Report

The parliamentary delegation of the Canadian Branch of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie (APF) that attended the APF Bureau meeting and the 44th Sessions of the APF in Quebec City, Canada from July 6 to 10, has the honour to present its report.

Led by Darrell Samson, Member and Chair of the Canadian Branch, the delegation included the following parliamentarians:

• The Honourable Dennis Dawson, Senator;

• The Honourable Éric Forest, Senator;

• Robert Aubin, Member and Chair of the APF’s Parliamentary Affairs Committee;

• Sylvie Boucher, Member;

• Francis Drouin, Member;

• Joël Godin, Member;

• Paul Lefebvre, Member; and

• Anne Minh-Thu Quach, Member.

The delegation was assisted by Chloé Forget, an analyst with the Library of Parliament and advisor to the Canadian Branch, and Jean-François Lafleur, Executive Secretary of the Canadian Branch.

Close to 300 participants from approximately 50 branches attended the 44th Session of the APF: Alberta, Andorra, Armenia, Belgium/French Community/Wallonia-Brussels, Benin, British Columbia, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cabo Verde, Catalonia, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, France, Gabon, Georgia, Greece, Guinea, Haiti, Hungary, Jura, Laos, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mali, Manitoba, Morocco, Monaco, Niger, Nova Scotia, Poland, Quebec, Rwanda, Saskatchewan, Senegal, Serbia, Switzerland, Togo, Tunisia, Valais (Canton), Vaud (Canton) and Vietnam. Representatives from several organizations related to the Francophonie were also in attendance.

Bureau business

The Bureau of the APF met in Quebec City on July 6, 2018. The meeting was chaired by the Honourable Jacques Chagnon, President of the APF and Speaker of the National Assembly of Quebec and Member (Quebec). Robert Aubin, Member (Canada) and Chair of the Parliamentary Affairs Committee of the APF, as well as Anne Minh-Thu Quach, Member (Canada), attended the Bureau meeting, along with more than 30 parliamentarians.

Opening of Bureau meeting

The President of the APF, Jacques Chagnon, began the meeting with opening remarks. He then asked the members of the Bureau to adopt the agenda.

Robert Aubin, Member and Chair of the Parliamentary Affairs Committee of the APF, requested that an item be added to the agenda regarding the Geoffrey Dieudonné Award.

The amended agenda was adopted.

Bureau composition

Jacques Krabal, APF Parliamentary Secretary General and Member (France), noted absences and substitutions.

The Bureau members then adopted the minutes and the record of decisions from the Bureau meeting held on February 1 and 2 in Paris, France.

APF membership

The APF Parliamentary Secretary General, Jacques Krabal, noted that the APF is composed of 83 branches: 52 with membership status, 14 with associate status and 17 with observer status. The Bureau had granted observer status to the Saskatchewan Branch, but on condition that the branch pay its outstanding dues. The Djibouti section wanted to rejoin the AFP, but still had outstanding dues. Applications for membership had been received from the Congress of New Caledonia (as member), Kosovo (as observer) and Mexico (as observer).

The President of the APF, Jacques Chagnon, proposed submitting a recommendation to the APF Plenary Assembly to approve the application of the Congress of New Caledonia as a member, and the applications of the National Assembly of Kosovo and the Congress of the Mexican Union as observer branches. He additionally proposed submitting to the APF a recommendation to reinstate the Djibouti Branch, and to dismiss its remaining debt and require payment of its annual dues for 2018.

The proposals were adopted by the APF.

Activity report of the APF Parliamentary Secretary General

The Parliamentary Secretary General, Jacques Krabal, presented his activity report, with the results of activities for the first half of 2018. He mentioned that the activity report he was presenting illustrated the main roles of the APF, the strengthening of our ties and the flourishing of the Francophonie. His report also discussed the APF’s relations with the various agencies of the Francophonie through the international meetings in which members had participated, and he gave an update on the APF’s democratic oversight activities. He added that the APF continues to carry out solidarity missions when branches request its support. Specifically, he discussed the following:

• He noted the key decisions of the Bureau’s inter-sessional meeting in Paris (France) in February 2018, and those of the APF committee and network meetings in the spring.

• He indicated that during the first half of the year the APF had contributed to organizing seminars on parliamentary cooperation, financing the Noria program and continuing other programs aimed at gender equality and youth.

• He discussed the various meetings of the regional assemblies.

• He discussed the organization of the APF Secretariat and its methods of communication.

• He reviewed the 2014–2018 strategic framework, which focused on five areas:
  • enhancing the APF’s role as a full-fledged actor in international relations;
  • promoting relations with member parliaments;
  • enriching and diversifying the APF’s role as a francophone agent in interparliamentary cooperation;
  • deepening relations between the APF and the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF); and
  • seeking greater visibility for the APF.

The Bureau adopted the Parliamentary Secretary General’s activity report.

Presentation of the APF’s 44th Session in Quebec City

Jacques Chagnon, President of the APF, made a speech introducing the 44th Session of the APF. He gave the floor to André Drolet, Member (Quebec), who discussed the upcoming week, addressed the theme of the general debate on good parliamentary practices in the digital age and presented the agenda for the 44th Session of the APF.

The Bureau adopted the agenda for the 44th Session.

Parliamentary cooperation

1. Programming of cooperation actions for 2018   

Jacques Krabal, Parliamentary Secretary General, provided an update on the APF’s various cooperation programs for 2018:

• Parliamentary seminars in Tunisia, Cabo Verde, Madagascar and Côte d’Ivoire on a variety of themes, including democracy, codes of ethics and the electoral process.

• Training for parliamentary officials on organizing parliamentary proceedings and on various internships, such as the one organized by Laval University and the National Assembly of Quebec.

• Seminar on the sidelines of the UN Commission on the Status of Women in New York.

He proposed adding a parliamentary conference on the G5 Sahel to the agenda.

2. Multilateral francophone parliamentary development programs   

Mr. Krabal then reviewed the multilateral francophone parliamentary development programs. He indicated that the two programs for Madagascar and Mali were ongoing, but would be completed at the end of the year. Communications were continuing with a view to establishing such programs for Haiti and the Central African Republic.

