Report

DELEGATION MEMBERS AND STAFF

From April 23-26, 2019, the Honourable Robert Nault, P.C., M.P., President of ParlAmericas and Chair of the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas, led a delegation to Brasilia and São Paulo, Brazil for bilateral meetings. The other delegates were the Honourable Jim Munson, Senator, the Honourable David M. Wells, Senator, the Honourable Kellie Leitch, P.C., M.P. and Ms. Brenda Shanahan, M.P. Delegates were accompanied by David-Andrés Novoa, the Canadian Section’s Executive Secretary, and Alison Clegg, Advisor to the Canadian Section.

ACTIVITIES DURING THE BILATERAL VISIT

1. Briefing by Ambassador Rick Savone, Bonny Berger, François-Paul Lapointe and Pascale Rochette

Canada’s Ambassador to Brazil, Mr. Rick Savone, and other officials from the Embassy of Canada to Brazil briefed delegates about Brazil's history and current political situation, its potential as a trade and investment partner for Canada, and the Government of Canada’s priorities in the country. The following officials from the Embassy of Canada to Brazil participated: Ms. Bonny Berger, who is a Counsellor and Senior Trade Commissioner; Ms. Pascale Rochette, who is the First Secretary, Political Affairs; and Mr. François-Paul Lapointe, who is the Security Program Manager.

Embassy officials told delegates that Brazil's population exceeds that of all other South American countries combined, and that Brazil alone generates significantly more than 50% of the continent's gross domestic product (GDP); however, for many decades, the country has been inwardly focused, with less than 25% of its GDP resulting from international trade. As well, they said that there is significant "room on the shelves" for Canadian food products, and – in describing Brazil as a gateway – suggested that access to markets in other South American countries could be a natural “next step” once a firm enters Brazil’s market.

As well, Embassy officials spoke about Brazil’s new president, Jair Bolsonaro, his administration's policy priorities, the challenges that President Bolsonaro has faced to date in implementing his agenda in the country's National Congress, and the mainstream media’s consistently negative view of President Bolsonaro. In their view, President Bolsonaro is appointing professionals – rather than “political friends” – to key roles, and – as part of his anti-corruption focus – is not forming alliances in the National Congress in the traditional way, which is making it difficult for him to advance his agenda. Moreover, they mentioned the Lava Jato operation (Operation Car Wash), which has resulted in many of Brazil’s politicians being charged with corruption.

According to Embassy officials, the Government of Canada hopes to enhance trade and investment between Canada and Brazil. They indicated that Canada has been the primary foreign destination for Brazilian students for several consecutive years, and that people's positive associations with Canada from their youth can make meaningfully contributions to the bilateral relationship years later. As well, they described connections between Brazilian and Canadian firms, and noted the Embassy's efforts to facilitate opportunities for employees of Brazilian mining firms to undertake professional education in Canada.

Finally, Embassy officials informed delegates that their delegation was the first parliamentary group from Canada to visit Brazil in many years, and highlighted the Embassy's role in enhancing Canadians’ understanding of Brazil and in helping the two countries to build a way forward together.

2. Meeting with Deputy Eduardo Bolsonaro and Other Deputies

In addition to Deputy Eduardo Bolsonaro, who chairs the Chamber of Deputies Committee on Foreign Relations and National Defense and is one of President Bolsonaro's sons, delegates met with: Deputy Rosangela Gomes, who chairs the Brazil–Canada Friendship Group; Deputy Alex Manente, who is a member of the Committee on Foreign Relations and National Defense; Deputy Eduardo Barbosa, who is Brazil's new representative to ParlAmericas; and Deputy Marcel van Hattem, who is one of the Committee on Foreign Relations and National Defense’s two vice-chairs.

Deputy Bolsonaro described Brazil's new visa waivers for visitors from Canada, Japan, the United States and Australia, which are aimed at increasing tourism. During a discussion about the importance of growth in Brazil’s offshore oil and gas sector, he spoke about the potential for development and extraction of offshore petroleum reserves by private firms on Brazil’s east coast in areas that were previously held exclusively by Petrobras, which is majority-owned by the Government of Brazil. Furthermore, Mr. Bolsonaro speculated that oil and gas are likely to be replaced by renewable sources of energy in about 30 years, with the result that it will be in Brazil's national interest not to own resources that are used to extract petroleum.

