SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — ParlAmericas Plenary Assembly

Honourable senators, I would like to draw your attention to the 22nd ParlAmericas plenary assembly and the tenth gathering of the Open Parliament Network, which were held in Ottawa from May 19 to 22, 2026, on the twenty-fifth anniversary of ParlAmericas.

Across the Americas and the Caribbean, countries are facing geopolitical realignments, shifting trade alliances, climate instability, technological change, growing insecurity and pressure on democratic institutions. Yet, dialogue remains the keystone of parliamentary cooperation. Through dialogue, we recognize these challenges are interconnected, regional and urgent.

We reached a new milestone with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between ParlAmericas and the United Nations Development Programme. This agreement reflects the importance of cooperation between parliamentarians and development institutions, and reminds us that democratic governance must be aligned with sustainable development, transparency, inclusion and collective action.

As moderator of trade conversations, I heard a clear message — trade cannot be separated from sustainability, resilience, inclusion and democratic accountability. Regional cooperation must not only expand markets; it must improve livelihoods, reduce barriers and ensure the benefits of growth reach people from all walks of life.

Senator Greenwood launched the Caucus on the Rights of Indigenous Women and Girls with the objective to advance cooperative political dialogue and protect the rights in all their diversity.

Finally, the ParlAmericas declaration on parliamentary leadership for shared prosperity was adopted. It brings together fourteen commitments across key areas of action: defending democracy and human rights; strengthening parliamentary oversight and transparency; promoting responsible innovation; advancing gender equality, youth participation and Indigenous rights; securing resilient trade systems; and integrating sustainable development and climate resilience into economic policy.

I thank all my colleagues and senators present during the break who, with their presence, contributed greatly to the success of the event. Thank you. Meegwetch.