Parliamentarians work towards strengthening democracy in Ottawa seminar

New Zealand MP Jacqui Dean will be in Ottawa, Canada next week at a Parliamentary Seminar hosted by the Canadian Parliament and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA).

With a theme of “Strengthening Democracy and the Role of Parliamentarians: Challenges and Solutions”, the seminar brings together MPs from all over the Commonwealth to participate in workshops and discussions, focusing on professional development and sharing experiences.

Over the course of the seminar, MPs will have the opportunity to discuss important topics that underpin parliamentary democracy and the fundamental principles expressed in the Commonwealth Charter. The program emphasises knowledge sharing as a means of strengthening the foundations of democratic institutions. While in Ottawa Ms Dean will also meet with Andrew Housefather MP, Chair of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, and with the New Zealand High Commission.

The Speaker, Rt Hon David Carter, said the seminar is a valuable opportunity for Ms Dean and also has a wider benefit to the New Zealand Parliament.

“Professional development and information sharing opportunities such as this seminar are invaluable to the participants. They return to their parliaments with greater understanding of what it means to be an MP and with new ideas and tools to be more effective representatives for their constituents. CPA parliamentary seminars, such as this one, have proven to be forums that encourage collaboration between parliaments. By working together to help build an informed parliamentary community the participants also help to build goodwill amongst countries.”

The seminar runs from May 29 to June 4 2016.

ENDS

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