Report

A delegation of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) attended the 145th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and related meetings in Kigali, Rwanda, from 11 to 15 October 2022. The Canadian delegation comprised the following members:

• The Honourable David McGuinty, P.C., M.P., President of the UIPU and Head of Delegation;
• The Honourable Salma Ataullahjan, Senator, Vice-President of the UIPU;
• The Honourable Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia, Senator;
• The Honourable Michelle Rempel Garner, P.C., M.P.; and
• Ms. Andréanne Larouche, M.P.

The delegation was assisted during the 145th Assembly by the association secretary of the UIPU, Ms. Shannon Petry, as well as its advisors from the Library of Parliament, Mr. Olivier Leblanc-Laurendeau and Ms. Natalie Mychajlyszyn.

IPU Assemblies 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 meetings that are held on the margins of an Assembly.

The 145th Assembly was the first attended in-person by a UIPU delegation since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Joined by nearly 600 parliamentarians from 119 IPU member parliaments, the Canadian delegation debated the overall theme, “Gender equality and gender-sensitive parliaments as drivers of change for a more resilient and peaceful world.” Canadian delegates also played leadership roles in the Assembly’s adoption of a resolution on migration and human trafficking proposed by the Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights as well as a resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its consequences. They also actively participated in meetings of various subsidiary bodies focusing on women parliamentarians, young parliamentarians, peace and security, sustainable development and health. In addition, they attended numerous side events on topics such as genocide, terrorism and 2SLGBTQI+ matters, and held several bilateral meetings.

THE INTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION

Established in 1889, the IPU is the international organization of national parliaments of sovereign states. The IPU is the focal point for global parliamentary dialogue, working for peace and co-operation as well as for the establishment of representative democracy. To this end, it:

• 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 are pursued according to its Strategy 2022–2026, which was adopted in November 2021 during the 143rd Assembly in Madrid, Spain.

At the close of the 145th Assembly, 178 national parliaments were members of the IPU. The organization also has 14 associate members, including the European Parliament, the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.[2]

THE 145th ASSEMBLY OF THE INTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION[3]

The Assembly is the principal statutory body that expresses the views of the IPU on political issues[4]. Two statutory assemblies are normally held each year, bringing together parliamentarians from around the world to study international issues and make recommendations for action.

Delegations from 119 member parliaments and eight associate members took part in the 145th Assembly. They comprised 573 parliamentarians, including 39 Presiding Officers and 39 Deputy Presiding Officers. Of this number, 207 were women parliamentarians (36.1% of all parliamentarians participating) and 130 were parliamentarians under the age of 45 (22.7%).

A. AGENDA AND OUTCOMES

The agenda for the 145th Assembly included various items and led to the following outcomes, among others:

• the adoption of the Kigali Declaration on the overall theme of the general debate, “Gender equality and gender-sensitive parliaments as drivers of change for a more resilient and peaceful world;”
• a debate on the selected emergency item topic, “Condemnation of the invasion of Ukraine and of the subsequent annexation of territories, in defence of the territorial integrity of all States,” and adoption of a resolution on said emergency item;
• the work of its Standing Committees, including the adoption of a resolution entitled, “Parliamentary impetus to local and regional development of countries with high levels of international migration and to stopping all forms, including state-sponsored, of human-trafficking and human rights abuses,” submitted by the Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights; and
• a Special Accountability Segment.

Canadian delegates played prominent roles in advancing these agenda items.

1.   The General Debate

Mr. McGuinty, Ms. Rempel Garner and Ms. Larouche joined approximately 140 parliamentarians in deliberating the overall theme of the Assembly and contributing to the Kigali Declaration:

Mr. McGuinty highlighted Canada’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic recovery plan, both of which deliberately reflected the gendered consequences of the crisis. In doing so, he emphasized the prominent leadership roles women played in designing and influencing Canada’s response, for instance as members of Cabinet as well as chief medical officers. Mr. McGuinty also highlighted Canada’s total investments of nearly $4.5 million to support the IPU’s work in parliamentary leadership.

Ms. Rempel Garner underscored that, to achieve true gender parity, women parliamentarians must be empowered to carry out their functions equally alongside their male colleagues unimpeded by patriarchal constraints, without discrimination according to age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or marital status, and free from harassment, violence and reprisals. She also noted the role played by the IPU in advancing women’s political empowerment.

