REPORT

A delegation of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) attended the 142nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and related meetings in April and May 2021. Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, these events adopted a virtual format. The Canadian delegation comprised the following members:

• the Honourable David McGuinty, P.C., M.P., President of the UIPU

• the Honourable Salma Ataullahjan, Senator, Vice-President of the UIPU

• the Honourable Marilou McPhedran, Senator

• the Honourable Raymonde Saint-Germain, Senator

• the Honourable Michelle Rempel Garner, P.C., M.P.

• Ms. Julie Dzerowicz, M.P.

• Ms. Marilène Gill, M.P.

• Ms. Heather McPherson, M.P.

• Mr. Sven Spengemann, M.P.

The delegation was assisted during the 142nd Assembly by the association secretaries assigned to the UIPU, Ms. Jessica Kulka and Ms. Shannon Petry, as well as its advisors from the Library of Parliament, Mr. Olivier Leblanc-Laurendeau and Ms. Natalie Mychajlyszyn.

Meetings of the IPU are important fora for Canadian parliamentary diplomacy. Multilateral engagement occurs through the meetings of various committees and other IPU bodies, while bilateral engagement occurs through side meetings that arise during IPU assemblies. Given the unique context of the 142nd Assembly, which took place during the global COVID-19 pandemic, Canadian delegates focused their attention on multilateral interactions.

Throughout the 142nd Assembly, delegates from the UIPU engaged with their counterparts and participated in various debates and discussions to promote Canadian values in relation to important topics of international concern, including democracy, human rights, international peace and security, gender equality, and sustainable development.

THE INTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION

• fosters contacts, co-ordination, and the exchange of experiences among parliamentarians of all member parliaments;

• considers questions of international interest and concern, and expresses its views on relevant issues in order to bring about action by parliaments and parliamentarians;

• contributes to the defence and promotion of human rights, which are essential aspects of parliamentary democracy and development; and

• contributes to better knowledge of the working of representative institutions, and to the strengthening and development of their means of action[1].

At present, the IPU’s activities adhere to its “Strategy 2017–2021: Strong democratic parliaments, serving the people,” which was adopted in October 2016 during the 135th Assembly[2] . The IPU’s strategic document for 2022–2026 is expected to be adopted at the 143rd Assembly in late 2021.

At the close of the 142nd Assembly, 179 parliaments were members of the IPU. The organization also has 13 associate members, including the European Parliament, the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe[3].

THE 142^ND ASSEMBLY OF THE INTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION[4]

The Assembly is the principal statutory body that expresses the views of the IPU on political issues[5]. Two statutory assemblies are normally held each year[6], bringing together parliamentarians from around the world to study international issues and make recommendations for action.

1.   AGENDA

The agenda for the 142nd Assembly included, among others:

• a general debate on the role of parliaments in overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic and building a better tomorrow;

• a resolution on parliamentary strategies to strengthen peace and security against threats and conflicts resulting from climate-related disasters and their consequences (submitted by the Standing Committee on Peace and International Security);

• a resolution on mainstreaming digitalization and the circular economy to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly consumption and production (submitted by the Standing Committee on Sustainable Development); and

• the approval of the subject item to be considered by the standing committees on Peace and International Security and Sustainable Development at the 143rd Assembly.

Several elections were held to fill vacancies on the various bodies of the IPU. The virtual format of the 142nd Assembly also allowed for several pre-assembly meetings of the bureaus, committees and other IPU bodies during the months of April and May 2021 (before the actual Assembly in late May 2021).

Delegations from 133 member parliaments and five associate members took part in the 142nd Assembly.

B.   GENERAL DEBATE

During the 142nd Assembly, a general debate was held on the following theme: “Overcoming the pandemic today and building a better tomorrow: the role of parliaments.” Over the course of two days (26–27 May 2021), 56 delegates, including 16 presiding officers and two young parliamentarians, took part in the general debate. Its virtual format allowed 13 member parliaments and one associate member to contribute to the debate with pre-recorded video messages. The debate, as well as the deliberations that took place at meetings of the Standing Committees, the Forum of Women Parliamentarians and the Forum of Young Parliamentarians (see below), informed the President’s summary of the key messages that was endorsed by the 142nd Assembly at its conclusion.

