A delegation of the Canada-UK Inter-Parliamentary
Association visited Wales from March 13-18, 2011.
The delegation was led by the Hon. Jim Abbott, PC, MP
and included the following members of the delegation:
Hon. Jim Munson, Senator
Hon. Richard Neufeld, Senator
Hon. Carolyn Bennett, PC, MP
The delegation was assisted by Stephanie Bond, Executive
Secretary of the Canada-United Kingdom Association.
The objectives of the visit were as such:
·discuss the current political dynamic in the United Kingdom and
Canada
·compare and contrast parliamentary systems
·explore the functioning of minority parliaments
·discuss the relationship between the federal and provincial
governments within Canada and the powers of the Welsh Assembly and Westminster
·discuss the role of party politics and the approval of the budget
·discuss devolution of powers and any future devolution in terms
of education, languages and taxation
·discuss improvements to parliamentary infrastructure
·exchange on methods of enhancing citizen
participation and e-democracy
·explore the issues of effective scrutiny of
government to ensure sustainable and transparent democracy
Briefing meeting with Dan Clayton-Jones, Canadian
Honorary Consul to Wales
The program commenced with a thorough briefing from Dan
Clayton-Jones, Canadian Honorary Consul to Wales. Mr. Clayton-Jones provided
an overview of the history of Wales. He described the importance of Welsh coal
as the natural resource that fuelled the Industrial Revolution. The Honorary
Consul highlighted the past role of the capital city, Cardiff as a major
shipping port.
The devolution of powers to the Welsh Assembly was
discussed at length. Contrasts were made between Northern Ireland, Scotland
and Wales. The results of the recent referendum on March 3, 2011 which
allocated further powers for making laws in Wales to the National Assembly was
of great interest to the delegation. Following the yes vote, the National
Assembly in now able to pass laws on all subjects in twenty devolved areas without
first needing the agreement of the UK Parliament. The Honorary Consul provided
an overview of the current composition of the Assembly and the nature of the
coalition government that is in place. The current composition consists of 48%
women which is likely to decrease in the upcoming elections on May 5, 2011. It
was noted that Wales does not have taxation powers and instead receives a block
grant from London.
Meeting with the Deputy Presiding Officer, Rosemary
Butler AM
The Deputy Presiding Officer, Rosemary Butler AM
welcomed the delegation to the Senedd. The Deputy Presiding Officer explained
the environmental and design features of the building and highlighted the use
of British Columbia cedar as a key element of the main hall design. The design
elements of the Senedd represent openness and transparency which are core
values of the Assembly. The Deputy Presiding Officer provided an overview of
the parliamentary system in Wales and the benefits and challenges of
proportional representation. Senator Munson explained his role as Senate Whip
and the appointment process in the Senate. The delegation presented the system
for establishing electoral boundaries and the electoral system in Canada.
Representation of women in the Assembly and the list system were discussed.
Formal presentation on the National Assembly and
Devolution in Wales
Dianne Bevan, Chief Operating Officer and Keith Bush,
Director of Legal Services conducted a presentation on the National Assembly
and devolution in Wales.
The presenters explained that Wales was formally brought
into the Union with England by two acts passed in 1536 and 1542. Henry VIII
essentially made himself King of Wales. These acts refused the use of the
Welsh language in the administration of the country. In 1746, a law was passed
by the UK Parliament which stated that any law passed by Parliament in
Westminster that referred to England automatically included Wales. This law
lasted until 1967. Wales gained its own Minister of State who was given a
cabinet position in 1964 creating the Secretary of State for Wales.
The first proposals for devolution were brought forward
by the 1974-1979 Labour Government who initiated the Wales Act of 1978. The
referendum in 1979 rejected devolution (4 out of 5 against with 60% voter
turnout). Following the return of a Labour Government in 1997, Her Majesty’s
Government published the white paper ‘A Voice for Wales’, which outlined
proposals for devolution in Wales. These proposals included establishing a
National Assembly for Wales.
On September 18, 1997 people living in Wales voted in a
referendum on the proposed Assembly. The proposal was endorsed; however, the
outcome was narrow with 50.3% voting for and 49.7% against.In 1998,
Parliament passed the Government of Wales Act, a piece of legislation
establishing the National Assembly for Wales and setting out its constitution.
