Canadian parliamentarians arrive in Panama to discuss trade, security, gender equality and climate change

OTTAWA – Today, a Canadian all-party parliamentary delegation representing the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas begins bilateral meetings and will participate in ParlAmericas’ 3^rd Gathering of the Parliamentary Network on Climate Change in Panama City, Panama from October 1^st to 5^th, 2018.

The Honourable Bob Nault, P.C., M.P., President of ParlAmericas International and Chair of the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas, is leading the delegation. The other delegates are the Honourable Steven Blaney, P.C., M.P., Mr François Choquette, M.P., Mr Randy Hoback, M.P. and Mr Marc Serré, M.P.

Members of the delegation will meet with Panamanian parliamentarians, representatives from the United Nations, and civil society organizations to discuss trade, security, gender equality and climate change issues. The delegation will also meet with Panama’s Vice-President and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Isabel de Saint Malo de Alvarado and Vice-Minister of Security, Jonattan Del Rosario.

The delegation also plans to visit a newly built humanitarian hub, and Panama’s emergency and security operation centre, which uses some Canadian technologies.

“We look forward to exchanging views with fellow parliamentarians from Panama about the opportunities and challenges facing our countries,” stated Mr Nault. “Our visit provides us with excellent opportunities to discuss the ways in which our countries can collaborate to advance security, prosperity and social inclusion in Panama and throughout the Americas.”

Following the bilateral visit, the delegation will attend the 3^rd Gathering of ParlAmericas Parliamentary Network on Climate Change. During this two-day event, members of the delegation will discuss such topics as the role of national parliaments in international climate efforts, the challenges of transitioning to low-carbon economies and models for pricing carbon.

Founded in 2001 in Ottawa, ParlAmericas is the only interparliamentary institution with its International Secretariat headquartered in Canada. The Canadian Section of ParlAmericas has always worked closely with the Secretariat to advance parliamentary diplomacy and political dialogue throughout the Americas and the Caribbean.

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