On behalf of the Canadian delegation, MP McGuinty delivered remarks on the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic on communities and people around the globe as well as the ways in which this crisis has underscored the world’s interdependency. He also spoke of the importance of equality – notably gender equality – and of the urgency of working together to build a more sustainable future.

C.   STANDING COMMITTEES

The Assembly is assisted in its work by four standing committees. Pursuant to the Statutes of the IPU, delegations are represented on each standing committee by one delegate and one substitute. Each of the four standing committees elects a “Bureau” which normally meets during IPU assemblies to prepare and review their respective committee’s work plans and to consider proposals for subject items to be discussed at future assemblies. Standing committees debate and finalize draft resolutions, as well as conduct hearings, prepare reports and organize missions.

1.   STANDING COMMITTEE ON PEACE AND INTERNATIONAL SECURITY

The Standing Committee on Peace and International Security examines matters related to international peace and security, such as terrorism, cybersecurity, nuclear proliferation and governance issues[7]. During the 142nd Assembly, the committee met on 22 April 2021 to discuss proposed amendments to a draft resolution on parliamentary strategies to strengthen peace and security against threats and conflicts resulting from climate-related disasters and their consequences. It met again on 17 May 2021 to take note of the adoption of the amended resolution following a silence procedure. Senator McPhedran, Senator Saint-Germain, MP Gill and MP Spengemann attended that meeting. On behalf of the Canadian delegation, Senator Saint Germain expressed thanks to the drafting committee for accepting Canada’s proposed amendments which in part focused attention on the condition of Indigenous peoples as well as the adverse impact of climate change on the fragile ecosystems of the polar regions.

The committee’s Bureau met on 13 April 2021 in part to propose the topic for the next resolution; Senator Ataullahjan attended the meeting in her capacity as a member of the Bureau of the Forum of Women Parliamentarians. The proposed topic, “Rethinking and reframing current approaches to peace processes to realise lasting peace,” was agreed to by silence procedure as announced at the 17 May 2021 meeting of the committee.

The committee also met on 26 April 2021 for a debate on the overall theme of the Assembly from the perspective of peace and international security. Senator Saint-Germain, MP Dzerowicz, MP Gill and MP McPherson were in attendance. MP McPherson participated in the debate, emphasizing the recent work undertaken by Canadian parliamentarians regarding the COVID-19 pandemic’s consequences for global stability. She highlighted the report tabled by the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development of the House of Commons on the aftershocks of the pandemic for crisis- and conflict-affected areas.

2.   STANDING COMMITTEE ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The Standing Committee on Sustainable Development examines matters such as trade, environmental protection, development finance and other issues related to the health and protection of our planet[8]. During the 142nd Assembly, the committee met on 22 April 2021 to discuss a draft resolution on mainstreaming digitalization and the circular economy to achieve the SDGs, particularly SDG 12, responsible consumption and production; Senator McPhedran attended this meeting during which proposed amendments were discussed and a final consensus text was prepared. The committee met again on 18 May 2021 to take note of the adoption of the resolution as amended following a silence procedure. Senator McPhedran and MP McPherson attended that meeting. Senator McPhedran addressed the other delegates, re-emphasizing amendments proposed by the Canadian delegation to strengthen the resolution’s inclusivity and highlighting the role played by underrepresented groups such as women, Indigenous populations, racialized communities, migrant workers and persons with disabilities in discussions about digitalization and the circular economy. These proposed amendments were adopted by the drafting committee. The committee also adopted by silence procedure the topic for its next resolution, “information and communications technology (ICT) and education.”