3. Young Francophone Parliamentarians Program   

Mr. Krabal pointed out that the young parliamentarians had met in March 2018 in Dakar, Senegal, and Antananarivo, Madagascar, in the context of creating the Young Parliamentarians Network.

Future of the Noria program

The Bureau then looked at the future of the Noria program, which was created 16 years ago to improve parliaments’ use of digital technology. Parliamentary Secretary General Jacques Krabal commented that the program needed to evolve to better meet the needs of target audiences. He pointed out that the program had been evaluated by a private firm, which had presented potential reforms.

After a discussion that included Robert Aubin, Member (Canada), the Bureau decided to maintain a digital program, but with a new name (Programme Numérique APF) and logo (Numérique@APF).

Among other things, the Bureau agreed on the various elements of the renewed Noria program.

Treasurer’s report on the 2017 financial statements and update on 2018 programming

Alex Bodry, Member (Luxembourg) and Treasurer, presented the highlights of the 2017 Financial Report and Statements and the report on the 2018 Programming Update. He indicated that the APF had revenues of €1,688,115, which was approximately €25,000 less than forecast. As was the case the previous year, this shortfall was largely due to difficulties in collecting dues from some member branches and a slightly high estimate of own-source revenues. Mr. Bodry added that expenditures had also been lower than expected, coming in at €1,575,266, compared with the initial budget of €1,767,502. He indicated that this had resulted in a surplus of €112,849, which the Paris Bureau had allocated for parliamentary cooperation in February.

Jacques Krabal, APF Parliamentary Secretary General, emphasized that the accounts had been certified for the first time by EXAFI, the new auditing firm.

The Bureau adopted the Treasurer’s report on the 2017 financial statements.

Alex Bodry then addressed the issue of dues. He mentioned that the APF had carried out a comparative exercise among various international parliamentary associations, which revealed that only a quarter of the APF’s budget comes from membership dues. This makes the APF dependent on payments from executive bodies, which compromises its financial, and perhaps even its political, independence. For example, he indicated that at least 60% of the budgetary resources of various parliamentary associations, including the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, come from member parliaments. He suggested a regular, incremental increase in dues of 10% over five years. At the end of that period, dues would represent 33% of the APF’s budget.

Presentation of the APF opinion on the theme of the Summit of the Francophonie, “Vivre ensemble” [Living together]

Ara Babloyan (Armenia) presented the APF’s opinion on the theme of the Summit of the Francophonie, entitled “Vivre ensemble.” He indicated that this theme incorporated all the principles and values that govern “living together,” including human rights, democracy, education, combatting radicalism and violent extremism, the digital economy, and cultural and religious dialogue. The Bureau then watched a short film about the Summit of the Francophonie in Armenia.

The President of the APF, Jacques Chagnon, indicated that an APF delegation would be present at the summit and would be composed of the President, the First Vice-President and the Parliamentary Secretary General. He reminded members that the branches had been consulted on the selected theme and that this topic would also be discussed in a few days’ time in the committees and the Network of Women Parliamentarians.

Regulatory issues

1. Statutes of the Young Parliamentarians Network   

The President, Jacques Chagnon, reminded members that in July 2017, the APF Bureau had approved the creation of an APF Young Parliamentarians Network. He indicated that the draft statutes for this network would have to be reviewed.

Christophe-André Frassa, Senator (France) and Chair of the APF Political Committee, said that the Political Committee was the body responsible for regulatory matters at the APF and that it had studied the draft statutes for the network at its spring 2018 meeting in Yerevan. He indicated that the age limit for network membership had been debated and had eventually been set at 40. Some minor amendments had also been adopted.

Jean Habel, Member (Quebec), who was involved in the creation of the Young Parliamentarians Network, said the idea of creating a network had been circulating for the past four years. He thanked all the parliamentarians who had participated. He pointed out that the network represented recognition of young people among decision makers, and would give voice to young francophone parliamentarians within the APF. He reiterated that the maximum age of members of parliament who may join the Young Parliamentarians Network is 40 and that the network is composed of a president, two vice-presidents and one rapporteur from each of the four main regions of the APF. Parliamentarians over 40 years of age may participate in the network, but do not have voting rights. He added that the statutes of the Young Parliamentarians Network were in fact modelled after those of the APF Network of Women Parliamentarians.

Anne Minh-Thu Quach, Member (Canada), who had been involved in creating the Young Parliamentarians Network, thanked Mr. Habel and said the Young Parliamentarians Program from which the network had emerged had convinced her of the relevance of parliamentarians’ place in diplomacy.

Following the discussions, the Bureau issued a favourable opinion on the draft statutes of the Young Parliamentarians Network.

2. Amendments to the APF statutes   

Christophe-André Frassa, Chair of the Political Committee, stated that the creation of the Young Parliamentarians Network within the APF would require amendments to the APF Statutes. He indicated that a table regarding amendments to the APF statutes had been made available to Bureau members for consideration.

The Bureau expressed support for amending the APF statutes, which would require the approval of the Plenary Assembly.

Partnership agreements

Robert Aubin, Member (Canada) and Chair of the Parliamentary Affairs Committee, said that the Parliamentary Affairs Committee had expressed support for a partnership agreement between the APF and the Parliamentary Institute of Cambodia. He indicated that the text of the agreement was now available, and that it would allow for strengthening cooperation activities in line with the capacities of the Cambodian Parliament.

The Bureau then gave its support for this agreement, which would have to be submitted to the Plenary Assembly.

Didier Berberat, State Councillor (Switzerland) and Chair of the APF Education, Communication and Cultural Affairs Committee (CECAC), said the Committee was in discussions with the Fédération internationale des professeurs de français (FIPF). He indicated that CECAC heard from the local section of French teachers at every meeting, and now wished to formalize that relationship through an agreement. The text of the agreement would be available for review in early 2019.

Robert Aubin added that the Parliamentary Affairs Committee was also discussing a partnership agreement with the Institut international pour laFrancophonie, but that the latter was not yet ready to conclude such an agreement.