Delegates and the Deputies discussed healthcare, and – more specifically – the link between high-quality primary healthcare and a strong economy. Following a description of Brazil's universal healthcare system, they spoke about wait lists and the provision of specialized care. Moreover, the importance of the rights of people with disabilities and Canada’s Bill C-81, the Accessible Canada Act, were highlighted.

Finally, after noting some of the similarities between Canada and Brazil, delegates and the Deputies characterized the delegation’s visit as an opportunity to strengthen bonds between the two countries and discussed Brazil's role in ParlAmericas.

3. Visits to Committees of the Chamber of Deputies

Deputy Rosangela Gomes accompanied delegates to meetings that were underway at three of the Chamber of Deputies’ committees: the Committee on Social Security and Family; the Committee on Education; and the Committee on Foreign Relations and National Defense. At these meetings, delegates were introduced, and such topics as the value of parliamentary exchanges, the opportunities for learning from each other and the mandate of ParlAmericas were discussed.

4. Meeting with Minister Damares Alves

Delegates met with Brazil’s Minister of Women, Family and Human Rights, Damares Alves, and two ministerial officials: Angela Gandra Martins, who is the National Secretary for Family; and Milton Santos, who is responsible for international affairs. Deputy Rosangela Gomes and Embassy officials also attended the meeting.

Minister Alves spoke about her priorities, which include developing a regulatory framework for the inclusion of people with disabilities, legalizing homeschooling, and preventing suicide and self-harm by youth. She also highlighted Indigenous issues and made general comments about her Ministry, which she described as the third most influential – after Justice and Finance – but underfunded in comparison to them. As well, she said that "human rights are for everyone," and suggested that the Ministry – which she believes has, to date, had too great a focus on LGBT issues – will now take a broader view.

Regarding inclusion in politics, Minister Alves commented that there is diversity in Brazil's National Congress and pointed out that the first Indigenous Deputy was elected in 2018. In her view, Indigenous peoples in Brazil are better represented today than at any other point in history. In discussing women in politics in Canada and in Brazil, she highlighted Brazil’s 30% quota for female political candidates and characterized affirmative action as important in the country.

According to Minister Alves, President Bolsonaro’s top three priorities are combatting violent crime, fighting corruption and promoting traditional "family values." She noted that, in his selections for appointments to key government positions, President Bolsonaro’s focus has been skill sets and technical experience, rather than politics.

Minister Alves told delegates that Brazil has more than 300 Indigenous tribes, 273 languages, and between 20 and 30 uncontacted groups. She also commented that the country has more Roma than Indigenous peoples, although little is heard about the former’s rights. She showed delegates a video that advocated against the practice of infanticide among Indigenous groups, and shared her view that "the right to life is more important than the right to culture." Moreover, Minister Alves said that most Indigenous tribes in Brazil – especially those in the country’s south – want to be "integrated," and to work and earn money. Finally, she stated that no rights, including Indigenous rights to land, will be violated in Brazil under the Bolsonaro administration.

Delegates, Minister Alves and her ministerial officials discussed: the importance of resources for mental health and education for youth, especially Indigenous youth, and of recognizing the social determinants of health; the priority of economic empowerment; Canada's past and present treatment of, and relationship with, Indigenous peoples; youth suicide and mental health in Canada, particularly in Indigenous communities; the effectiveness of the Canada Child Benefit in addressing poverty; the high rate of femicide in Brazil; and Brazil's interest in learning about Canada's amber alert system for child abductions.

5. Meeting with Lucas de Aragão and Creomar Souza

Delegates met with two Brazilian political analysts: Lucas de Aragão, who is a partner at Arko Advice; and Creomar Souza, who is the founder of Dharma Political Risk/Strategy and a professor of international relations at the Universidade Católica de Brasília. Officials from the Embassy of Canada to Brazil, as well as Ambassadors from Egypt, Norway and Switzerland, also attended the meeting.