The committee held a joint meeting on the overall debate of the Assembly with the Standing Committee on United Nations (UN) Affairs on 27 April 2021. Senator McPhedran, Senator Saint-Germain and MP Gill attended that meeting. Senator McPhedran stressed the need to increase our focus on women and youth, as well as the link between the climate crisis and the impact of the pandemic.

During the 142nd Assembly, Senator McPhedran was elected to the Bureau of the Standing Committee on Sustainable Development for a two-year renewable term ending in April 2023.

3.   STANDING COMMITTEE ON DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS

The Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Right examines matters related to the promotion and protection of human rights and the building of strong democracies[9]. During the 142nd Assembly, the committee met on 28 April 2021 to debate the overall theme of the assembly from the perspective of democracy and human rights. Senator McPhedran, Senator Saint-Germain, MP Gill, MP McPherson and MP Spengemann attended that meeting. MP McPherson noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has been exacerbating existing inequalities. She highlighted recent work undertaken by parliamentary committees in Canada, including the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs and the Standing Committee on the Status of Women in the House of Commons, which both tabled reports on the impact of the pandemic. MP Spengemann also intervened during that meeting to emphasize that vaccine equity is both a domestic and an international issue, and to stress the importance of science-based policies in fighting disinformation.

The committee’s Bureau also met on 11 May 2021 to discuss the revised IPU Strategy from a democracy and human rights perspective. MP Spengemann attended the meeting in his capacity as an outgoing member of the Bureau. He noted that climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic are parallel crises. He also stated that parliamentarians ought to promote inclusion, to combat hate speech and to find ways for all voices to be heard. He added that the IPU needs to connect more strongly with civil society and the UN.

The committee met again on 18 May 2021 to discuss the theme of its next resolution: “Legislation worldwide to combat online sexual child exploitation.” Senator Saint-Germain, MP Rempel Garner, MP Dzerowicz, MP Gill and MP Spengemann attended that meeting. During the discussion, MP Spengemann highlighted the importance of national parliaments showing unity and working together to legislate and combat online sexual child exploitation.

4.   STANDING COMMITTEE ON UNITED NATIONS AFFAIRS

The Standing Committee on UN Affairs examines matters related to the relationships between parliaments, the IPU and the UN. During the 142nd Assembly, the committee held a joint meeting with the Standing Committee on Sustainable Development on 27 April 2021 to debate the overall theme of the assembly. Senator McPhedran, Senator Saint-Germain and MP Gill were in attendance. As noted above, Senator McPhedran intervened during this meeting.

The committee met again on 29 April 2021 to discuss the Declaration on the commemoration of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations (also known as the “UN75 Declaration”). Senator McPhedran, Senator Saint-Germain, MP Gill and MP Spengemann attended that meeting, at which Canada’s permanent representative to the UN, the Honourable Bob Rae, was a panellist.

PARTICIPATION BY CANADIAN DELEGATES IN OTHER MEETINGS AND ACTIVITIES

A.   GOVERNING BODIES OF THE INTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION

During assemblies, the other governing bodies of the IPU (the Governing Council and the Executive Committee) and their subsidiary bodies also meet.

1.   GOVERNING COUNCIL

The Governing Council is the plenary policy-making body of the IPU[10]. Several specialized bodies fall under the Governing Council’s responsibility and report to it on their work. These include the Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians, the Committee on Middle East Questions, the Group of Facilitators for Cyprus, the Committee to Promote Respect for International Humanitarian Law, the Advisory Group on Health, the High-Level Advisory Group on Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism, the Forum of Women Parliamentarians, the Forum of Young Parliamentarians and the Working Group on Science and Technology.

The Governing Council is composed of three representatives from each IPU member parliament, provided that its representation includes both men and women parliamentarians (single-gender delegations are limited to one member).