Jacques Chagnon, President of the APF, pointed out that the draft agreement could be presented in Abidjan in the summer of 2019.

Assessment of the strategic framework and directions for a new framework

Jacques Krabal, Parliamentary Secretary General, provided an assessment of the APF Strategic Framework 2014–2018. He indicated that a great deal had been accomplished in pursuit of the framework objectives. He proposed creating a new strategic framework that would be consistent with the Strategic Framework of the Francophonie 2015–2022 and would be accompanied by measurable objectives. He proposed that the priority elements be:

• French Language, Cultural and Linguistic Diversity;

• Peace/Democracy and Human Rights; and

• Sustainable Development, Economy and Solidarity.

He pointed out that clear and precise actions would be required for each element, and he offered a number of proposals in this regard. A digital platform had been set up to facilitate dialogue on the development of this new strategic framework.

Committee work

The President of the APF, Jacques Chagnon, asked the committee chairs to summarize their activities since the Bureau’s last meeting in January 2018.

Robert Aubin, Member (Canada) and Chair of the Parliamentary Affairs Committee, presented his report summarizing the committee meeting in Brussels on March 21 and 22, 2018. He indicated that the Committee had examined draft reports relating to rights and freedoms and the development of democracy. It had also studied parliamentary cooperation programs, which included a debate on the Noria program. The Committee would be meeting in the near future and would consider resolutions on personal data in francophone countries and on ethics officers and codes of ethics in francophone parliaments. Mr. Aubin indicated that the Committee would continue monitoring cooperation programs and would choose its themes for reports in 2019. This would include the theme of e-government.

Christophe-André Frassa, Senator (France) and Chair of the Political Committee, summarized that committee’s work at the meeting in Erevan, on March 20 and 21, 2018. He said the participants had discussed current political issues and adopted four declarations. The parliamentarians had also approved the Canadian Branch’s proposal for a draft report on protecting the rights of LGBTI people.

Didier Berberat, State Councillor (Switzerland) and Chair of the Education, Communication and Cultural Affairs Committee (CECAC), presented that committee’s report, as well as the report of the Parliamentary Network to Fight HIV/AIDS, which reports to CECAC. He reported on CECAC’s most recent meeting in Grand Bassam, Côte d’Ivoire, on April 20 and 21 2018. CECAC had studied several reports, including one on student mobility in francophone countries and another on the use of digital technology in education.

Lastly, Moussa Abdoul Thiam (Senegal), Vice-Chair of the Co-operation and Development Committee, tabled that committee’s report. He summarized the committee meeting that was held on May 3 and 4, 2018 in Rome, at the headquarters of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. Among other things, the Committee had studied the Canadian Branch’s report on the use of digital technology for sustainable agriculture.

Activities of the APF’s Network of Women Parliamentarians

Lydienne Epoube, Member (Cameroon) and Chair of the Network of Women Parliamentarians, presented her activity report. She summarized the meeting held in Ottawa, Canada, on March 19 and 20, 2018. The Network had studied the Canadian Branch’s report on the healthcare needs of refugee women and girls.

Reports from regional chargés de mission

The Bureau members heard from the regional chargés de mission about activities in their respective regions.

Chris d’Entremont, Member (Nova Scotia), reported on the work of the Americas region. In particular, he reported that there had been a parliamentary seminar on the topic of democracy, good governance, and the status and role of the opposition on June 12 and 13 in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. He said Robert Aubin had represented the Americas region at this seminar and had spoken on the themes of good governance, the democratic strengthening of legislative power versus executive power, and the public interest in balancing group discipline and free votes in Parliament. He noted that the 34th Session of the Regional Assembly would be held on July 10 to 12 in Quebec City.

Ordre de la Pléiade, Senghor-Césaire Award and Geoffrey Dieudonné Award

The President of the APF presented the Bureau members with the table of branch nominations for the Ordre de la Pléiade.

Didier Berberat, State Councillor (Switzerland) and Chair of CECAC, discussed the process for the Senghor-Césaire Award and the selection of its recipient. He indicated that the award would go to the Institut français de Jérusalem – Antenne de Naplouse. He then paid tribute to the 2012 recipient of the award, Paul Gérin Lajoie, who died on June 25, 2017.

Robert Aubin, Member (Canada) and Chair of the Parliamentary Affairs Committee, reminded members that the Geoffrey Dieudonné Award is intended to acknowledge a parliamentary official from the French-speaking world. It was established in memory of Geoffrey Dieudonné, who was murdered during a mission to Bamako in 2015. Mr. Aubin said that nominations had been received and that Kong Sok Mony, deputy director of the international relations department of the Kingdom of Cambodia and official responsible for francophone affairs, had been selected to receive this award.

Other business

André Drolet, Member (Quebec), suggested that the Bureau adopt a Quebec declaration on the theme of digital technology, which it then did.

Date and location of next meeting

The President of the APF, Jacques Chagnon, reminded members that the next Bureau meeting would be held in Belgium, and that the 45 Annual Session of the APF would take place in Côte d’Ivoire in 2019.

Proceedings of the Network of Women Parliamentarians

The APF’s Network of Women Parliamentarians met in Quebec City on July 7, 2018, Lydienne Epoube, Member (Cameroon), presiding.

The participants adopted the draft agenda and record of decisions from the Network meeting on March 19, 2018 in Ottawa, Canada. They then heard from the Chair, who presented her report on activities since the March 2018 inter-sessional meeting.

Several reports were presented to the Network of Women Parliamentarians:

• Report by Stéphanie Kerbarh, Member (France), on women’s empowerment in the digital age in francophone countries.

• Report by Mathias Reynard, National Councillor (Switzerland) on the transnational trafficking of women and girls in francophone countries. He presented a declaration, which was adopted by the Network of Women Parliamentarians.

• Report by Françoise Bertieaux, Member (Belgium/French Community/Wallonia-Brussels), about the consequences of non-registration on women’s rights. Following her presentation, Sylvie Boucher, Member (Canada), indicated that when children are born in Quebec, they are recognized by the state even when there is no father registered on the birth certificate. She added that there are also issues related to religion.