Mr. de Aragão and Mr. Souza explained that Brazil’s mainstream media have tended to sensationalize President Bolsonaro's extreme statements and to downplay his more pragmatic proposals. As well, they noted that President Bolsonaro is “anti-establishment,” and commented that – in their view – President Bolsonaro genuinely intends to combat corruption and to govern differently than past presidents. According to them, President Bolsonaro wants to transform Brazil’s “political landscape,” but needs new strategies because, in his first 100 days, his executive had not yet established a “healthy dialogue” with the National Congress.

Delegates, Mr. de Aragão, Mr. Souza and the representatives from the various embassies discussed the challenges that the Bolsonaro administration is facing as it learns how to “negotiate” in Brazil’s National Congress and how to govern, and the ways in which members of the National Congress are responding to the new administration.

6. Meeting with Senator Nelsinho Trad and Other Senators

Senator Nelsinho Trad, who chairs the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and National Defense, welcomed delegates and expressed his wish for ongoing contact and the exchange of ideas between Brazil and Canada. Delegates and Senator Trad discussed the history and role of Brazil’s Senate, and the importance of maintaining strong relations between countries.

Delegates were introduced in the Senate Chamber and had an opportunity to speak with several Senators about their election, the states that they represent and the challenges that they face.

7. Meeting with Maria Auxiliadora Rezende

Delegates met with the head of the Women's Secretariat, Maria Auxiliadora Rezende, and some of her staff. Deputy Rosangela Gomes also attended the meeting.

Delegates described the work undertaken by ParlAmericas’ Parliamentary Network for Gender Equality, and emphasized that ParlAmericas operates in Portuguese and provides opportunities for both learning and the exchange of ideas. They also expressed their hope that Brazil will regularly participate in ParlAmericas’ activities.

In their discussion, delegates and Ms. Rezende spoke about the importance of gender equality and noted that it can lead to economic development. She told delegates that Brazil’s National Congress currently has the highest number of women ever elected, at 77 Senators and Deputies, and highlighted the country’s quotas for female electoral candidates. Ms. Rezende also mentioned Brazil’s current initiatives relating to women's rights, training for women, domestic violence and femicide, including the development of a new law to address violence against women.

Ms. Rezende explained that one of her primary interests is education. She noted the challenges of homeschooling in Brazil because this practice is not legal, and delegates offered to share with her some examples of Canadian provincial legislation relating to homeschooling. As well, delegates suggested that members of Brazil's Women's Secretariat should visit Canada to learn more about such issues as parental leave for men, universal childcare, rural healthcare, employment equity and policies that can facilitate women's economic empowerment.

8. Meeting with Deputy Marcos Pereira

Delegates met with Deputy Marcos Pereira, who is Deputy Speaker in Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies and the leader of the Brazilian Republican Party. Until early 2018, Deputy Pereira was Minister of Industry, Trade, and Services in Brazil's previous government.

In highlighting the importance of a legislature’s Speaker in selecting the legislators who travel to participate in international events, such as those organized by ParlAmericas, delegates noted ParlAmericas’ three themes: gender equality; open governments; and climate change. Deputy Pereira indicated that he had attended the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada’s 2019 conference, and delegates urged him to visit Canada again and identified several upcoming events that might be of interest to him.

Regarding Indigenous peoples in Brazil, Deputy Pereira characterized the likelihood of any “problems” concerning their rights under the Bolsonaro administration as “remote.” He said that the new administration's planned social security and tax system reforms are needed and expressed the hope that Brazil's National Congress will pass the required legislation by October 2019. He described Brazil's tax system as complex, confusing and in need of simplification.