During the 142nd Assembly, meetings of the 207th Governing Council were held on 24 and 25 May 2021. The Governing Council had several items on its agenda, including:

• adoption of the special rules of procedure for the virtual sessions of the assembly and standing committees;

• approval of the summary records of the 206th session of the Governing Council;

• vision of the IPU President and report on his activities since the 206th session;

• annual IPU impact report by the Secretary General on the activities of the IPU in 2020;

• elections to the Executive Committee and other IPU bodies;

• questions related to IPU membership;

• financial results for 2020;

• future inter-parliamentary meetings;

• creation of an IPU Cremer-Passy Prize;

• activities of its subsidiary bodies; and

• revision of the IPU Strategy.

The President reported on his activities since his election six months prior, which included several official visits and meetings with various interlocutors. He emphasized his priorities of consolidating the IPU’s vision and reinforcing its visibility and status as an international actor.

The Secretary General provided an overview of his Annual Impact Report on the activities of the IPU in 2020[11]. He noted that it had been a year of transition for the organization, which elected a new president. He added that, despite the pandemic, the IPU has been working to build stronger parliaments and continued to assist countries around the world.

During its 207th session, the Governing Council elected members to various positions. It accepted the nomination by the Arab Group of Mr. Ali Rashed Al Noaymi (United Arab Emirates), who was elected to the Executive Committee. Elections were also conducted for positions on the Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians and the Committee on Middle East Questions. Notably, MP Spengemann was elected to the Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians for a five year term ending in April 2026.

The Governing Council also discussed questions related to IPU membership and the goal of achieving universal membership. It took note of developments affecting the function of parliament in Mali, Chad, Haiti, Sudan and Libya and also expressed concern about the ongoing political situation in Myanmar. In this context, it endorsed several of the Executive Committee’s recommendations, including:

• to remove Thailand and Burundi from the IPU’s list of countries of concern in light of positive developments in those countries;

• to recognize the Parliament of Seiyun as the representative of Yemen to the IPU[12];

• to invite the Committee Representing the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (Union Parliament) of Myanmar as an observer to the IPU Assembly; and

• to postpone any decision on Venezuela’s membership to the next IPU Assembly until the Executive Committee has had an opportunity to consider the report of an IPU mission to the country.

The Governing Council took note of the reports on the activities of its subsidiary bodies. Senator Ataullahjan discharged her last duty as the outgoing President of the Committee on Middle East Questions in reporting on its recent activities, many of which informed the discussions and decisions of the Executive Committee and the Governing Council. She noted that the committee had focused its attention on the situations in Yemen, Libya and Palestine, as well as the peace and normalization agreements between Israel and other countries in the region. On Yemen, it expressed concerns about the country’s dire humanitarian crisis, particularly as it affects women and children, and supported a political solution to the conflict. As noted above, the committee recommended that the IPU recognize the Parliament in Seiyun as the representative of Yemen to the IPU[13]. On Libya, it welcomed recent political developments and encouraged the House of Representatives in Tobruk to continue engaging with the IPU. On Palestine, following the announcement that the anticipated elections were postponed, it issued a statement expressing concern over the escalation of violence and calling on all parties to engage in meaningful dialogue that would allow elections in Palestine to take place.

MP McGuinty, Senator Ataullahjan and MP Gill attended the meetings of the Governing Council as the Canadian delegation’s voting members. They were accompanied by Senator McPhedran, Senator Saint Germain and MP Spengemann.

(a)   COMMITTEE ON MIDDLE EAST QUESTIONS

The Committee on Middle East Questions examines issues related to peace, security and dialogue throughout that region[14]. At the time of the 142nd Assembly, Senator Ataullahjan was finishing her term as president of the committee, which held meetings on 14 April 2021 and 10 May 2021.

Senator Ataullahjan attended and chaired the two meetings. The outcome of the discussions were reported to the Governing Council (see above).