• Report by Maryse Gaudreault, Member (Quebec), on monitoring international commitments pertaining to gender equality and women’s rights. Among other things, she mentioned that the second edition of the leadership workshop for women parliamentarians of the Francophonie had been held from July 2 to 6, 2018. She also reminded members that Canada had hosted the G7, which had addressed gender equality issues.

• Report by Sylvie Boucher, Member (Canada), Canadian Branch rapporteur, presented the final version of her report on the healthcare needs of refugee women and girls.

During her presentation, Ms. Boucher reminded members that the report had been proposed in Luxembourg in July 2017 and that a first draft had been submitted to the Network in Ottawa in March 2018. She indicated that refugees, both men and women, face a number of specific health problems owing to their precarious situation. Refugee women and girls, however, face unique problems because of their gender and the inequalities between men and women.She noted that the draft report discussed the different health needs of refugee women, particularly needs associated with sexual and gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health, and mental health.

She went on to say that refugee, migrant and displaced women and girls, and those living in rural and isolated communities, are generally more vulnerable to gender-based and sexual violence. Ms. Boucher indicated that the risks of violence include gender-based violence, particularly intimate partner violence, and forced marriage. The health and psychosocial consequences of gender-based violence are numerous, and can be fatal. These include the following:

• injuries and infections;

• chronic pain and infections, sleep disorders, and alcohol or drug abuse;

• unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS; and

• depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and mental illness.

She went on to say that refugee women and girls also have specific reproductive health needs, as well as requirements in terms of access to family planning services. She then addressed the area of mental health, pointing out that refugee women and girls may be exposed to a number of factors that affect their mental health. Refugee women may be affected by depression, high levels of stress, distress, post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol and other substance use disorders. She noted that there are numerous challenges involved in providing mental health services to refugee populations.

A discussion followed Ms. Boucher’s presentation. The Network Chair, Ms. Epoube, pointed out that she had visited refugee camps in Greece and seen the problems women face. Some parliamentarians indicated that the report should be strengthened with more concrete examples and that it might be a good idea to visit refugee camps.

Amal El Amri, Member (Morocco), subsequently proposed a new draft report on the social protection of women in the labour market, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 8.

Ms. Epoube, Chair of the Network of Women Parliamentarians, then discussed the meeting with the Secretary General of the Francophonie, Her Excellency Michaëlle Jean. Ms. Epoube indicated that she intended to ask a question about gender parity on behalf of the Network of Women Parliamentarians. She mentioned that she is the only woman in the Bureau and that the draft strategic plan presented by the Secretary General of the APF did not mention parity. She invited women to take a position on that plan when it is circulated to the branches for their input.

Ms. Epoube then asked the parliamentarians for their opinion on a procedural matter, namely that draft resolutions presented to the Network be submitted one week prior to the meeting. Several parliamentarians opposed this, arguing that the Network must have the flexibility to propose resolutions at meetings. They argued that, when difficult subjects are discussed or when there are current events affecting women, parliamentarians need to be able to propose draft resolutions.

Maryse Gaudreault (Quebec) then presented a resolution on sexual violence in international humanitarian activities and peacekeeping missions. That resolution was adopted by the Network. The Network of Women Parliamentarians then proceeded to its workshop dealing with ISO standards and the challenges of welcoming refugee women. The Network heard presentations from:

• Léna Dargham, Chairperson of the ISO Committee on developing country matters (ISO-DEVCO Committee); and

• Marie-Claude Drouin, secretary general of the Réseau normalisation et Francophonie.

The two women discussed what ISO standards represent.

Work of the Parliamentary Affairs Committee

The Parliamentary Affairs Committee met in Luxembourg, Luxembourg, on July 8, 2018, Robert Aubin, Member (Canada) and Chair of the Parliamentary Affairs Committee, presiding.

Mr. Aubin presented the agenda, which was adopted by the Committee. He then presented the minutes and record of decisions from the most recent meeting of the Parliamentary Affairs Committee, which was held in Brussels, Belgium, on March 21 and 22, 2018. These were also adopted by the Committee.

Mr. Aubin then reviewed the Bureau’s decisions concerning the Parliamentary Affairs Committee.

The Parliamentary Affairs Committee was informed about several reports:

• Imbassou Ouattara Abbas (Côte d'Ivoire) presented his report on the protection of personal data in francophone countries. On this subject, the Parliamentary Affairs Committee heard from Jean Chartier, president of the Commission d’accès à l’information du Québec and member of the Association Francophone des Autorités de Protection des Données Personnelles (AFAPDP). The Committee then adopted a draft resolution on the protection of personal data in francophone countries based on the report.

• Jean Rousselle (Quebec) presented his report on ethics officers and codes of ethics in francophone parliaments. On this subject, the Parliamentary Affairs Committee heard from Ariane Mignolet, Ethics Commissioner (Quebec). Mr. Rousselle then presented a draft resolution on ethics officers and codes of ethics in francophone parliaments, which was adopted by the Parliamentary Affairs Committee.

• Cyril Pellevat (France), who was replacing Claudine Lepage (France), presented the report on the parliamentary representation of expatriates in francophone countries.

• Nadia El Yousfi (Belgium/French Community/Wallonia-Brussels) then presented her draft report on the role of parliament and parliamentarians in the balance of power with their government.

The Parliamentary Affairs Committee continued its work with a presentation from Georges Nakseu Nguefang, director of political affairs and democratic governance (DAPG) for the Organisation internationalede la Francophonie (OIF).

Robert Aubin, Member (Canada) and Chair of the Parliamentary Affairs Committee, then initiated a discussion on parliamentary cooperation programs.

Nadia El Yousfi (Belgium/French Community/Wallonia-Brussels) began with a review of francophone electoral missions.

Robert Aubin then went on to discuss the Noria program. He reiterated the objectives of the program and its main fields of action. He pointed out that the program had existed for 15 years as of July 2017. Mr. Aubin reminded the Committee that it had proposed to the APF Bureau that there be an external audit of the Noria program. Following a call for tenders, a private firm was selected, and a report prepared. He reported to the Committee members on the APF Bureau’s July 6 decision to focus the Noria program on digital technology and rename it Numérique APF.