This was followed by the National Assembly for Wales (Transfer of Functions)
Order 1999, which enabled the transfer of the devolved powers and
responsibilities from the Secretary of State for Wales to the Assembly to take
place on July 1st 1999.
The first election was held on 6 May 1999, with the
first sitting taking place on July 1, 1999. Elections are held every four
years. Elections for the Fourth Assembly will take place on May 5, 2011. What
the creation of the Assembly has meant is that policy and spending decisions
affecting Wales in a range of areas (previously taken by a central government
in Westminster) are now shaped and implemented in Wales by an elected body of
politicians accountable through the ballot box to the people of Wales.
On March 3, 2011, the people of Wales voted in favour of
granting the National Assembly for Wales further powers for making laws in
Wales. Prior to the referendum, the National Assembly had powers to make laws
for Wales on some subjects within the 20 areas that it has devolved powers.
Following the yes vote, the National Assembly in now able to pass laws on all
subjects in the 20 devolved areas without first needing the agreement of the UK
Parliament. The National Assembly for Wales can make laws in the following 20
devolved areas: agriculture, fisheries, forestry and rural development; ancient
monuments and historic buildings; culture; economic development; education and
training; environment; fire and rescue services and promotion of fire safety;
food; health and health services; highways and transport; housing; local
government; National Assembly for Wales; public administration; social welfare;
sport and recreation; tourism; town and country planning; water and flood
defence and the Welsh language.
Presentation on Wales
Geraint Thomas, Brand and Planning Manager of “Visit
Wales” provided an overview of the tourist industry in Wales. Wales is over
20,000 square km and is home to 2,903,085 people. The capital city is Cardiff
with a population of 305,345 is home to the Welsh National Opera, the National
Museum Wales, the Millennium Centre and the Millennium Stadium. Mr. Thomas
explained the reasons why visitors choose Wales which include the natural
environment and the culture and heritage. Wales is branded as a “human
place.” The delegation discussed environmental protection and National
Parks in Wales and Canada. Mr. Thomas explained that the Welsh language was on
a decline in the 1960s however since that time, parents have increasingly sent
their children to Welsh language schools which has resulted in a resurgence of
the Welsh language and culture.
Working Bilingually - Welsh/Canadian Perspectives
Welsh Assembly Staff, Siân Richards, Text; Siôn
Edwards, Simultaneous Translation; and Dr. Non Gwilym, Head of Communications
provided an overview of working bilingually in Wales. While English is spoken
by everyone in Wales, Welsh language is spoken today by just over 20% of the
population, and is even more commonly spoken by younger people. It is one of Europe’s
oldest living languages and its origins can be traced back nearly 2,500 years
to the Celtic languages spoken widely in Europe during the Iron Age.
The Welsh Language Scheme states that the Assembly as Wales’s principal democratic
institution has a duty to enable all citizens and Assembly Members to be
informed about, and contribute fully to, the democratic process in their chosen
language – through Welsh or through English. The Assembly considers that
operating as a truly bilingual institution involves enabling the Assembly to
conduct every aspect of its business through the medium of Welsh and English on
an equal basis; guaranteeing that any consultation process between the Assembly
and the people of Wales will be bilingual; and providing a fully bilingual
public information, education and visitors’ service. Assembly Members speak
both Welsh and English in the Chamber and Welsh-English interpretation is
provided. The increased demand for Welsh language education was highlighted.
The Canadian delegation explained the incentives for bilingual public
servants. Hon. Jim Abbott, PC, MP raised the issue of the cost associated with
providing government services in both official languages.
Commonwealth Day Reception
The delegation attended a Commonwealth Day reception
hosted by the Presiding Officer, Rt Hon the Lord
Elis-Thomas AM. Ms. Janet Ryder AM spoke on behalf of the Welsh branch of the
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association during the event and welcomed the
delegation.