(b)   FORUM OF WOMEN PARLIAMENTARIANS

The Forum of Women Parliamentarians meets at IPU assemblies to find ways to redress the gender imbalance in national parliaments and within the IPU, and to ensure that gender perspectives are included in decisions adopted by the IPU membership[15]. During the 142nd Assembly, the forum had two sittings: 10 May 2021 and 12 May 2021. At the first sitting, participating delegates held an interactive discussion about a gender-responsive post-pandemic recovery; the discussion was informed by a series of inter-parliamentary dialogues on that topic organized by the IPU in the preceding weeks and was intended to contribute a gender equality perspective to the President’s summary of the Assembly’s debate on the overall theme. They also received a briefing on how the two draft resolutions considered at the Assembly (see above) reflect a gender perspective and on the progress made towards a revised IPU Strategy for 2022–2026. Forum participants also discussed the topic of the next resolution of the Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights, “Legislation worldwide to combat online sexual child exploitation,” with the objective of identifying gender-related priorities.

At the second sitting, forum participants discussed the commitments needed to accelerate global progress towards gender equality. The discussion focused on the priority action areas at the centre of the Generation Equality Forum, for which the IPU is an important partner, particularly regarding feminist movements and leadership. Senator McPhedran highlighted recent developments in Canada regarding parliamentary leaders, including the appointment of Canada’s first female finance minister, as well as the feminist focus of Canada’s post-pandemic recovery plan; she also noted the importance of building bridges with young leaders as part of any international effort to promote gender equality at the Generation Equality Forum.

Participants also conducted elections for the Forum’s Bureau and for its presiding officers. With her mandate as a member of the Bureau drawing to a close, Senator Ataullahjan was thanked by her colleagues for her commitment to the work of the Forum. The Canadian delegation was represented at either or both of the Forum’s sittings by Senator Ataullahjan, Senator McPhedran, Senator Saint-Germain, MP Dzerowicz and MP McPherson.

(c)   FORUM OF YOUNG PARLIAMENTARIANS

The Forum of Young Parliamentarians works to ensure that youth voices are heard in the IPU’s decision-making and to promote youth participation and perspectives at its political level[16]. During the 142nd Assembly, the forum had two sittings: 13 May 2021 and 17 May 2021. At the first sitting, participating delegates held an interactive discussion about the impacts of the pandemic on youth economic empowerment, education, health and political participation. They also exchanged views about best practices for enhancing youth empowerment during the pandemic as well as youth responsive policies related to post-COVID-19 recovery efforts. These discussions were supported by findings and recommendations from the IPU’s seventh Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians (held in April 2021) which were shared with forum participants. The second sitting was organized around a panel discussion on “a new decade of action for the IPU and parliaments on youth participation” in light of continuing low global percentages of parliamentarians under the age of 30; the outcome of the discussion is intended to inform priorities and key youth-related components of the next IPU Strategy 2022–2027. Moreover, the forum launched the IPU’s campaign to promote transformative action and improve youth participation in parliament.

Participants also conducted elections for the forum’s bureau and for its presiding officers. The Canadian delegation was represented at both of the forum’s sittings by MP Rempel Garner.

2.   EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The Executive Committee advises the Governing Council on matters relating to affiliation and reaffiliation to the IPU, fixes the date and place of Governing Council sessions and establishes their provisional agenda. It also proposes to the Governing Council the annual work program and budget of the IPU. Furthermore, the Executive Committee controls the administration of the Secretariat as well its activities in the implementation of the decisions taken by the Assembly and the Governing Council[17].

During the 142nd Assembly, the Executive Committee held meetings on 19 and 20 May 2021. Meetings of the committee are held in camera. MP McGuinty, who is the IPU Vice-President for the Twelve Plus geopolitical group[18], attended both meetings.

On 19 May 2021, the committee took note of the situation in certain countries and parliaments, and agreed to the creation of a Cremer-Passy Prize to honour a parliamentarian or parliament for making an outstanding contribution to the IPU and its objectives. MP McGuinty was an active participant in the discussions and he supported the creation of the prize. The committee’s recommendations concerning these agenda items were subsequently endorsed by the Governing Council.

On 20 May 2021, the committee received updates on the revision to the IPU Strategy for 2022–2026, on financial matters related to the IPU, on preparation for the 142nd Assembly and on future inter parliamentary meetings. MP McGuinty again actively participated in the deliberations. He noted the importance of investing in capacity building and the rule of law, and for the IPU to receive voluntary contributions from its members.