Pierre Flambeau Ngayap (Cameroon) then presented the draft report on parliamentary seminars and training sessions.

Nadia El Yousfi (Belgium/French Community/Wallonia-Brussels) presented her draft report on the Geoffrey Dieudonné Award.

Robert Aubin then presented his report on multilateral francophone parliamentary development programs. He indicated that two countries were benefitting from multilateral programs, Madagascar and Mali. Identification missions prior to the implementation of multilateral programs would soon take place in the Central African Republic and Mali.

Pierre-Flambeau Ngayap, Senator (Cameroon), presented his draft report on the francophone youth parliament and national youth parliaments.

Mr. Aubin then discussed the Young Francophone Parliamentarians program. He pointed out that since the Young Parliamentarians Network would soon be created, the Young Francophone Parliamentarians program would no longer exist and would no longer be the subject of a report to the Parliamentary Affairs Committee.

Mr. Aubin went on to present his report on the examination of APF draft conventions with external institutions. He mentioned that the Bureau had adopted the agreement between the Parliamentary Institute of Cambodia and the APF.

Pierre-Flambeau Ngayap presented his report on the needs of French-speaking parliaments in the field of comparative law.

Robert Aubin then explained that the APF would present an opinion on the theme of the Summit of the Francophonie, which was to take place in the Fall. The theme was “Living together in solidarity, sharing humanist values and respect for diversity: A source of peace and prosperity for the francophone world.” He reminded members that a questionnaire had been sent to all branches to obtain their input.

Mr. Aubin submitted a proposal for a question from the Parliamentary Affairs Committee about francophone election observation missions to be put to the Secretary General of the Francophonie on July 9. Mr. Aubin mentioned that resolutions from the Parliamentary Affairs Committee had been adopted in recent years and that follow-up is important. He thanked the Canada, Quebec, Madagascar, Belgium/French Community/Wallonia-Brussels, Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire branches for providing follow-up to the Committee in advance.

Finally, two new themes for reporting were proposed to the Committee: an exploration of the various statutes and practices associated with e-government; and the further development of the report on personal data protection legislation.

Work of the Political Committee

The Political Committee met in Luxembourg, Luxembourg, on July 8, 2018, Senator Christophe-André Frassa (France), Chair of the Political Committee, presiding.

The branches in attendance adopted the agenda and minutes from the most recent meeting held Erevan (Armenia) on March 20 and 21, 2018.

The Committee held a round-table discussion of recent political events in the various branches. Dennis Dawson, Senator (Canada) and Paul Lefebvre, Member (Canada), were invited to talk about political developments that had marked the Canadian parliament in recent months. They mentioned that a cannabis bill had been introduced in Canada to establish a legal framework to control the production, sale, distribution and possession of cannabis. They added that Canada had passed a bill to strike certain unfair convictions against LGBTI people. They also reminded members that the G7 had been held in Canada in June 2018.

Geneviève Inagosi Kassongo (DRC), with the participation of Georges Nakseu Nguefang, director of political affairs and democratic governance for the OIF, presented a report on the political situation in francophone countries.

The Political Committee adopted draft resolutions on the political situations in the Syrian Arab Republic and Burundi.

As part of the discussion on the resolution regarding the political situation in Burundi, Paul Lefebvre, Member (Canada), asked whether there had been independent international observer missions during the constitutional referendum, and the Chair responded that there had not. Mr. Lefebvre suggested an amendment to the resolution, given that certain elements in it did not align with that response. The resolution stated that whereas the Committee was concerned about political tensions, the insecurity experienced by some opponents, the weakness of the parliamentary opposition, the large number of refugees and people in exile, forced disappearances and acts of violence (which are certainly less frequent but still exist), as well as the suspension of political parties, civil society organizations and the media, thereby restricting democracy, the Committee welcomed the calm atmosphere during the election. Mr. Lefebvre said the resolution should indicate only that the Political Committee had taken note of the results of the referendum. The amendment was accepted by the Committee.

The Political Committee also looked at the political situations in Cambodia, the Central African Republic, Madagascar and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The parliamentarians also discussed the political situation in the Sahel and APF actions at the G5 Sahel.

The Committee then heard from the Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), Lassina Zerbo.

The Political Committee was informed about a number of reports:

• Report on UN peacekeeping missions presented by Alain Onkelinx (Belgium/French Community/Wallonia-Brussels).

• Report on digital governance presented by André Drolet, Member (Quebec).

• Report on the protection of LGBTI rights presented by Dennis Dawson, Senator (Canada).

In presenting the report, Senator Dawson first took a step back to highlight some significant events on the international stage. He explained that several significant cases of human rights violations, including violations of LGBTI rights, had occurred internationally. He said LGBTI people are subject to violence and discrimination and are denied certain rights because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. It is important for the international community to mobilize in response to these human rights violations. He said that his draft report was very timely and that parliamentarians have a responsibility to act to protect the rights of LGBTI people, just as they do to protect women’s rights or to mobilize against racial discrimination. He stated that international human rights law establishes clear obligations for states to preserve such rights, and that it has been unequivocally established that all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or sex, are entitled to the protections provided for in international human rights law.

Mr. Dawson then reviewed the five main obligations of states to protect the rights of LGBTI people. First, states must protect the right to life, liberty and security of the person, regardless of a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Second, states have an obligation to prevent torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment practised on the grounds of a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Third, states have an obligation to protect the right to privacy and the right not to be arbitrarily detained on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. He emphasized that laws that criminalize individuals on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity violate these rights. Fourth, states have an obligation to protect persons from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. He stated that LGBTI people are discriminated against in many areas of life, including education, work and health. Fifth, states have an obligation to protect the right to freedom of expression, association and assembly in a non-discriminatory manner.

In conclusion, Senator Dawson asked the branches for their views on the draft report. Some branches supported the report, while others opposed it. It was decided that a questionnaire would be sent to the branches to obtain their input.