Ms. Larouche delivered her remarks during the segment devoted to young parliamentarians. She highlighted the different legal, financial and social barriers as well as forms of discrimination faced by young women that result in their underrepresentation in formal politics. She also underscored the importance of everyone joining forces to promote gender equality and to protect gains already made.

Drawing on the debate, the Kigali Declaration enumerates a series of actions to make parliaments more gender-sensitive over the next decade and notes, among other items, that:

• crises exacerbate gender-based inequalities and create new ones;
• gender equality is key to addressing crises such as climate change, pandemics, conflicts, pandemics and economic recessions;
• gender-sensitive parliaments are required to drive structural change that advances gender equality; and
• gender equality is a universal right.

2. The Emergency Item

According to the IPU Statutes, one emergency item, or resolution, that pertains to “a recent major situation of international concern on which urgent action by the international community is required” may be included on the Assembly’s agenda[5].

At the 145th Assembly, the emergency item proposed by Chile and members of the Group of Latin America and the Caribbean, “Condemnation of the invasion of Ukraine and of the subsequent annexation of territories in defence of the territorial integrity of all States,” was selected and added to the agenda. Canada cast 15 votes in favour of this proposed item.

Canada had co-sponsored, together with New Zealand and Poland, an emergency item proposed by Ukraine, “Condemnation of the illegal annexation of the Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and Luhansk regions by the Russian Federation, the targeting of civilians and other war crimes resulting from the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine.” The proposed item was withdrawn in favour of that submitted by Chile.

Once an item is selected, a debate is held in the Assembly on the topic. During the debate on the emergency item at the 145th Assembly, Mr. McGuinty reaffirmed the Canadian parliament’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, its people and right to self-determination. He referred to several statements and resolutions by the United Nations, the G7 and others which condemned Russia’s aggression, the displacement of millions and the violation of international law. He called on IPU member parliaments to mobilize efforts and continue diplomatic and economic sanctions to end the invasion.

After the debate, a drafting committee is formed to negotiate the text of a resolution on the emergency item, the first draft of which is provided by the sponsor. Ms. Rempel Garner represented Canada as one of two Twelve Plus Group members (see discussion below) appointed to the drafting committee by the 145th Assembly. She was joined by New Zealand as the other Twelve Plus Group member, as well as Chile (author of the proposed item), Peru (representatives of the Group of Latin America and the Caribbean), Iran (representative of the Asia Pacific Group), Jordan, Oman (representatives of the Arab Group), South Africa and Tanzania (representatives of the African Group). The Eurasia Group, to which Russia belongs, did not appoint a representative to the drafting committee. Ms. Rempel Garner was selected as chair of the drafting committee. In that role, she guided the committee’s members through challenging negotiations and consideration of proposed amendments to finalize the emergency item’s text.

The emergency item resolution is presented to the Assembly for adoption at its closing session. Among other key elements, the resolution:

• recalls the IPU’s resolution adopted by the 144th Assembly in Nusa Dua, Indonesia, Peaceful resolution of the war in Ukraine, respecting international law, the Charter of the United Nations and territorial integrity as well as supports resolutions adopted by the United Nations General Assembly and the United Nations Human Rights Council;
• calls for an immediate end to the Russian military occupation of sovereign Ukrainian territory, restoring its territorial integrity to internationally recognized borders;
• condemns the human rights and humanitarian crises resulting from the ongoing invasion and war, including the attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, the use of sexual and gender-based violence as a weapon of war, and alleged war crimes;
• calls on the international community to address the global food and energy crises that have resulted from the war in Ukraine; and
• reaffirms support for the work of the IPU Task Force on the peaceful resolution of the war in Ukraine.

The resolution was adopted by consensus, following which delegations had the opportunity to express their support or to abstain. As chair of the drafting committee, Ms. Rempel Garner noted that although the negotiations were passionate, the consensus text reflects the best of the IPU. Senator Ravalia congratulated the drafting committee as well as the IPU membership for achieving consensus on the resolution and demonstrating that dialogue works. Nevertheless, India, Mozambique, South Africa, South Sudan and Yemen abstained from the supporting the resolution. That two resolutions were adopted by sequential assemblies on the same topic is extremely rare and reflects the level of condemnation for Russia’s actions among IPU members.

