“In today’s complex world, the lines between domestic and international policy are blurred and governments are no longer the only global actors.

As a result, Canadian parliamentarians are more than ever stepping outside their legislative chambers to speak directly with their international counterparts.

In Canada, diplomatic engagement has been a longstanding dimension of parliamentary activities.

Our parliamentarians have three goals in mind: to exchange ideas and best practices with fellow parliamentarians; to help guide collective policy and action; and to promote democratic values and Canadian interests abroad.”

Parliamentary Diplomacy, Canadian Parliamentarians and the World
Natalie Mychajlyszyn,
Economics, Resources and International Affairs Division
HillNotes Research and Analysis from Canada’s Library of Parliament

Spotlight On : the 24th Annual Meeting of the Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum in Vancouver

For a week in January 2016, Parliamentarians from 20 member countries of the Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF), and one observer country, came together in Vancouver to discuss topics linked to the theme “Strengthened Partnerships for Prosperity, Security and Growth.”

As the meeting was held in Canada, Senate Speaker George Furey and House of Commons Speaker Geoff Regan were the event co-hosts on behalf of the Parliament of Canada.

The Canadian delegation consisted of 15 Parliamentarians, both MPs and Senators.

Women Parliamentarians take the lead

Making a difference in the lives of citizens

Delegates share ways to support women’s leadership in building adaptive and disaster-resilient communities, which can make a real difference in the lives of people throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

Cross-Pacific cooperation

The core of the APPF meeting was a series of large group discussions, or plenary sessions, held on three main themes and covering a variety of subjects:

• Political and Security Issues
• Economic and Trade Issues
• Regional Cooperation

There were also bilateral meetings between two delegations. These gave Canada’s Senators and MPs a chance to build on the relationships between our country and other APPF members.

At the end of the meeting, a joint communique was published. It outlines the 27 resolutions the APPF members agreed to over the course of the week.

PHOTO: Speaker Furey and His Excellency Tan Sri Abu Zahar Ujang, President of the Dewan Negara (Senate) of Malaysia.