9. Meeting with Bonny Berger, Réal Brisson and Pascale Rochette

Delegates met with the following program managers from the Embassy of Canada to Brazil to share information about selected aspects of the meetings that had already occurred during their bilateral visit: Bonny Berger, who is a Counsellor and Senior Trade Commissioner; Captain Réal Brisson, who is the defense attaché; and Pascale Rochette, who is the First Secretary, Political Affairs. The following topics were noted: Operation Car Wash, and its repercussions in Brazil and other South American countries; inequality in Brazil and the economic situation for most Brazilians; the various categories of police and military personnel in Brazil; Canada's military cooperation with Brazil; the crisis in Venezuela; and Brazil's role in South America.

10. Meeting with Carlos Vilhena

Delegates met with Carlos Vilhena, a lawyer and political analyst who specializes in Brazil's extractive sectors. Embassy officials also attended the meeting.

Mr. Vilhena described Brazil’s legal and regulatory framework for mining firms, and noted the country's 1968 mining law, which has seldom been amended. According to him, Operation Car Wash has not affected Brazil’s mining sector. He identified Vale SA as the country’s main iron ore producer, and said that most firms are small and many are foreign. As well, he stated that Brazil has numerous small and unregulated mining operations, and suggested that such operations are difficult to control or oversee.

As well, Mr. Vilhena explained that Brazil’s iron ore production is currently suspended because of the January 2019 tailings dam collapse in Minas Gerais state. Delegates, Mr. Vilhena and Embassy officials discussed Brazilian and Canadian approaches to the oversight of mining operations, the importance of independent inspection of mining sites, and Canada's process whereby large firms contribute to a fund to pay the costs of independent arbitrators selected by the courts. According to Mr. Vilhena, Brazil's public prosecutors ensure that firms and citizens obey laws, and a federal prosecutor is able to bring a case against a firm at any time if wrongdoing is suspected. Delegates noted that this ability could create uncertainty for investors.

As well, Mr. Vilhena explained that the laws governing the use of royalties paid by mining firms in Brazil result in numerous problems, with 65% of the royalties being paid to local governments and about 10% to the federal government. According to him, this distribution of royalties leads Brazil’s federal mining agency to be underfunded and understaffed. He also noted that royalties should not be used to finance salaries for public servants, which results in a bias towards infrastructure projects that often occur without sufficient oversight by local governments, which are under-resourced. Delegates and Embassy officials identified the potential for collaboration between Brazil and Canada relating to corporate social responsibility, which is an area in which Brazil currently has no law.

Mr. Vilhena said that President Bolsonaro has publicly indicated his support for allowing exploration in the Amazon region, and mentioned that there is currently no regulatory framework to allow this exploration. He explained that Brazil's 1988 Constitution allows mining to occur on Indigenous reserves if certain rules to protect affected communities are followed, but the government would need to create the required rules because none currently exist. Delegates commented that there is global interest in protecting Indigenous peoples and the environment in the Amazon region, and noted that international firms would be unlikely to risk their reputation for the potential financial gains that could result from undertaking exploration in the Amazon region unless there is a “social licence” for such exploration.

Finally, Mr. Vilhena shared his view that President Bolsonaro is operating differently than Brazil’s previous presidents because he is refusing to grant political favours, and suggested that both President Bolsonaro and the National Congress are still learning how to function in this new context.

11. Meeting with General Franklimberg de Freitas

Delegates met with the president of Brazil's National Indian Foundation (FUNAI), General Franklimberg de Freitas, and with FUNAI’s senior staff. FUNAI's staff said that the Acampamento Terra Livre (Free Land Camp), which is an annual gathering of Indigenous peoples from Brazil, was underway, and commented that – this year – the gathering had attracted more than 3,000 Indigenous peoples who were defending their rights and meeting with members of Brazil’s National Congress.

FUNAI’s staff described the wide range of levels of development and integration of Indigenous peoples in Brazil, from those who are living uncontacted in the Amazon region to those who are operating large farms in the south of the country. They spoke about responsibility for the demarcation of Indigenous territory in Brazil, which – through a recent presidential decree – has been moved from FUNAI to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply. Regarding demarcation, they explained that the Ministry has lots of experience with land management, and noted that other services for Indigenous peoples – such as health and education – had been FUNAI's responsibility before being shifted to ministries that are not focused on Indigenous issues.