3. IPU Standing Committees

a) Standing Committee on Peace and International Security

The agenda of the Standing Committee on Peace and International Security included panel presentations on topics relating to the impact of war on civilian populations as well as war and climate change as triggers of global food insecurity. Senator Ravalia and Ms. Larouche attended these sessions.

The agenda also devoted a session to a debate concerning the topic of the standing committee’s next resolution, “Cyberattacks and cybercrimes: The new risks to global security.” Mr. McGuinty participated in the debate, during which he highlighted the growing rate of foreign interference intent on undermining democratic processes, including in Canada. He also noted that the high level of threat posed by cyber attacks to Canada’s critical infrastructure, information and data as well as health care systems has raised the stakes for all actors, including parliamentarians. Mr. McGuinty referred delegates to the Special Report on the Government of Canada’s Framework and Activities to Defend its Systems and Networks from Cyber Attack released by the committee he chairs, the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians.

b) Standing Committee on Sustainable Development

The Standing Committee on Sustainable Development met to debate the topic of its next resolution, “Parliamentary efforts in achieving negative carbon balances of forests.” Ms. Rempel Garner participated in the debate. She noted that the Canadian boreal forest holds more carbon per acre than any other terrestrial ecosystem. She underscored the importance of forest carbon reporting systems and asked that the resolution recognize the value of the science-based methodological guidance that these systems provide. She highlighted the carbon storage potential of forests, the benefits of replacing carbon-intensive construction materials with more environmentally sustainable wood-based materials, including composites, and the economic benefits that sustainable forest development can provide to countries around the world. Finally, she recommended that the resolution recognize that the knowledge of Indigenous persons in sustainable forest management plays a key role in fighting climate change.

The agenda of the standing committee also included a briefing on the Parliamentary Meeting to be held during the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) and a discussion of elements to be included in the draft outcome document.

It also included a panel on localizing Sustainable Development Goal 8, “Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.” Senator Ravalia attended this session.

Ms. Larouche stood in for Senator Marilou McPhedran as a representative of the Twelve Plus Group at the meeting of the standing committee’s Bureau[6]. She highlighted the participation of Senator McPhedran and a UIPU delegation to the United Nations’ High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development that took place in New York, the United States in July 2022. She also flagged the impact of climate disasters on infrastructure, noting for example the destruction Hurricane Fiona recently wreaked across Atlantic Canada. As examples of the ways in which infrastructure considerations could be reflected in climate change mitigation strategies, she noted the work being done by Hydro-Québec in relation to electric vehicles and the use of wood for infrastructure in Québec.

c) Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights

The Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights considered a draft resolution entitled Parliamentary impetus to local and regional development of countries with high levels of international migration and to stopping all forms, including state-sponsored, of human-trafficking and human rights abuses. The Committee considered 91 amendments submitted by 18 member parliaments as well as amendments from the Forum of Women Parliamentarians. Senator Ravalia presented the 26 amendments proposed by the Canadian Group, all of which, except one, were adopted[7]. The Canadian amendments introduced or strengthened the draft’s reference to the following themes:

• the impact of war and violence, such as Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, on migration and forced displacement;
• the gendered aspect of migration as well as the linkages between migration and identity factors such as race, ethnicity, religion, age and sex;
• the exploitation of vulnerable migrants for political purposes, including to foment xenophobia and to spread misinformation;
• the importance of the Global Compact on Refugees in promoting international cooperation and migration governance; and
• respect for the principle of non-criminalization of victims of smuggling.

The resolution was adopted by consensus by the Standing Committee and later by the Assembly. Following its adoption, some delegations expressed reservations on certain paragraphs, while Hungary, Indonesia and Russia expressed their opposition to the entire resolution.

d) Standing Committee on United Nations Affairs

The agenda for the Standing Committee on United Nations Affairs included a panel discussion on the UN response to growing hunger and famine. Ms. Larouche intervened in the discussion to underscore the impact of higher levels of food insecurity around the world as a result of climate change, forced displacement, and conflict among other reasons. She highlighted the importance of parliamentarians in efforts to support the delivery of emergency food assistance, the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero hunger), and ensuring the meaningful participation of women and girls in such efforts. She also referred to Parliament of Canada’s allocation of $155 million in emergency humanitarian and development assistance in 2021.