Holding the Welsh Government, Parliamentarians &
the Assembly to Account
Claire Clancy, Chief Executive & Clerk of the
Assembly; Adrian Crompton, Director of Assembly Business; and Aled Eirug,
Constitutional Advisor to the Presiding Officer gave a presentation on the
topic of Holding the Welsh Government, Parliamentarians & the Assembly
to Account. The Clerk of the Assembly spoke to the upcoming
elections and indicated that 16 of the 60 Assembly Members will not be seeking
re-election. The election will take place against the backdrop of new standing
orders following the yes vote in the recent referendum. The Clerk provided an
overview of the five themes of the Assembly which include communications,
E-democracy, professional experience, governance and openness and transparency.
The Assembly has focused much attention on communications including social
media, public outreach and branding. Wales is seen as a leader in E-democracy,
e-voting and electronic consultation. The Assembly will rely on its
professional experience to allow for a seamless transition to the new
legislative process following the yes vote in the referendum. The Assembly
strives to be exemplars in governance and has in place a rigorous financial
management and record-keeping system. Openness and transparency are themes
throughout the architecture and the functioning of Assembly business. For
example, Members’ pay and allowances are published on the website.
On the topic of holding government to account, a
discussion ensued on the difference between government and Parliament and the
importance of communicating the differences to the public. The Clerk explained
the experience of a coalition government in Wales. The Canadian delegation
described the minority situation in Canada and the possibility of an impending election.
Aled Eirug, Constitutional Advisor to the Presiding
Officer and former Head of BBC Wales commented on media consumption patterns in
Wales. Most notably, Wales does not have a daily newspaper. The question of how
best to reach the people is an important consideration.
Adrian Crompton, Director of Assembly Business provided
an overview on the Assembly Research Services and the support the office
provides Assembly Members. The Research Services provides an orientation
program to new Members. The Clerk provided a brief overview of the committee
system. There are 19 committees and 45 of the 60 Assembly members sit on
committees.
Making Laws for the People of Wales
Bethan Davies, Committee Clerk and Gwyn Griffiths of the
Legal Division, National Assembly for Wales explained the process of making
laws for the people of Wales. The Canadian delegation provided an overview of
the responsibilities of the federal and provincial governments. Wale’s lack of
tax-levying powers and the role of the Auditor General were discussed. It was
noted that the court system is not devolved. The Committee Clerk explained the
upcoming changes to the standing orders following the referendum. Scrutiny of
bills and the stages of the legislative processes were discussed.
Lunch hosted by the CPA Wales Branch
Janet Ryder AM, Chair of the CPA Wales Branch provided
an overview of the current issues at the international level of the CPA.
Eleanor Burnham AM ; Mohammad Asghar AM; Claire Clancy, Chief Executive &
Clerk to the National Assembly; Natalie Drury-Styles, Acting Branch Secretary;
and Al Davies, Branch Secretariat attended the luncheon meeting. Following the
luncheon, the delegation observed the plenary debate and First Minister’s
Questions.
Representing the Interests of Wales & its People
(Citizen Participation)
Natalie Drury-Styles, Facilitator, Outreach &
International Relations Manager; Peter Black AM, Commissioner for the
Assembly and the Citizen; Iwan Williams, Media, Publications & Website
Content Manager; and Becca Spiller, South Wales Outreach & Liaison Manager.
Peter Black AM, Commissioner for the Assembly provided an overview of
the e-democracy initiatives. The importance of engaging citizens in a
conversation came through in the discussions. Web streaming of the Chamber and
Senedd television allow for viewers to access the proceedings. The E-democracy
projects are focused on applying new technology to engage citizens. The
Chamber is televised and wired to allow for paperless proceedings and
e-voting. The petition process is also accessible online and e-petitions are
admissible.Iwan Williams, Media, Publications & Website Content
Manager outlined the Assembly’s engagement strategy and the Vote 2011
initiative. The Assembly conducted a committee study on Safe Place to Play and
engaged children through outreach activities. The Assembly has a bus which it
uses to travel outside of the capital to the communities as part of its
outreach activities. The Canadian delegation praised the Assembly for its
commitment to citizen engagement.
Reception hosted by the Welsh Regiment
The delegation received a briefing on the role of the
Welsh Regiment in the Battle of 1812. The delegation noted that many
commemorative activities will take place in Canada to mark the occasion.
