. Ambassador Rice Madan and Mr. Monfils also accompanied the delegation.

EMCDDA is a decentralized European agency, established in 1993 and located in Lisbon since 1995, that provides the EU and its member states with a factual overview of European drug problems. Considering health and security as its main pillars, it seeks to ensure a more safe and secure EU. Mr. Denecker provided an overview of EMCDDA’s mandate and activities, which include monitoring of drug situations and regulations, assessment of threats and trends, response support to member states, as well as research and analysis. He explained their data collection system is based on each member state collecting data in their respective country. EMCDDA also conducts water waste analysis to complement and confirm data. Mr. Vazquez Molini also spoke about EMCDDA’s cooperation with specific countries, regional partners, EU institutions and international organizations, such as the World Health Organization and Interpol. Last year, EMCDDA published a joint report with the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction regarding cannabis and driving.

In order to be relevant, EMCDDA produces targeted and timely publications. The European Drug Report is a yearly statistical analysis that provides an overview across the EU and includes country profiles. EMCDDA also produce the EU Drug Markets Report, which is an in-depth analysis, as well as background reports on health and social responses to drug problems.

The delegates asked about the response coordination within the EU, about tools to detect driving under the influence of licit and illicit substances, the distribution and use of naloxone kits, programs such as needle exchanges, consumption rooms and shelters, decriminalization initiatives around the world, and the drug-related purchases on the internet, including the darknet.

Working lunch on the Business Environment in Portugal

During a working lunch on business and trade, the delegation met with Luis Brites Pereira, former Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and professor of international economics; Francisca Lucena e Vale, Deputy-Director for External Markets at AICEP Portugal Global; João Santos, representative of BMO Global Asset Management in Portugal; Gonçalo Pereira, Regional Sales Manager at Avigilon; and Nuno Nunes, Director of Consulting Services at CGI Portugal. Ambassador Rice Madan and Mr. Monfils also took part.

Each participant provided an overview of their organization and mandate. Mr. Santos informed the delegates that there are no Canadian banks in Portugal because the market is too small. The delegates then had multiple conversations about economic diversification, populism, CETA and the soon-to-be-implemented Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement. There were also discussions about the support Canadian companies receive from Export Development Canada. Mr. Brites Pereira described Portugal’s efforts to raise its profile as a tourism destination and having certain iconic brands. While Canada has maple syrup as an iconic brand, Portugal is positioning its pastel de nata (also known as Portuguese custard tart) and items made from cork as “Portugal’s brand.”

Visit to the National Support Centre for the Integration of Migrants and meeting with the High Commissioner for Migrations

The delegates were welcomed at the National Support Centres for the Integration of Migrants (CNAIM) by Pedro Calado, High Commissioner for Migrations, as well as his colleagues, employees and migrants who were at the CNAIM. Ambassador Rice Madan and Mr. Monfils were also present.

Mr. Calado explained that since 2004, the High Commission for Migrations has created a place to gather, under one roof, different services, support systems, institutions and departments that newcomers need in order to settle in Portugal. Currently, there is a CNAIM in Lisbon, Porto and Faro and 99 smaller local centres throughout the country. Mr. Calado informed the delegates that this comprehensive approach to integration and direct, easy access to services has been replicated in Ireland, Greece and Montreal, Canada.

The three principal CNAIMs welcome all migrants regardless of status and serve about 110,000 people per day while offering a thousand specific services. In Lisbon, the CNAIM is located in a former school and has four floors of services. It is open Monday to Friday, from 8 AM to 5 PM.

On the first floor, there is a Welcoming and Sorting office which provides an assessment of the migrants’ needs and a “road map” through the CNAIM to respond to those needs. The documentation service helps migrants organize their papers and create a digital file that will be used throughout the CNAIM. There is a children's daycare service as well as a breast-feeding space to allow migrants some peace of mind while they complete their paperwork and meetings at CNAIM. The centre has multiple intercultural services, including intercultural mediators that can speak in total 14 different languages and build public trust with newcomers. Mr. Calado highlighted that the centre is a safe space and, therefore, border services or police cannot come and arrest people in the building. There are also telephone translation services (with a total of 58 different languages) and a migrant support line. The Citizen Spot is for helping people filling out the residence requirements.

On the second floor, there are several institutions and departments that newcomers might need. The Foreigners and Borders Services allow people to access status documents, discuss family reunification, complete their biometrics requirements or renew permits. The Health Office screens and refers migrants to the appropriate medical centres. It also teaches migrants how to navigate the Portuguese health care system. The Social Security Office allows people to register for their Portuguese identification card and access all other social services. The Commission for Equality and Against Racial Discrimination also has an office at the CNAIM. The Employment office offers skills updating, helps with foreign credential recognition and guides newcomers with their job search. There is also a Migrant Entrepreneur Support Office, with offers entrepreneurship training, a mentoring program as well as a co-work area with access to computers and literature. Mr. Calado informed the delegates that the UNHCR highlighted this office as a success story in a report last year.