4. Special Accountability Segment

First added to the Assembly’s agenda at the 144th Assembly, the Special Accountability Segment allows delegates to share good practices and any concrete actions undertaken towards the implementation of any IPU resolution or decision. Senator Ravalia participated in the segment on behalf of the Canadian delegation. Addressing recent IPU resolutions and declarations that centred on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and mobilizing parliaments to act on climate change, Senator Ravalia highlighted Canadian parliamentary business undertaken in these areas. This includes legislation, such as passage of the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, scrutiny of the government’s expenditure plans and budgets to ensure that funding and resources are invested to effectively support sustainable development in Canada and abroad, as well as committee studies whose work helps inform policy decisions and government strategy on sustainable development.

GOVERNING BODIES OF THE INTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION

During assemblies, the IPU’s governing bodies, such as the Governing Council, and subsidiary bodies also meet.

A. Governing Council

The Governing Council is the plenary policy-making body of the IPU[8]. It 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 145th Assembly, the 210th Governing Council had several items on its agenda, including:

• the financial situation of the IPU;
• the consolidated budget for 2023;
• report on the work of the IPU Task Force for the peaceful resolution of the war in Ukraine;
• the IPU political project at the United Nations to strengthen relations between the two bodies;
• questions relating to IPU membership and observer status; and
• elections to the Executive Committee and other bodies.

The voting members of the Canadian delegation on the Governing Council were Mr. McGuinty, Senator Ravalia and Ms. Rempel Garner; Ms. Larouche also attended sittings of the Council. The following were among the key decisions taken by the Council:

• approval of the IPU Personal Data Protection Policy and Procedures;
• approval of the consolidated budget for 2023;
• approval of a long-term contribution increase of 3% per year for 2023–2026, followed by an increase of 2% per year;
• endorsement of the report on the IPU political project at the United Nations;
• agreement to consider at the 146th Assembly a report by the Bureau of the Standing Committee on United Nations Affairs on recommendations to implement the report on the IPU political project;
• endorsement of the IPU Executive Committee’s conclusions on the principle of opening IPU regional offices and noting the offers by Egypt and Uruguay to host them;
• adoption of a number of recommendations by the IPU Executive Committee concerning the situations of certain parliaments, namely: Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Myanmar, Tunisia, Chad, Guinea, Mali, Venezuela and Eswatini; and
• noting the recommendations by the Task Force on Ukraine in its report and encouraging it to continue its mandate.

Several specialized bodies fall under the Governing Council’s responsibility and report to it on their work. Members of the Canadian delegation attended meetings of the following specialized bodies:

1. 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.

The agenda for the 34th session of the Forum of Women Parliamentarians at the 145th Assembly included the following items:

• discussion of and recommendations for amendments to the draft resolution of the Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights, Parliamentary impetus to local and regional development of countries with high levels of international migration and human rights abuses; and
• panel debate on gender-sensitive parliaments.

Notably, the Forum of Women Parliamentarians expressed its support for two amendments proposed by the Canadian delegation to the resolution of the Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights. The two amendments emphasized the gendered aspect of migration and displacement, and the importance of disaggregated data collection. One was adopted outright, and the other was merged with a similar amendment proposed by the Thai delegation.

Ms. Larouche attended the meeting. She intervened during the debate on gender-sensitive parliaments, highlighting her role as Vice-Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women. During the discussion of the draft resolution, she shared best practices from the Parliament of Canada, including the work of the all-party caucus on human trafficking.

2. 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.

The agenda for the Forum at the 145th Assembly focused on the following items:

• exchange of views on the draft resolution of the Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights, Parliamentary impetus to local and regional development of countries with high levels of international migration and human rights abuses;
• exchange of views on the overall theme of the general debate at the Assembly, “Gender equality and gender-sensitive parliaments as drivers of change for a more resilient and peaceful world;”
• a panel to showcase best practices on empowerment or mentorship initiatives for young people with political aspirations in the context of the IPU’s I say Yes to youth in parliament! campaign; and
• discussion from a youth perspective of the forthcoming resolutions being prepared by the Standing Committees on Peace and International Security, and Sustainable Development for the 146th Assembly.