Presentation of Siambr Hywel and the Assembly’s
Education Service Enfys Evans,Teacher provided presented the Siambr Hywel
and the Assembly’s Education Service. The Assembly Education Service provides
a programme of structured visits based on the Primary and Secondary schools
curricula in Wales. Visits include an active debate in Siambr Hywel (a
dedicated youth facility which was the former Assembly Chamber), a visit to the
Senedd and workshop activity designed to reinforce and build upon the educational
content of the visit. The Assembly’s Education Service welcomes over 400
students per week and has an interactive website for students and teachers.
All services are provided in both English and Welsh. A component of the
students’ visit to the Senedd includes a mock parliament. Students who wish to
participate are eligible for travel subsidies. The Assembly’s Education Service
also conducts outreach programs in the community. Senator Richard Neufeld
described the many youth programs in Canada including the Teacher’s institute
and the Forum for young Canadians.
Minority & Coalition Governments
Representing all parties in Wales, Baroness Randerson
AM , Alun Davies AM, David Melding AM and Janet Ryder AM spoke candidly about
the process of creating a coalition government. It was agreed that the
coalition government has worked remarkably well during the past session.
Negotiations that took place to form coalition governments were discussed at
length. The Canadian delegation discussed the current minority situation and
the public perception on coalitions. The fixed term of the Assembly is a
major difference from the Canadian system where an election can be called at
anytime. The differences between first past the post and proportional representations
were explored. Following the meeting, the delegation attended a luncheon
meeting where discussions on coalitions continued with the Deputy Presiding
Officer, Rosemary Butler AM; William Graham AM and Lorraine Barrett AM.
Welsh Government session
Charles Coombs, Constitutional Affairs and Policy
Support, Department of the First Minister and the Cabinet provided an overview
of the work of the Welsh Assembly Government since 1999. Mr. Coombs outlined
devolution from the point of the view of the government rather than the
Assembly. He explained that devolution was a process not an event and outlined
the twenty devolved sectors. The creation of a Commissioner for Children was
of great interest to the delegation. The role of the Commissioner is to speak for
young people in Wales. Through the process of the devolution the Welsh
government was focused on the theme of delivery.
Pierhead Event: Guest Speakers Hon. Jim Abbott, PC,
MP and Hon. Carolyn Bennett PC, MP
A public event including presentations and Q & A
sessions was organized by the National Assembly for Wales. On behalf of the
delegation, Hon. Jim Abbott PC, MP was invited to speak on Economic Avenues
with Canada and Canada’s Role in Sport and Hon. Carolyn Bennett PC, MP was
invited to speak on Citizen Engagement.
Presiding OfficerRt Hon the Lord
Elis-Thomas AM welcomed citizens and special guests to the event. He spoke to
the close ties between Canada and Wales and the bilingual nature of our two
countries. The Former First Minister of Wales, Rhodri Morgan AM facilitated the
session and reiterated the strong relations between Canada and Wales and that
both countries share a border with large neighbours.
Economic Avenues with Canada
The first guest speaker, Hon. Jim Abbott PC MP spoke on
the topic of Economic Avenues. Hon. Jim Abbott provided a brief overview of the
economic situation in Canada and the limitless possibilities for collaboration
between Canada and the United Kingdom. He explained that commercial and
economic relations between Canada and the United Kingdom reached an all-time
high over the past couple of years. The UK is by far Canada's most important
commercial partner in Europe and from a global perspective ranks second only to
the United States.
Hon. Jim Abbott explained that the factors that
accounted for Canada's ability to weather the global recession better than most
other industrialized countries. He reinforced Canada's science and technology
partnership with the UK and stated that the relationship continues to flourish,
underpinning dual goals of strong yet sustainable economic growth. Indeed, the
UK is Canada's second largest partner worldwide in the science and technology
sector, with a particularly close relationship in the field of clinical
research, accounting for more than a quarter of all scientific collaborations.