On the third floor, migrants can access the Central Registry office and the Social Affairs and Inclusion office. Under Social Affairs, migrants can meet with government representatives to understand Portugal’s social benefits and how to access them if needed. They can also get referrals for social housing or other services. The Legal Support Office offers judicial support and legal aid to migrants in all areas, except litigation. In Portugal, migrants have the right to go to school until they are 18 years old and the Education Office helps with school registration and other requirements. At the CNAIM, there is also a Support Office for Employment, Higher Education and Qualification, as well as a Network of Immigrant Occupational Insertion Offices.

On the fourth floor, the High Commission for Migrations, the Observatory for Migration and the Local Policy Support have their offices. The Observatory for Migration is the research and analysis branch of the High Commission for Migrations. The Local Policy Support oversees the other 99 local centres throughout Portugal and approves the integration plans proposed by the civil society and municipalities.

The delegates also saw the welcome kits prepared by the High Commission for Migrations that migrants receive at the airport. The kits include a welcome guide in five languages, a common expression dictionary, a map of Portugal, a t-shirt, a SIM card with €15, a digital USB kit with an app for cellphones to get around Portugal and a welcome to Portugal drawing made by Portuguese school children.

In response to questions, Mr. Calado discussed Portugal’s migration policy, the EU migration crisis and the proposed changes to EU legislation.

Meeting with the Secretary of State for European Affairs

The delegation met with Ana Paula Zacarias, Secretary of State for European Affairs. Ambassador Rice Madan and Mr. Monfils also attended the meeting.

Ms. Zacarias spoke about the bilateral relations between Canada and the EU, which are based on common values and are key to tackle common challenges, such as environmental and climate issues. She also spoke about the need to promote mobility between Canada and the EU, as well as the importance of CETA. Regarding CETA, Ms. Zacarias shared her impressions on how Portuguese perceive trade and globalization—views are on both sides of the spectrum—but, overall, Portugal is in favour of CETA. She stressed that more awareness and promotion of CETA are required, especially for small and medium-size enterprises. She hopes CETA will increase new areas of work and trade, especially in the renewable energies as well as the information and communication technology sectors. The delegates asked questions about other trade agreements the EU is in the process of negotiating or ratifying, such as with Japan.

Ms. Zacarias also outlined Portugal and the EU’s strengths in regard to the blue economy. Lisbon will host the 2020 United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. She proposed that the next Canada-EU Summit be held on ocean sustainability and blue economy. The delegates described Canada’s recent initiatives towards marine protection and mentioned the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization.

Visit of the Oceanário and meeting with the Oceanário research team

The delegation ended its mission on 18 April by visiting the Oceanário in Lisbon and spoke with Emanuel Gonçalves, member of the Board of Directors for the Oceano Azul Foundation. Mr. Gonçalves also had his colleagues Rita, Miguel and Diego guide the delegates through the Oceanário and answer questions. Ambassador Rice Madan and Mr. Monfils were also at the meeting.

The Oceanário was created in 1998 by the Portuguese government but was transferred to the Oceano Azul Foundation in 2017. The foundation aims to break down the silos between ocean preservation and sustainable economic development. Mr. Gonçalves stated that there is a severe degradation of oceans around the world, but the public is not well informed. As such, the foundation works towards ocean literacy and conservation, creating partnerships and fostering international cooperation on ocean sustainability.

While the Oceanário offers a great window into the world of oceans, the foundation has also developed and implemented an educational pilot program for primary Portuguese children aged five to nine years old. The program has a bottom-up approach, involving students in their education, and trains teachers to talk about the world’s ocean sustainability in different subject matters. The program is divided in nine chapters, such as the ocean’s ecosystem, the historical relations Portuguese had with the ocean, and the environmental problems that affect the oceans.

The foundation is also focused on the blue biodiversity value because, according to Mr. Gonçalves, ocean conservation will not be accomplished without tackling the economy. He also spoke the creation of a business accelerator program for the blue economy, especially regarding the development of marine biotech to preserve oceans. He informed the delegates that the foundation is considering having the program in Canada, beause there is already a development research ecosystem with a few companies in the field.

Mr. Gonçalves also spoke about Portugal’s political will to develop the blue economy, especially since 55% of the EU’s maritime territory is Portuguese. He mentioned the Blue Azores Program which, in partnership with the Regional Government of the Azores and the Waitt Institute, aims to declare 15% of the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Azores as new marine protected areas, to create and implement management plans for the new marine reserves and all existing marine protected areas, and to develop innovative approaches contributing to the sustainable management of fisheries[3].

Respectfully submitted,

Scott Simms, M.P.
Chair
Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association