Moreover, FUNAI’s staff pointed out that Indigenous peoples in Brazil have the right to use and live on their traditional lands, but that they do not own the resources that are below ground; these resources belong to the federal government. They also noted the lack of a regulatory framework for mining on Indigenous lands. Delegates, General de Freitas and FUNAI’s staff discussed Indigenous populations in Brazil and Canada, and the importance of economic inclusion and empowerment.

General de Freitas explained that Indigenous peoples in Brazil have the right to choose their lifestyle and to have FUNAI support their choices. According to him, FUNAI is seen as the "home" of Indigenous peoples in Brazil, and whenever Indigenous peoples are involved in a protest or strike, FUNAI is physically present to offer support. He stated that Canada is seen as having expertise about Indigenous issues. Finally, he outlined FUNAI's new structure, which is focused on three divisions: administration; land protection; and the promotion of sustainable development. He said that, although FUNAI's responsibilities include overseeing more than 500 Indigenous territories, its annual budget is approximately $33 million.

12. Meeting with Senator Davi Alcolumbre and Other Senators

Delegates met with the Speaker of the Senate, Senator Davi Alcolumbre, who is a former Deputy. Senator Rosa de Freitas and Senator Plinio Valerias, as well as Embassy officials, also attended the meeting.

Senator Alcolumbre emphasized the urgency of the social security reforms that are currently underway, and explained that many view these reforms as crucial to managing the Government of Brazil’s finances. Delegates told the Senators about ParlAmericas' mandate and structure, and mentioned that several members of the National Congress would travel to Canada in May 2019 for a meeting of the ParlAmericas Open Parliament Network. Delegates and the Senators identified numerous "points of convergence" between Canada and Brazil, including the two countries' size, significant Indigenous populations, and mining and oil and gas sectors.

Senator Alcolumbre noted that more than one-half of Brazil’s Senators were elected to that chamber in the October 2018 elections, and commented that – to date – he is the youngest Senate Speaker.

Following the meeting, delegates were invited to the Senate Chamber, where a special session to honour Indigenous peoples in Brazil was underway.

13. Meeting with Carolos Terena, Milene Maia Oberlaender and Chief Alvaro Tukano

Delegates met with Carlos Terena of the Terena people, who promotes Indigenous culture through sport, Milene Maia Oberlaender, who is deputy coordinator of the Social and Environmental Law and Policy Program at Instituto Socioambiental (the Socio-environmental Institute), and Chief Alvaro Tukano (also known as Alvaro Fernandes Sampaio) of the Tukano tribe, who is an Indigenous leader and advocate. Embassy officials also attended the meeting.

Mr. Terena recounted the history of the Indigenous People's Games in Brazil and the World Indigenous Games, and spoke about working with Canadians to organize the latter games, which took place in the state of Tocantins, Brazil in 2015, and in Alberta, Canada in 2017. He highlighted the importance of celebrating and protecting Indigenous culture through traditional sports.

Ms. Oberlaender described the Instituto Socioambiental's work supporting land and environmental claims by Indigenous groups, and said that she and her colleagues are inspired by what occurs in Canada in these areas.

Mr. Tukano shared stories about Indigenous peoples in the Rio Negro region of the Amazon where he grew up, and mentioned the history of slavery, the missionaries who forbade the use of Indigenous languages, and the violent conflicts over land that continue to occur. Mr. Tukano said that Indigenous peoples experience violence and danger in their everyday lives as they confront drug smugglers, illegal miners and farmers who want their land, among other risks, and that they do so without support from the state. He explained that President Bolsonaro is unwilling to support Indigenous peoples whose lands are being threatened, and that – as a result – Indigenous groups fear that the threats will increase despite the existence of laws that protect their rights and lands. He said that just living in their territories can be extremely dangerous for Indigenous peoples.