Anne Seydoux-Christe then presented her draft resolution on the death penalty in francophone countries, which was adopted by the Committee.

The Committee then discussed migration in francophone countries, and the role of parliamentarians in this regard. At the end of this exchange, a draft resolution was adopted by the Committee on the subject of migration.

The Chair then followed up on the decisions taken by the Political Committee at the Yerevan meeting, which had been discussed by the APF Bureau on July 6, 2018 and concerned the statutes of the Young Parliamentarians Network and the corresponding amendments to the APF statutes.

The Chair then proposed a question from the Political Committee to the Secretary General of the Francophonie on the G5 Sahel, which was adopted by the members of the Committee.

Work of the Co-operation and Development Committee

The Co-operation and Development Committee met in Quebec City, Canada, on July 8, 2017, Benoit Charette, Member (Quebec), presiding. He indicated that he was chairing the meeting because Angélique Ngoma, Chair of the Committee, had lost her status as a member of parliament as a result of the dissolution of the National Assembly of Gabon.

The Committee then did a round-table introduction.

The Chair made a statement summarizing the work of the Committee in Rome the previous May.

The branches in attendance adopted the agenda and minutes of the most recent meeting, held in May 2018 in Rome, Italy.

The Committee then heard from Marie-Claude Drouin, secretary general of the Association Réseau de Normalisation et Francophonie. She discussed standardization, which she described as a strategic asset for the economic and sustainable development of our countries.

The Committee was informed about the following reports:

• Corruption as an obstacle to economic development, presented by Joël Godin, Member (Canada);

• Digital: a major issue for the digital Francophonie, presented by Benoit Charrette, Member (Quebec).

• The impact of the digital revolution on employment in francophone countries, presented by Mansour Kamardine, Member (France);

• The use of digital technology for sustainable agriculture, presented by Francis Drouin, Member (Canada);

• The economic strategy for the Francophonie, presented by Benoit Charrette, Member (Quebec);

• Health systems in francophone countries, presented by Ouli Ndongo Monique, Senator (Cameroon); and

• Monitoring international trade negotiations conducted within the framework of the World Trade Organization (WTO), presented by Benoit Charrette, Member (Quebec).

With regard to the report on corruption as an obstacle to economic development, Joël Godin, Member (Canada), said this was the second draft of his report. He indicated that corruption is a global scourge that affects all countries, and that the draft report examined the impact of corruption on economic growth from three different perspectives: private sector productivity, government revenues and government expenditures.

First, corruption impedes private sector productivity by discouraging investment and undermining competition and entrepreneurship. Second, corruption can negatively impact government revenues, in part because it undermines the ability to collect taxes, which is the main means of acquiring resources. He gave the example of tax evasion and the creation of an informal economy as obstacles to tapping these resources. Third, corruption can negatively affect government public spending. When political decisions, such as government budget allocations, are distorted by corruption, they are more likely to cause economic losses. Mr. Godin indicated that corruption also tends to increase the cost of goods and services purchased by the government, particularly through public procurement, which is highly vulnerable to corruption.

Mr. Godin went on to say that corruption also has negative effects on social and economic well-being. It has been clearly established that corruption generally contributes to perpetuating inequalities, which is detrimental to sustainable development. He said that achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs), such as those dealing with poverty, health and education, therefore depends on the implementation of anti-corruption and good governance measures consistent with SDG 16. Establishing an effective legal framework and anti-corruption practices is extremely important in promoting countries’ economic growth and supporting sustainable development.

He added that several international organizations have made recommendations in this regard. For example, the United Nations Convention against Corruption, a legally binding international instrument, includes a set of guiding principles and obligations to combat corruption. Mr. Godin discussed various anti-corruption measures, such as those dealing with transparency, management of public finances, public sector codes of ethics, anti-corruption oversight bodies and whistleblower protection. He concluded by indicating that the Canadian Branch had prepared a questionnaire to round out the draft report and that it had been submitted to the APF Secretariat in May and would be circulated to the branches in order to give them an opportunity to respond.

Francis Drouin, Member (Canada), then presented his report on the use of digital technologies for sustainable agriculture, which he said was the final draft and was accompanied by a draft resolution. He first addressed the challenges facing farmers, including climate change, population growth and water scarcity in some regions. He also looked at how digital technologies can help improve farm productivity, market transparency and logistics in the face of these challenges.

Mr. Drouin told members that digital tools can improve on-farm production techniques. For example, he said that, in Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Quebec Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food had developed the AgWeather Quebec platform, which provides farmers with online weather information tailored to agricultural realities. He added that this type of tool can support the implementation of precision agriculture, a type of agriculture that relies heavily on digital tools and depends in part on access to digital soil mapping, remote sensing, robotics and remote irrigation systems. The Swiss firm ecoRobotix sells an autonomous robot that works its way through farm fields while manually targeting weeds in the cultivated areas. Mr. Drouin said this solution allows for eradicating weeds with a 95% reduction in pesticides.

Mr. Drouin commented that telecommunications technologies are at the heart of the digital revolution in the agricultural sector. He told members that cell phones can connect farmers in remote areas to their potential buyers and provide more information on prices in various markets. However, all these innovations require at least basic access to communication technologies.

He stated that, although developed countries have a higher rate of Internet access than other countries, such access is not homogeneous throughout countries, and these disparities greatly affect farmers. He added that despite the efforts being made, the gap in access to communication technologies between urban and rural areas will take some time to close. However, he also indicated that there were a number of initiatives are underway to provide solutions adapted to conditions on the ground. He went on to point out that in a 2016 report entitled Precision Agriculture and the Future of Farming in Europe, the European Parliamentary Research Service found that the development of digital agriculture would require farmers to acquire three key skills in order to adapt to future transformations in agriculture: technological expertise, legislative expertise and local community leadership.

In anticipation of these changes, the report recommended that special attention be paid to education by modernizing agricultural curricula, promoting the development of new forms of apprenticeship and helping to transform the perception of the farming profession in order to attract new candidates to the agricultural trades. Mr. Drouin concluded by indicating that he was proposing to the Committee a draft resolution summarizing the main findings of the draft report. After discussion, the draft resolution was adopted.

