Report

From September 30 to October 4, 2019, the Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association sent a delegation of three parliamentarians to Strasbourg, France, to participate in the fourth part of the 2019 Ordinary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).  The delegates were the Hon. David Wells, Senator and head of the delegation; the Hon. Rosa Galvez, Senator; and the Hon. Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia, Senator. The delegation was accompanied by Association Secretary, Ms. Josée Thérien. 

PARTICIPATION IN THE FOURTH PART OF THE 2019 ORDINARY SESSION OF THE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE

From September 30 to October 4, the delegation participated in the fourth part-session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, for which Canada has observer status. 

A. Overview of the Agenda of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe   

During the fourth part-session a wide range of topics were debated in the Assembly and in its committees and political groups. The Assembly held debates on the following:

• Progress report of the Bureau and the Standing Committee;
• Improving the protection of whistleblowers all over Europe;
• Ombudsman institutions in Europe – the need for a set of common standards;
• The Council of Europe Development Bank: contributing to building a more inclusive society;
• Protecting and supporting the victims of terrorism;
• Post-monitoring dialogue with North Macedonia;
• Urgent procedure debate: “Saving lives in the Mediterranean Sea: the need for an urgent response”;
• Urgent procedure debate: “Democratic rights violations and suppression of peaceful protests in the Russian Federation on the background of elections to the Moscow City Council”;
• Obstetrical and gynaecological violence;
• A legal status for “climate refugees”;
• Functioning of democratic institutions in the Republic of Moldova;
• Jewish cultural heritage preservation;
• Labour migration from Eastern Europe and its impact on socio-demographic processes in these countries;
• Free debate.

The Assembly also heard from the following speakers:

• Ms. Amélie de Montchalin, Secretary of State attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, in charge of European Affairs, representing the French Presidency of the Committee of Ministers;
• Mr. Emanuel Macron, President of the French Republic;
• Ms. Marija Pejčinović Burić, Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

B. Canadian Activities during the Session   

1. Overview   

The members of the delegation actively participated in proceedings of the PACE, including plenary proceedings.

In addition, special meetings were held with Ms. Carol Guthrie, Head of Public Affairs and Media of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the delegation of the United Kingdom (U.K.) to PACE; and the North Macedonian delegation to PACE.

2. Meeting of the OECD Global Parliamentary Network    

On October 2, Senators Wells, Galvez and Ravalia met with Ms. Carol Guthrie, Head of Public Affairs and Media of the OECD.

Ms. Guthrie spoke about the role of the OECD and more specifically about the Global Parliamentary Network. She wished to know what the OECD can do to better support parliamentarians in their work. After hearing that the Canadian delegation does not always participate in the OECD sessions because the meetings don’t always synchronise with the Association’s other activities, Ms. Guthrie suggested the parliamentarians come to the OECD, in Paris, when it is convenient for them

There was discussion on the work of the OECD, the different studies and documents that are available and how the parliamentarians could access the information.

The delegates gave some examples when OECD documents and data were used in the work that they do, and when that information helped shape some policy development. Ms. Guthrie indicated that they are always interested in knowing how their work is used, if it is useful, and what they can do differently to better answer the needs of parliamentarians.

There was some expression on the role of Canada on the international scene and how it can help in many areas. It would also be helpful if the delegates could be involved in the early discussions and debate on new ideas, studies needed, how to re-think existing policies, etc.

3. Lunch with the United Kingdom’s Delegation to PACE   

On October 2, the delegation was invited to a lunch meeting with the United Kingdom’s (U.K.) delegation to PACE: Sir Roger Gale, Head of the delegation, Mr. Martin Whitfield, and Lord (Simon) Russell.

The conversation included a discussion on Brexit, the Canadian federal elections, the environment and climate change, the energy sector, migration, and the independence of research.

4. Meeting with the North Macedonia’s Delegation to PACE   

On October 3, Senators Wells and Ravalia met with two delegates from the North Macedonian delegation: Mr. Betian Kitev, MP, Head of the delegation, and Ms. Shpresa Hadri, MP.

The delegates discussed the official name change of the country, in accordance with the Prespa Agreement signed with Greece in June 2018; and North Macedonia's process to access to NATO. The North Macedonian delegates informed the members that most countries have signed the ascension protocol but there are still a few countries that have not yet signed.

It was discussed how Canada has encouraged and supported North Macedonia’s NATO accession.

The conversation concluded with the North Macedonian delegates informing the Canadian delegates about North Macedonia’s wish to also become a member of the European Union, and they invited members of the Association to visit North Macedonia to better understand the countries issues and challenges.

C. Canadian Interventions in Assembly Debates   

Senator Rosa Galvez, Senator Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia and Senator David Wells participated in Assembly debates during the fourth part-session, making six interventions in debates and tabling two additional speeches on a range of broad topics. Links to the delegates’ speeches are available on the PACE website.[1]

1. Tuesday, October 1, 2019   

Senators David Wells delivered a speech on “Improving the protection of whistleblowers all over Europe”.

Senator Rosa Galvez was unable to speak but tabled a speech on the same subject.

2. Wednesday, October 2, 2019   

Senator Rosa Galvez delivered a speech on “The Council of Europe Development Bank: contributing to building a more inclusive society”.

Senator David Wells delivered a speech on “Protecting and supporting the victims of terrorism”.

3. Thursday, October 3, 2019   

Senator Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia delivered a speech on “Obstetrical and gynecological violence”.

Senators Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia delivered a speech on “A legal status for climate refugees”.

Senator Rosa Galvez was unable to speak but tabled a speech on “A legal status for climate refugees”.

4. Friday, October 4, 2019   

Senator Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia delivered a speech on “Labour migration from Eastern Europe and its impact on socio-demographic processes in these countries”.

Respectfully submitted,

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