3. Advisory Group on Health

The Advisory Group on Health provides a global parliamentary focal point for health-related legislative work, particularly regarding HIV/AIDS, sexual and reproductive health and rights, universal health coverage, health security, and emerging epidemics. Its sessions are held in camera. While not a member, Senator Ravalia was invited to participate as an observer in the meeting of the Group. The Group discussed issues related to its mandate, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of climate change on health.

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; and
• the 36-member Asia-Pacific Group.

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

A. Twelve Plus Group

The meetings of the Twelve Plus Group at the 145th Assembly were chaired by Ms. Arda Gerkens of the Netherlands. Its agenda included discussion on various issues pertaining to the Group’s priorities at the IPU, such as promoting the human rights and inclusion of LGBTI people, improving the implementation of IPU resolutions, achieving universal membership at the IPU, counter-terrorism and violent extremism, enhancing respect for the IPU’s principles and values among its members, coordinating strategy for the IPU’s emergency item and IPU vacancies, and supporting Ukraine. The Group also reviewed its financial situation and heard a briefing from its members on the IPU Executive Committee. Mr. Andries Gryffroy, a senator from Belgium, was acclaimed as the next chair of the Twelve Plus Group with a two-year mandate ending in 2024. The Group also filled vacancies in various positions across several IPU bodies.

The Canadian delegation was represented at the meetings of the Twelve Plus Group by Mr. McGuinty and Ms. Rempel Garner as the two voting members. Senator Ravalia and Ms. Larouche also attended.

• During the discussion on improving the implementation of IPU resolutions initiated by the Swiss delegation, Mr. McGuinty described the practice of the Canadian Group whereby it shares Assembly outcomes with the relevant ministers and committee chairs from both the Senate and the House of Commons. Ms. Rempel Garner suggested that a review of best practices among members of the Twelve Plus Group would be a beneficial place to start the initiative.
  • The Twelve Plus Group decided to strike a working group to explore best practices on the implementation of IPU resolutions. Ms. Rempel Garner was nominated to the group. She was joined by delegates from Switzerland, Poland, Australia, France, Ukraine and the Czech Republic (Czechia). The next chair of the Twelve Plus Group, Mr. Gryffroy from Belgium, would also participate.
• During the discussion on support for Ukraine, Mr. McGuinty underscored Canada’s longstanding ties with the country. He cited several reports and recent international level declarations in noting the detrimental impact on Russia’s economic situation and global standing of the sanctions applied by Ukraine’s partners. He emphasized the importance of remaining unified in such initiatives in order to end such an unprovoked and illegal aggression against an independent state.
• As discussed previously, during the coordination of a strategy regarding an Emergency Item at the 145th Assembly, Ms. Rempel Garner was nominated to represent the Twelve Plus Group on the Drafting Committee. She was joined by New Zealand.

B. Asia-Pacific Group

The meeting of the Asia-Pacific Group (APG) at the 145th Assembly was chaired by VietNam in the absence of Tuvalu. Its agenda included a briefing on recent meetings of the IPU Executive Committee by the APG representative from Thailand to that committee and a briefing of the most recent meeting of the ASEAN+3 Group[9]. It also conducted elections from among its nominated members to fill vacancies on the various bodies of the IPU. Delegations are allocated only one vote. Senator Ravalia represented the Canadian delegation as the voting member at the meeting.