Two-way merchandise trade between Canada Wales totaled
£444.4 million in 2009 (C$696 million), with Canadian exports at £267.8 million
(C$433. 5 million) and imports at £176.6 million (C$276.6 million). The main Canadian
exports to Wales consisted of crude materials, minerals, fuels and
lubricants as well as machinery and transport equipment. Canada's main imports
from Wales were minerals, fuels and lubricants, chemicals products as well as
machinery and transport equipment. Canadian companies active in Wales include
Standard Life Financial, Finning International, Mitel Networks, Western Coal
Corporation, Magellan Aerospace, Aastra Technologies and Magna International.
Citizen Engagement
Hon. Carolyn Bennett MP, PC spoke on the topic of
citizen engagement. Dr. Bennett stated that the centre of our democracy is the
citizen. One of the cornerstones of democracy has been to
provide public spaces in which citizens can discuss ideas and the web provides
a new and important space which can change the notion of representative
democracy. During the presentation, Dr. Bennett reiterated a quote by
Stephen Coleman: “People don’t want to govern, they want to be heard.”
In order to engage citizens, Dr. Bennett explained that she conducts town
halls, roundtables, school visits and uses the internet, newsletters, social
media, telephone townhalls (teleforums), msn chat to communicate and interact
with citizens.
Dr. Bennett commended the National Assembly for Wales
for its commitment to transparency and citizen engagement. Welsh citizens are
encouraged and enabled to see their Assembly Members at work. The
Assembly’s goal is to widen engagement in devolution and in all their work to
demonstrate respect, probity and good governance. Dr. Bennett stated that the
Welsh offices of outreach and education are exemplary. She highlighted the
value of e-consultation and stated that the Welsh Petitions Committee is proud
of their e-petitions on their website. Dr. Bennett stated that citizen engagement
is clearly a priority and is built into the DNA of the organization.
Canada’s Role in Sport
Hon. Jim Abbott PC, MP also spoke on the topic of
Canada’s Role in Sport and explained that the mission of Sport Canada is to
enhance opportunities for all Canadians to participate and excel in sport. This
is achieved by enhancing the capacity and coordination of the Canadian sport
system, encouraging participation in sport and enabling Canadians with talent
and dedication to achieve excellence in international sport.
Hon. Abbott provided an overview of the Own the
Podium 2010 initiative which was launched in preparation for the 2010
Olympic Winter Games in British Columbia. The Own the Podium 2010 initiative
is a $110M national sport technical initiative that was designed to help Canada
become the leading nation at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in terms of total
medals won, and place in the top-3 nations at the Paralympic Winter Games in
terms of gold medals won. The Own the Podium initiative helped Canadian
athletes win 26 Olympic medals during the Vancouver Winter Games including 14
gold, and by so doing establishing a record of most gold medals won by a single
nation during a winter edition of the Olympic Games.
Hon. Abbott ended the presentation by stating that
Canada is proud to support its high performance athletes and the Canadian sport
system and the government’s support provides our athletes with the opportunity
to inspire and encourage Canadians’ participation in sport from playground to
podium.
Former First Minister, Rhodri Morgan referred to the
health issues of child obesity and the importance of promoting physical
activity. Dr. Bennett stated that programs to increase physical activity must
also take into account the financial limitations of lower income families.
The program concluded with an Official Dinner hosted by Rt Hon the Lord Elis-Thomas AM, Presiding Officer; Claude
Boucher, Deputy High Commissioner, High Commission of Canada to the United
Kingdom; Gillian Licari, Political Officer, High Commission of Canada to the
United Kingdom; Aled Eirug, Constitutional Advisor to the Presiding Officer; and
Natalie Drury-Styles, Director, International Relations were in attendance.
In conclusion, the delegates would like
to express their appreciation to the Parliamentary Research Branch of the
Library of Parliament for the excellent background information provided in
preparation for the bilateral visit. Special thanks are also offered to the
staff of the National Assembly for Walesand Mr. Dan Clayton-Jones, Canadian Honorary Consul to Wales for
their extremely professional assistance.
Respectfully submitted,
Mr. Dick Harris, MP, Chair for
The Hon. Jim
Abbott, PC, MP,
Leader of the delegation
Canada–United Kingdom
Inter-Parliamentary Association