As well, Mr. Tukano suggested that there is great prejudice against Indigenous peoples in Brazil’s National Congress, particularly among members of the "ruralist" caucus, which has a long history of opposing Indigenous rights. He indicated that Indigenous peoples need both allies in other countries and Indigenous–Indigenous ties to facilitate the sharing of information. In noting the valuable mineral reserves that lie under the Amazon, Mr. Tukano stated that Brazil's future is tied to Indigenous lands. He gave each delegate a letter in which COOPERÍNDIO, a cooperative of Indigenous peoples from the Balaio Territory, states a desire to partner with Canadian firms to explore – and benefit from – the mineral resources, particularly niobium, located in that territory.

Delegates, Mr. Terena, Ms. Oberlaender and Mr. Tukano discussed issues relating to Indigenous rights in Brazil and Canada, the challenges in protecting endangered languages, and the ways in which governments can improve their relationships with Indigenous peoples.

14. Visit to SOS Aldeias Infantis (SOS Children's Villages)

To learn more about the situation of Venezuelan refugees living in Brazil, delegates met with staff and residents at SOS Aldeias Infantis (SOS Children's Villages), as well as with Federico Martinez, the Deputy Representative of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Brazil, and other UNHCR staff. Embassy officials also attended the meeting.

Mr. Martinez reported that about 3,000 people arrive in Brazil from Venezuela each month, and mentioned that between 110,000 and 120,000 Venezuelans were living in Brazil as of April 2019. In noting the UNHCR’s estimate that 5 million people will have fled Venezuela by the end of 2019, he highlighted the UNHCR’s view that refugee status for Venezuelans is clearly justified based on the serious and generalized lack of access to the basic necessities of life in their country. As well, he commented that Brazil is working hard to ensure order at the border between Brazil and Venezuela, and to guarantee that people who enter Brazil have proper documentation so that they can both work and access social services. In his view, moving refugees from border regions to other locations in Brazil reduces the burden on the border regions and increases the probability that refugees will find employment. Mr. Martinez stated that Brazil sometimes considers Canada's private sponsorship model of refugee support and settlement as a model.

Staff from SOS Aldeias Infantis mentioned the support that is provided to the most vulnerable, who primarily are families with very young children and single women. Delegates spoke to members of a young Venezuelan family living at SOS Aldeias Infantis about their experiences in moving to Brazil, and in being supported with housing, language training and help with finding work. Delegates also visited other families.

15. Briefing by Consul General Stéphane Larue

The Consul General of Canada in São Paulo, Stéphane Larue, briefed delegates about the Consulate’s role, which is focused on trade development activities, and on consular and immigration services. Mr. Larue highlighted that São Paulo has more than 40 million residents and the second-highest GDP in South America, after Brazil as a whole. He also spoke about the Consulate's role in building long-term relationships with a wide variety of groups and individuals.

Regarding support for firms, Mr. Larue explained that the Consulate is responsible for São Paulo and several other states in Brazil, and that Canadian firms may be encouraged to begin operations in the state of São Paulo or in a smaller, less competitive market elsewhere in Brazil.

Mr. Larue told delegates that Canada's visa policy supports the movement of employees and that – when compared to the United States, which is seen as unwelcoming – Canada is seen as a desirable destination. He noted that Canada's Global Skills Strategy allows Brazilian and other firms to bring essential workers to Canada within two weeks, with a path to citizenship. According to him, Quebec – for example – allows people with work visas to apply for citizenship after being employed in Canada for two years.

Delegates and Mr. Larue discussed several events that bring Brazilian and Canadian interests together, and identified individuals who could be invited to Canada to promote and develop the bilateral relationship.

16. Meeting with Québec International

Delegates met with representatives of Québec International, which is the economic development agency for the Quebec City region. In particular, representatives of 17 Quebec firms were in São Paulo for a recruitment fair at which they hoped to hire up to 400 Brazilians. Delegates and these representatives discussed such topics as the importance of building international relationships, business opportunities in Brazil, and future connections between Canada and Brazil.

17. Meeting with Samira Bueno and David Marques

Delegates met with Samira Bueno and David Marques, the Executive Director and project coordinator, respectively, of the Brazilian Forum on Public Security (BFPS). Officials from Canada’s Consulate in São Paulo also attended the meeting.

