Fit for Purpose?
Senate Committee Assesses Concept of Commonwealth Charter
Ottawa (April 3, 2012) – Today, the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade tabled its report A Charter “Fit for Purpose”: Parliamentary Consultation on the Proposed Charter of the Commonwealth.
The report was prepared in response to a request from the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Summarizing several weeks of hearings, it brings together Canadians’ and other interested parties’ perspectives on the concept of a Commonwealth Charter and its form.
“Our report advises the minister to continue to dialogue with Canadians on the actions that can be taken to advance Commonwealth values,” said Senator Raynell Andreychuk, chair of the committee.
The committee finds that the idea of a charter has educational merit. The report recommends moving towards a document that is more succinct, clear on its objectives and that emphasises the Commonwealth’s comparative advantages.
“Ways need be found to implement the document in Commonwealth countries,” said Senator Percy Downe, deputy chair of the committee. “This will help keep Commonwealth values alive for generations to come.”
To find out more about the work of the committee and for a copy of the report, please visit: http://senate-senat.ca/aefa-e.asp.
| For more information: | |
Mona Ishack |
Dr. Line Gravel Committee Clerk Tel: 613-990-6081 gravel@sen.parl.gc.ca |