The committee also took note of the activities report by the IPU President and of the Annual Impact Report by the Secretary General. The committee finally proceeded to the election of vice-presidents; MP McGuinty was confirmed as Vice-President of the Executive Committee representing the Twelve Plus Group for the remainder of his mandate.

B.   MEETINGS OF THE GEOPOLITICAL GROUPS

Article 27 of the IPU Statutes permits IPU members to form geopolitical groups; there are six such groups formally recognized by the IPU. The groups play an important role in the functioning and activities of the IPU. Each group determines its own working methods, and informs the IPU Secretariat of its composition, officers and rules of procedure.

Canada is a member of two geopolitical groups within the IPU:

• the 47-member Twelve Plus Group, which includes members from Europe, as well as Australia, Israel, New Zealand and Turkey[19]; and

• the 36-member Asia-Pacific Group[20].

While Canada participates in the activities of both groups, it submits candidatures for vacant positions within the IPU through the Twelve Plus Group.

1.   TWELVE PLUS GROUP

The Twelve Plus Group held meetings on 26 April 2021 and 21 May 2021; they were chaired by Ms Arda Gerkens of the Netherlands. At the meeting on 26 April 2021, the Group conducted elections among its nominated members to fill vacancies on the various bodies of the IPU. MP McGuinty, Senator McPhedran and MP Spengemann attended that meeting. Notably, the Twelve Plus Group nominated Senator McPhedran for a position on the Bureau of the Standing Committee on Sustainable Development. As noted above, she was later confirmed to this position by the committee for a two year renewable term ending in April 2023.

On 21 May 2021, the Group discussed sanctions imposed by governments against parliamentarians, the situation in Myanmar, the tensions between Israel and Palestine, and procedural matters concerning the group’s constitution. As IPU Vice-President for the group, MP McGuinty provided an update on recent discussions by the IPU Executive Committee regarding the revised IPU Strategy for 2022–2026. MP McGuinty, Senator McPhedran, Senator Saint-Germain, MP Gill and MP Spengemann attended that meeting.

2.   ASIA-PACIFIC GROUP

The Asia-Pacific Group (APG) held a meeting on 7 May 2021. Chaired by Ms. NAM In-soon from the Republic of Korea, its agenda included a briefing on recent meetings of the IPU Executive Committee by the Asia-Pacific group representative from Thailand on that committee and a briefing of the most recent meeting of the ASEAN+3 Group[21]. It also conducted elections from among its nominated members to fill vacancies on the various bodies of the IPU.

MP Spengemann attended the meeting. He asked that the APG members support his candidacy in the upcoming elections to the Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians.

DOMESTIC FOLLOW-UP ON ASSEMBLY OUTCOMES

Article 7 of the IPU Statutes requires that members take appropriate domestic action to inform their parliaments and governments of IPU resolutions in order to “stimulate their implementation[22].” In furtherance of this requirement, and in addition to the presentation of this report in Parliament, correspondence was sent on behalf of the UIPU to relevant parliamentarians and officials informing them of the resolutions adopted by the IPU and encouraging them to engage with the Canadian Group regarding their domestic implementation. After the 142nd Assembly, letters were sent to:

• The Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister

• Ministers of:

• Environment and Climate Change

• Foreign Affairs

• Health

• Justice

• National Defence

• The Speaker of the Senate

• The Speaker of the House of Commons

• The Chairs and Deputy Chairs of Standing Senate Committees on:

• Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources

• Foreign Affairs and International Trade

• Human Rights

• National Security and Defence

• Social Affairs, Science and Technology

• The Chairs and Vice-Chairs of House of Commons Standing Committees on:

• Environment and Sustainable Development

• Foreign Affairs and International Development

• Health

• Justice and Human Rights

• National Defence

Respectfully submitted,

The Hon. David McGuinty, P.C., M.P.

President, Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union