Ms. Bueno commented that, to remedy a crime-related data gap in Brazil, the BFPS compiles state-level data from Brazil’s 27 states and prepares an annual "Atlas on Violence." According to her, in 2017, with funding from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, the BFPS also published the first major study on gender-based violence in Brazil.

Ms. Bueno and Mr. Marques stated that non-white Brazilians are much more likely to be victims of violence than are white Brazilians, and indicated that the leading cause of death in Brazil for boys aged between 10 and 18 years is police violence. They also said that Brazilian police killed more than 6,000 people in 2018. Regarding violence directed against specific groups, Ms. Bueno and Mr. Marques noted that 110 murders of Indigenous peoples and 367 murders of members of the LGBTQ community were recorded in that year, although complete information is not available regarding motive or the sexual preference or gender identity of the victims. They explained that Brazil’s north and northeast, which have high poverty rates, have levels of violence that are higher than in the city of Rio de Janeiro, especially violence directed against young, black men. They also outlined problems with powerful gangs, which recruit members in prisons.

Concerning gender-based violence, Ms. Bueno and Mr. Marques indicated that reporting rates are low in Brazil, as they are in many places in the world. They also identified a lack of institutional structure and policy to address violence against Brazilian women, but drew attention to two laws: the 2006 Maria da Penha law designed to combat domestic violence; and a 2015 law against femicide. In their view, the implementation of these laws is weak, and measuring whether they are making a significant difference is difficult. They highlighted research conducted by the BFPS that suggests that more than 27% of Brazilian women experienced some kind of violence in 2017. Ms. Bueno and Mr. Marques presented data suggesting that, when gun controls were most recently introduced, there was a measurable reduction in gun violence. They told delegates that President Bolsonaro has promised to reduce gun controls, which will likely lead to an increase in gun violence.

Ms. Bueno and Mr. Marques presented data suggesting that, when gun controls were most recently introduced, there was a measurable reduction in gun violence. They told delegates that President Bolsonaro has promised to reduce gun controls, which will likely lead to an increase in gun violence.

18. Briefing by Consul General Stéphane Larue, Elise Racicot, Patrick Courcelles, Marie-Hélène Béland and James McNamee

Delegates were briefed by Mr. Larue, and by the following officials from Canada’s Consulate in São Paulo: Ms. Elise Racicot, who is a Consul and Senior Trade Commissioner; Mr. Patrick Courcelles, who is a Trade Commissioner; Ms. Marie-Hélène Béland, who is a Trade Commissioner; and Mr. James McNamee, who is the Manager of Canada's Immigration Program in Brazil.

Consulate officials described Canada's Global Skills Strategy, International Education Strategy and related immigration policies that facilitate Canada’s engagement with Brazilian firms operating in Canada or entering the Canadian marketplace. According to them, Canada can be a “stepping stone” for Brazilian firms seeking to expand into other English-speaking countries. They also stated that the Global Skills Strategy provides these firms with opportunities to move labour quickly and easily into Canada without displacing Canadian workers.

Furthermore, Consulate officials informed delegates that more than 40,000 Brazilians visit Canada each year for language studies, and that most immigrants to Canada from Brazil settle in Quebec. They commented that the emotional bond created by Brazilians’ experiences in Canada often lasts years and “pays dividends” much later. As examples, they identified a number of Brazilians who had studied in Canada and profess an affection for the country.

According to Consulate officials, some of the business that takes place between Canada and Brazil occurs in ways that are not captured by trade data, with the result that the full extent of the business linkages between the two countries is not clear. They identified a number of barriers that are preventing Canada and Brazil from doing more business together, including the slow progress of the Canada–MERCOSUR free trade negotiations, the complexity of Brazil’s tax system, corruption in Brazil and the need to speak Portuguese.

Finally, Consulate officials described Brazil as being “full of possibilities,” but also shared a phrase often heard in Brazil: "Brazil is not for amateurs." They assured delegates that Canada has built very strong relationships in Brazil, and has a highly competent, professional team available to help Canadian firms seize the opportunities that Brazil has to offer, and vice versa.