The Committee then discussed its future work. Moussa Abdoul Thiam, Member (Senegal), proposed drafting a report on tourism and transportation.

Finally, the Chair proposed a question on international migration to be put to the Secretary General of the Francophonie at the Plenary Assembly. The Committee approved the question.

Work of the Education, Communication and Cultural Affairs Committee (CECAC)

CECAC met in Quebec City, Canada, on July 8, 2018, Didier Berberat, State Councillor (Switzerland), presiding.

The branches in attendance adopted the agenda and minutes of the most recent meeting held in Grand-Bassam from April 20 and 21, 2018. Mr. Berberat presented his report on activities conducted since the CECAC meeting in April 2018. The activity report was adopted.

The Committee heard four presentations:

• Marie-Béatrie Levaux, Advisor to the Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE) of France and author of the opinion “France’s Role in Dynamising Francophony.” The Committee discussed the challenges for a dynamic Francophonie.

• Ma-Umba Mabiala, director of education and youth for the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), on the role of parliamentarians in national youth pacts.

• Robert Vézina, president and CEO of the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF), on the role of the OQLF in the promotion of French in Quebec.

• Manon Barbeau, filmmaker and co-founder of Wapikoni mobile, about Wapikoni mobile, a mobile studio for video and musical creations by First Nations youth.

Carole Poirier, Member (Quebec) and rapporteur, reported on the implementation of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.

Joël Godin, Member (Canada), then presented his report on student mobility. He indicated that his report provided a general overview of the situation and that a questionnaire had been sent to the branches to obtain input from all of them. He pointed out that student mobility affects States because it is international in nature, although the issues are not the same all over the world. Despite consensus that student mobility brings numerous individual and collective benefits, there are risks, including the risk of increasing inequalities between the rich and the less fortunate, as well as between countries in the North and those in the South.

Mr. Godin stressed that the Francophonie has an opportunity to promote cooperation in education. He mentioned that by adopting the Kinshasa Declaration in 2012, francophone countries had committed themselves to creating conditions within the Francophonie that are conducive to the mobility of people, in particular young people, academics, artists and economic and cultural actors. He pointed out that with the advent of globalization and the knowledge economy, the cross-border movement of students had more than tripled between 1990 and 2011.

He noted that, within the APF, the three countries with the highest number of mobile students abroad (outgoing flows) are France, Vietnam and Canada. With regard to the number of foreign students hosted (incoming flows), the three main countries are France, Canada and Belgium. He said this promotes intercultural dialogue, understanding of international issues and the value of diversity. Student mobility would also be an asset at hiring, would strengthen knowledge production capacities and improve students’ access to a wider variety of programs. He indicated, however that there are obstacles that reduce the scope of such benefits: the costs associated with student mobility, insufficient financial resources, and international recognition of diplomas and credits. There is a risk that student mobility experiences will only be accessible to the better-off, and that is why various public and private actors offer scholarships and financial assistance to students. He said it is important to ensure that such financial support is sufficient and accessible.

Mr. Godin pointed out that the lack of information and institutional support could undermine student mobility, but that there are programs, such as Erasmus and certain agreements between higher education institutions and governments, which seek to increase the benefits of student mobility and reduce the obstacles.

Another issue is the fact that some students do not return to their home countries following their studies. He pointed out that this brain drain, although more pronounced in the South, is also a problem in the North. There is a risk that student mobility experiences will only be accessible to the better-off, and that is why various public and private actors offer scholarships and financial assistance to students. He said it is important to ensure that such financial support is sufficient and accessible. Mr. Godin stated that parliamentarians must ensure that student mobility programs in our respective countries contribute to strengthening higher education systems and training a workforce that is compatible with labour market demand.

The Committee was also informed about two reports:

• Report on distance knowledge transfer and learning, presented by Philippe Mouiller, Senator (France).

• Report on the use of digital technology in schools, presented by Carole Poirier, Member (Quebec).

The Committee then studied the issue of education regarding children suffering from melanin deficiency and adopted a resolution on the subject.

The Committee also paid tribute to Paul Gérin-Lajoie, who passed away in June 2018.

The Committee discussed the issue of funding for TV5 Monde and adopted a resolution on the subject.

The Chair then suggested a question from CECAC to be asked of the Secretary General of the Francophonie on implementation to date of the OIF’s 2015–2022 youth strategy. The Committee approved the question.

Work of the APF Plenary

The APF plenary was held in Luxembourg on July 9 and 10, 2018, Jacques Chagnon, President of the APF and Speaker of the National Assembly of Quebec, presiding. The opening ceremony began with three speeches:

• Jacques Chagnon, President of the APF and Speaker of the National Assembly of Quebec;

• Sébastien Proulx, representative of the Government of Quebec, Minister of Education, Recreation and Sports and Minister responsible for the Capitale-Nationale region; and

• HE. Madame Michaëlle Jean, Secretary General of the Francophonie.

The ceremony continued with an opening address by biologist, comedian and TV and radio personality Boucar Diouf.

The Plenary continued, and the Assembly adopted the agenda and took attendance. It then adopted the record of decisions from the 43rd Session of the APF held in Luxembourg, Luxembourg, July 10 and 11, 2017.

Jacques Krabal, Parliamentary Secretary General of the APF, provided an update on the composition of the Bureau and the Assembly. He reported that three applications for membership had been received: Congress of New Caledonia (as a member), Kosovo (as an observer) and Mexico (as an observer). The plenary session approved these three applications for membership.

The Secretary General of the Francophonie, HE Michaëlle Jean, addressed the participants. She underscored the mutual trust between the OIF and the APF. In her speech, she addressed the fight against terrorism, highlighting the recent attacks in Mali and Tunisia, and indicated that it is important to show compassion at such times. A pooling of expertise had led to the creation of an anti-terrorism network aimed at building prevention systems. She said she was counting on the support of the APF in this regard. She commented that these crises persist and that it is in just such situations that the OIF and the APF should cooperate. She reminded members of the Bamako Declaration on democratic processes and mentioned the work of the OIF for the integrity of electoral processes. She then went on to discuss the modernization of civil status, birth registration and solutions to end the problems associated with ghost children. This issue undermines the lives of many children and is an obstacle to democracy.

