REPORT

Six members of the Canada–Europe Parliamentary Association (CAEU) registered in the second part of the 2022 Ordinary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), which took place from 25 to 28 April 2022. This second part was held in a hybrid format. Delegations were on site in Strasbourg, France, and others participated virtually. The Canadian delegation participated by videoconference. The Canadian delegation was composed of Francesco Sorbara, MP and head of delegation; Marie-France Lalonde, MP; Stéphane Bergeron, MP; Luc Berthold, MP; Larry Brock, MP, and the Honourable Lucie Moncion, Senator. The Honourable David Wells, Senator, and the Honourable Pierre Dalphond, Senator, also observed the second part of the 2022 Ordinary Session. The delegation was supported by the association secretary, Jessica Kulka, and its analysts, Madalina Chesoi and B. J. Siekierski.

PARTICIPATION IN THE SECOND PART OF THE 2022 ORDINARY SESSION OF THE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE

Consistent with Canada’s official observer status with PACE, the delegation participated in the second part of the 2022 Ordinary Session from 25 to 28 April 2022.

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

During the second part of the 2022 Ordinary Session, the Assembly, its committees and political groups held debates on various topics. The Assembly debated the following:

• “Progress report by the Bureau and the Standing Committee”;

• “For an assessment of the means and provisions to combat children’s exposure to pornographic content”;

• “Beyond the Lisbon Treaty: strengthening the strategic partnership between the Council of Europe and the European Union”;

• “Deinstitutionalisation of persons with disabilities”;

• “Tackling discrimination based on social origin”;

• “Consequences of the Russian Federation’s continued aggression against Ukraine: role and response of the Council of Europe”;

• “How to put confiscated criminal assets to good use?”;

• “Fighting and preventing excessive and unjustified use of force by law enforcement officers”;

• “Safeguarding and promoting genuine democracy in Europe”;

• “The honouring of obligations and commitments by Georgia”; and

• “Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine: Ensuring accountability for serious violations of international humanitarian law” (urgent procedure debate).

The Assembly also heard from the following speakers:

• Dunja Mijatović, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights;

• Marija Burić, Secretary General of the Council of Europe;

• Sergio Mattarella, President of the Italian Republic; and

• Benedetto Della Vedova, Undersecretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation of Italy.

B. Canadian Activities During the Session

The members of the delegation actively observed and participated in the plenary session proceedings of PACE.

1. Canadian Interventions in Assembly Debates

Senator Lucie Moncion, MP Francesco Sorbara, MP Marie-France Lalonde, MP Stéphane Bergeron, MP Luc Berthold, and MP Larry Brock participated in the Assembly’s debates. They made nine interventions during the debates and tabled two speeches addressing a range of topics. The links to the delegates’ speeches are on the PACE website.[1]

(a) Monday, 25 April 2022

MP Larry Brock and Senator Lucie Moncion spoke during the debate entitled “For an assessment of the means and provisions to combat children’s exposure to pornographic content.”

(b) Wednesday, 27 April 2022

MP Stéphane Bergeron, MP Marie-France Lalonde, MP Francesco Sorbara and Senator Lucie Moncion spoke during the debate entitled “Consequences of the Russian Federation’s continued aggression against Ukraine: role and response of the Council of Europe.”

MP Stéphane Bergeron also spoke during the debate entitled “Fighting and preventing excessive and unjustified use of force by the law enforcement officers.” Senator Lucie Moncion was unable to speak during this debate but tabled her speech.

(c) Thursday, 28 April 2022

MP Stéphane Bergeron spoke during the debate entitled “Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine: ensuring accountability for serious violations of international humanitarian law.” MP Marie France Lalonde was unable to speak during this debate but tabled her speech.

MP Francesco Sorbara spoke during the debate entitled “Safeguarding and promoting genuine democracy in Europe.”

Respectfully submitted,

Mr. Francesco Sorbara, M.P.

President

Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association