19. Meeting with Representatives of Canadian Firms That Are Doing Business in Brazil and with Representatives of the Brazil-Canada Chamber of Commerce.

Delegates met with approximately 15 representatives of Canadian firms that are doing business in Brazil and with staff from the Brazil-Canada Chamber of Commerce. The firms operate in such sectors as mining, aerospace, cannabis, property management, investment and transportation. Discussions focused on the challenges and aspirations of Canadian firms doing business in Brazil.

Representatives of the Canadian firms were generally optimistic about the economic approach being taken by the Bolsonaro administration, but pointed out that President Bolsonaro and his administration still seem to be learning about how to make the government function. In their view, Brazil is becoming more business-friendly, and the planned social services and tax reforms should be top priorities for any government in Brazil. Some representatives felt that media coverage of President Bolsonaro's negative statements about Indigenous peoples, LGBTQ issues and other social issues have overshadowed the positive changes that would result from implementation of his administration’s planned reforms.

As well, the representatives of the Canadian firms enumerated the challenges of doing business in Brazil, which – in their opinion – are limiting the country's economic growth. They identified such challenges as: attracting private and international investment; high tariffs and numerous import regulations; a lack of rail, sanitation and other infrastructure; excessive bureaucracy; and insufficient long-term thinking. They also noted that the Government of Brazil does not provide citizens with benefits that are commensurate with the tax revenue collected. According to them, public education and public healthcare are of such low quality that anyone who can afford to pay for private services will do so. They also suggested that Brazil’s tax regime is too complex, with dozens of different business taxes.

That said, some representatives of the Canadian firms expressed optimism about Brazil’s future, and remarked that – with help from Canada’s trade commissioners and the Brazil-Canada Chamber of Commerce – firms that are willing to try doing business in Brazil have a good chance of succeeding. In their view, now is a critical time for serious engagement with Brazil, and Canada’s interest in such engagement – as evidenced by the delegation's visit – is appreciated.

20. Meeting with Gustavo Castro, João Carlos Braz, Beatriz Camargo and Nádia Ricas Xavier

Delegates experienced two urban transportation options in Brazil that are powered by Canadian technology. Along with Consulate officials, they travelled underground on the São Paulo "Metrô" and toured São Paulo's largest urban park on rented bicycles.

Gustavo Castro and João Carlos Braz, who are Managing Director and Signalling ITC Manager with Bombardier, respectively, accompanied delegates and the Consulate officials to a São Paulo Metrô station where they pointed out the routes that operate using Bombardier’s technology. They explained, for example, that Bombardier supplied the signalling systems for Line 5, which – with its recent extension – is almost 20 kilometres long and currently transports 600,000 people per day; it is expected to transport 1 million people per day by 2020. They also indicated that Bombardier's CityFlo650 technology uses artificial intelligence to optimize the trains' movements, and highlighted a key feature of the Canadian technology: a very short time between trains, which enables people to be moved very quickly.

Mr. Castro and Mr. Braz noted that Line 5 has a positive social impact because it connects a relatively poor area of São Paulo to the city's centre and east, resulting in employees’ spending fewer hours per day travelling to and from their workplace and in improved connections to major hospitals. They commented that the cost of using the Metrô, which is integrated with the bus system, is about $1.33 per ride. As well, they emphasized that Bombardier's signalling system operates without connecting to the Internet, which makes it virtually impossible to hack into and thereby very secure.

In Sao Paulo's Ibirapuera Park, delegates tested a bicycle sharing system that uses Canadian technology, and met with Beatriz Camargo and Nádia Ricas Xavier. Staff at the bicycle rental kiosk explained that adults can use the bicycles to ride throughout the city or within a public park at a cost of about $1.33 per hour. According to them, this sharing system is designed to enhance urban residents’ quality of life.

Respectfully submitted,

Hon. Robert Nault, P.C., MP
Chair
Canadian Section of ParlAmericas