She referred to the St. Boniface declaration on conflict prevention and human security. She reminded members that they have access to numerous tools to improve people’s living conditions. She then went on to discuss refugees and migrants and the fact that the Francophonie includes countries of transit, departure and destination. She said the OIF strives to support delegations for implementing the Global Compact for Migration. She then commented on the role of APF in digital technology. Finally, she discussed the political commitment of young people.

Most of the questions addressed to her by the Assembly involved gender equality, the place of the French language in international organizations and the role of the OIF Francophonie.

Robert Aubin, Chair of the Parliamentary Affairs Committee and Member (Canada), asked about the various forms of support the OIF provides for electoral processes. He indicated that these missions are no longer led by parliamentarians. With the democratization movement of the 1990s and the establishment of francophone electoral observation missions, the APF is involved in supporting the electoral processes led by the OIF in its various forms.

He indicated that all European Union missions are led by parliamentarians. He said the Francophonie would benefit from strengthening the democratic legitimacy of its missions by including more parliamentarians from the APF and entrusting the APF with co-leadership of these missions. He explained that parliamentarians, as elected officials, are most likely to understand all phases of the electoral process and to bring real expertise to missions. From this perspective, he asked Ms. Jean if she would agree to having pre-electoral missions and fact-finding and networking missions relating to elections co-led by an APF parliamentarian and a prominent person designated by the OIF. He also asked about the potential place and role of parliamentarians in the necessary pre-electoral activities of the Francophonie.

Darrell Samson, President of the Canadian Branch and Member (Canada), addressed the Secretary General of the OIF with a question regarding the rights of LGBTI people. He said it has been established that all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or sex, are entitled to the protections of international human rights law. Despite that fact, in several countries of the Francophonie, LGBTI people are subjected to violence and discrimination. He argued that Canada, like many member countries of the Francophonie, is deeply concerned about issues related to protecting the rights of LGBTI people. He pointed out that Senator Dawson of the Canadian Branch had been mandated by the Political Committee to prepare a report on LGBTI rights.

Jacques Krabal, Parliamentary Secretary General, then presented his activity report, which provided an overview of activities since the Luxembourg session in 2017.

Alex Bodry, Treasurer and Member (Luxembourg), presented the 2017 Financial Report and Statements and the report on the 2018 Programming Update. The Assembly adopted the financial report and 2018 Programming Update and authorized the financing of several parliamentary cooperation actions.

The Assembly continued its work with remarks by Emilia Monjowa Lifaka, Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

Jacques Chagnon, President of the APF, opened the debate by updating members on his digital plan and the work accomplished by the Network of Women Parliamentarians and the various APF committees.

The Plenary Assembly then held its thematic discussion on good parliamentary practices in the digital age. Darrell Samson, Member (Canada) and President of the Canadian Branch of the APF, made a speech regarding the House of Commons electronic petition system. Mr. Samson indicated that, over the years, the Canadian Parliament has adopted several good digital technology practices, one of them specifically aimed at citizen participation. Since December 2015, Canadians have been able submit petitions to the House of Commons electronically. He indicated that these petitions promote more direct communication between the public and Parliament and that they represent a policy tool enabling the public to try to influence the legislative and policy agenda. They also allow Canadians to voice their public interest concerns. Mr. Samson indicated that the opportunity to submit a petition online can stimulate citizen political engagement and participation and increase public involvement in public policy issues. He added that the House of Commons electronic petitions system is a new digital tool available to Canadians to make their voices heard and that it is managed by the House of Commons administration. He then gave an overview of the procedure for filing a petition. He noted that the introduction of the electronic petitions system has been a success in Canada. Since its inception, the electronic petitions website has attracted considerable public interest.

The Assembly then adopted draft reports and resolutions presented on behalf of the standing committees and the Network of Women Parliamentarians. The following resolutions were adopted:

a. Resolution on sexual violence in international humanitarian activities and peacekeeping missions;

b. Resolution on trafficking in human beings;

c. Resolution on the situation in Burundi;

d. Resolution on the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo;

e. Resolution on the migration crisis;

f. Resolution on the fight against religious radicalism;

g. Resolution on the death penalty in francophone countries;

h. Resolution on the protection of personal data in francophone countries;

i. Resolution on ethics and professional conduct;

j. Resolution on digital technologies for sustainable agriculture;

k. Resolution on oversight of the economic strategy for the Francophonie;

l. Resolution on public health systems in francophone countries;

m. Resolution on the financing of TV5 Monde; and

n. Resolution on the importance of education regarding the rights of people living with melanin deficiency.

Francis Drouin, Member (Canada), presented the resolution on the use of digital technologies for sustainable agriculture, which was based on his report.

The chargés de mission for the Africa, America, Europe and Asia regions presented reports on their respective activities.

Before closing the proceedings of the 43rd Session, the President of the APF announced that the 45th Session would be held in Abidjan in July 2019.

Conclusion

Through its participation in the 44th Annual Session of the APF, the Canadian Branch had the opportunity to contribute to the work of the APF by presenting draft reports on issues that affect all citizens of the francophone world. Indeed, the presentation of reports on the health of refugee women and girls, the rights of LGBTI people, the use of digital technology for sustainable agriculture, corruption as an obstacle to economic development, and student mobility in francophone countries initiated important dialogue with the branches representing various countries and regions of the francophone world.

The Canadian Branch was able to achieve its objectives, which were to promote the spread of the French language and encourage the study of cultural, economic and social issues of common interest in order to foster cooperation among APF parliamentarians and establish cultural dialogue. More generally, the Canadian Branch was able to participate in a dialogue aimed at promoting democracy, the rule of law, human rights and stronger cooperation and solidarity in francophone countries.

In addition, the Quebec City Session provided an opportunity for several Canadian parliamentarians to forge links with parliamentarians from across the Francophonie.

Respectfully submitted,

Darrell Samson, M.P.,
Chair of the Canadian Branch of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie (CAPF)