OTHER MEETINGS AND SIDE EVENTS

• The Forum of Women Parliamentarians organized two side events in which the Canadian Group featured prominently.
  • Ms. Larouche was a panelist during the Forum’s Parity Debate which focused on how parliaments need to adapt to a younger and more diverse generation of members. She spoke about her personal experiences as a young parliamentarian and a new mother in Canada, and the support structures – personal and professional –that have helped her balance these roles. She delivered her remarks with her young daughter in her arms, an optical message that resonated very positively with many parliamentarians.
  • The Forum also organized an exhibition on the topic, Parliaments free from sexism, harassment and violence against women. The Parliament of Canada contributed material to the exhibition, specifically the Members of the House of Commons Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention Policy (2021); the Code of Conduct for Members of the House of Commons: Sexual Harassment (2015); and the Senate Harassment and Violence Prevention Policy (2021).
• Ms. Larouche attended the panel, Towards gender equality: Celebrating and understanding the accomplishments of women’s parliamentary caucuses, which was organized to mark the tenth anniversary of the Plan of Action for Gender-sensitive Parliaments that was launched at the 127th Assembly held in Québec City, Canada in 2012.
• Mr. McGuinty attended a side event organized by the Ukrainian delegation, “The International Duty to Prevent Genocides: The Role of Parliaments.”
• The IPU and the Association of Secretaries General of Parliament (ASGP) held a joint workshop on the indicators for democratic parliaments, specifically a framework for assessing effective, accountable and transparent institutions and responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making. The workshop’s main focus was a practical exercise to assess parliamentary autonomy. Ms. Larouche participated in the workshop together with Mr. Charles Robert, Clerk of the House of Commons, who was participating in the ASGP programme.
• Ms. Larouche attended a workshop on climate change, which allowed for an exchange of recent parliamentary action. Ms. Larouche highlighted the severe weather events that had taken place recently in regions across Canada. She also noted efforts at developing green infrastructure, pointing to Québec as a leader in hydroelectricity and electric vehicles. She underscored the importance of holding governments to account on their commitments to maintain the global temperature increases to below 2 degrees Celsius.
• Senator Ravalia and Ms. Larouche attended a workshop on nutrition, which allowed for a discussion on the role of parliamentarians in improving nutrition outcomes and implementing regional and global nutrition commitments.
• The Twelve Plus Group organized a panel to coincide with the release of the publication, “Advancing the Human Rights and Inclusion of LGBTI People: A Handbook for Parliamentarians.” The event was attended by Ms. Rempel Garner.

BILATERAL MEETINGS

Members of the Canadian delegation held bilateral meetings and informal discussions with a number of other delegates, including from the following countries:

• Collectively with Australia, New Zealand and United Kingdom (Mr. McGuinty, Ms. Rempel Garner, and Ms. Larouche);
• Pakistan (Mr. McGuinty, Senator Ravalia, and Ms. Larouche);
• Rwanda (Mr. McGuinty);
• Ukraine (Mr. McGuinty, Senator Ravalia, Ms. Rempel Garner and Ms. Larouche);
• Israel (Mr. McGuinty);
• Qatar (Mr. McGuinty);
• Indonesia (Mr. McGuinty, Ms. Larouche);
• Gambia (Senator Ravalia);
• Afghanistan (Mr. McGuinty, Ms. Larouche); and
• India (Senator Ravalia).

These exchanges provide a strategic opportunity for the Canadian Group to engage in parliamentary diplomacy, to increase its understanding of other countries and regions, to discuss key bilateral issues and matters pertinent to the international agenda, and to work towards shared multilateral goals, including in the context of the work of the IPU. The matters discussed related to:

• the global climate crisis;
• strengthening multilateral approaches to international concerns;
• the importance of promoting democratic institutions, responding to authoritarian regimes and resisting aggression against independent states;
• the benefits and disadvantages of social media, particularly for youth and women parliamentarians; and
• efforts to address various global health concerns including COVID-19.

Mr. McGuinty had a bilateral meeting with representatives of the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security and its African Centre of Excellence based in Kigali. The discussion focused on the efforts of the institute to prevent the recruitment of child soldiers and to promote awareness at the community, national and regional levels of the risks inherent in the issue.

Senator Ravalia also had a bilateral meeting with the representative of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria to discuss the results generated by Canada’s support of the organization’s operations around the world. They also discussed the creation of a separate fund to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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[10].” In furtherance of this requirement, and in addition to the presentation of this report in Parliament, correspondence was sent on behalf of the Canadian Group 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 145th Assembly, letters were sent to:

• The Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister
• Ministers of:
  • Environment and Climate Change
  • Foreign Affairs;
  • Indigenous Services;
  • International Development;
  • National Defence;
  • Women and Gender Equality and Youth;
• 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;
  • Indigenous Peoples;
  • National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs;
  • 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;
  • Indigenous and Northern Affairs;
  • National Defence;
  • Status of Women.

Respectfully submitted,

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

President, Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union