Visit of the Honourable Raymonde Gagné, C.M., O.M., Speaker of the Senate, and a Parliamentary Delegation, Spain and United Kingdom

 

From March 8 to 12, 2025, the Speaker of the Senate, the Honourable Raymonde Gagné, C.M., O.M., led a parliamentary delegation to Spain and the United Kingdom. The delegation consisted of the Honourable Scott Tannas, Senator, the Honourable Peter Boehm, Senator, and the Honourable Clément Gignac, Senator. Accompanying the delegation throughout the visit to both Spain and the United Kingdom were Daniel Beaudette, Spouse of the Speaker, Vince MacNeil, Chief of Staff to the Speaker, and David-Andrés Novoa, Secretary to the delegation.

In Spain, the delegation met:

• His Excellency Pedro Rollán Ojeda, Speaker of the Senate of Spain;
• Her Excellency Francina Armengol, Speaker of the Congress of Deputies; and
• José Manuel Albares Bueno, Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation.

The delegation also met with a group of Spanish senators from several committees. The two sides emphasized the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in addressing global challenges, highlighting their shared democratic values. Discussions included U.S. trade tensions, CETA ratification, labour mobility, Senate reforms, market expansion for Spanish products, NATO cooperation, and mutual support for Ukraine. They also affirmed their commitment to ongoing parliamentary collaboration and multilateralism.

In addition, the delegation met with policy experts based in Spain to discuss the decline of multilateralism, rising populism, U.S. disengagement, and the need for renewed global cooperation.

The objectives of the visit to Spain were to strengthen parliamentary relations and reinforce shared commitments to democracy, the rule of law, and security, particularly in a context of growing geopolitical instability, while also garnering support for the respect of Canadian sovereignty. The delegation had the opportunity to engage in discussions on a range of key issues, including trade relations, immigration, and the impact of new technologies on the democratic processes. They also exchanged views on Senate reform in each country and the challenges involved.

In London, United Kingdom, Speaker Gagné met with:

• His Majesty King Charles III

The purpose of the visit to the United Kingdom was to have an audience with His Majesty King Charles III. During this meeting, the King presented a new ceremonial sword to the Usher of the Black Rod.

The report will be available as soon as it is tabled in the Senate.