Report Visit of the Honourable Noël A. Kinsella, Speaker of the Senate, and a Parliamentary Delegation, Czech Republic

October 10 to 14, 2010

The Honourable Noël A. Kinsella, Speaker of the Senate, and a delegation of Senators visited the Czech Republic from October 10 to 14, 2010.

The delegation has the honour of tabling its

Report

The official delegation led by Speaker Noël A. Kinsella comprised the following members:

The Honourable Noël A. Kinsella, Speaker of the Senate Mrs. Ann Kinsella The Honourable Ethel Cochrane, Senator The Honourable Tommy Banks, Senator Ms. Janelle Feldstein, Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the Senate Mr. Daniel Charbonneau, Secretary to the Delegation

Context – Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is situated in Central Europe. It is bordered by Poland to the north, Germany to the northwest and west, Austria to the south, and the Slovak Republic to the east. The population of 10.5 million is over 90% Czech, though there are sizeable Moravian and Slovak minorities. The Czech Republic became a distinct country on 1 January 1993, following the partition of the Republic of Czechoslovakia. The Republic of Czechoslovakia was established in October 1918, following the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the end of World War I, and it included the historic Czech Kingdom of Bohemia and Moravia, as well as the Slovak provinces of Hungary. At independence, a bicameral legislature was created consisting of a 200-member Chamber of Deputies and an 81-seat Senate. The head of state is the President of the Republic, and the head of government is the Prime Minister. While considerable authority rests with the President, executive power is held by the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, who are answerable to the Chamber of Deputies.

Objectives

The objectives of the visit were to:

 enhance relations between Canada and the Czech Republic;  encourage ongoing parliamentary dialogue by further promoting parliamentary exchanges;  highlight the range of Canada’s interests in the region;  discuss foreign policies with respect to issues of international and mutual interest;  promote educational exchanges;  promote research sharing in the area of agriculture;  promote collaboration between container shipping ports; and  pursue good relations in all fields of contact.

Meetings

In the Czech Republic, the delegation met with: His Excellency Přemysl Sobotka, President of the Senate of the Czech Republic; Her Excellency Miroslava Němcová, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies; His Excellency Karel Schwarzenberg, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Jiří Dienstbier, Senator and Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security of the Senate and members of the Committee; Mr. Jan Hajda, Senator and Chairman of the Committee on National Economy, Agriculture and Transport of the Senate and members of the Committee; Mr. Václav Jehlička, Senator, Member of the Committee on Education, Science, Culture, Human Rights and Petitions of the Senate; His Serene Highness Grand Prior Fra' Karel Paar, Grand Priory of Bohemia of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta; Most Reverend Dominik Duka, Archbishop of Prague, Metropolitan and Primate of Bohemia; Mrs. Marie Kousalíková, Deputy Mayor of the City of Prague; Ms. Eva Bartoňová, Deputy Minister of Education.

Meeting with His Excellency Přemysl Sobotka, President of the Senate of the Czech Republic

During their inaugural meeting, Speaker Kinsella and President Sobotka discussed the impact of the current global financial crisis on each country’s economies and the efforts by governments to mitigate this impact with fiscal stimulus. They also compared the regulatory frameworks of their respective banking systems, which both weathered the recent turbulent economic times. The President then raised the issue of the imposition of visas by the Government of Canada for Czech citizens visiting Canada and expressed the Czech government’s displeasure with the action. In response, the Speaker presented the latest changes to the Canadian immigration system and its ongoing implementation. With these changes and the ongoing discussions with the Czech representatives, he is hopeful that a mutually satisfactory resolution can be reached. The attendees reviewed the current state of the relationship between the Chambers in each nation’s bicameral legislature. Both presiding officers discussed opportunities for future cooperation between the Senate of Canada and the Senate of the Czech Republic. They agreed to encourage ongoing communication between parliamentary committees, especially those focused on economic issues. It was noted that parliamentary diplomacy is very different from international relations conducted by state governments at the executive level. With the objective of further fostering closer relations, Speaker Kinsella presented a letter of invitation for a representative of the administration of the Senate of the Czech Republic to participate in the Parliamentary Officers’ Study Program hosted by the Parliament of Canada. The meeting concluded with a dialogue on the future of the Interparliamentary Union.

Meeting with Her Excellency Miroslava Němcová, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies

The meeting occurred during the debate in the Chamber of Deputies on the national budget for the upcoming financial year. Speaker Němcová explained the budgetary process in the legislature and the procedural challenges that the chair must face during the deliberations. She also spoke of some of the initiatives found within the budget. Speaker Kinsella asked about the impact the current recession is having on the economy and the government’s finances. The Speakers went on to discuss the strength of the Canadian and Czech banking systems and the effect that fees would have on the financial system. Also discussed was the subject of funding of national infrastructure and the contribution by the European Union to these projects. The Canadian delegation sought information on the orientation process for new deputies and the introduction of new parliamentary parties into the functioning of the Chamber. During the last election, the assembly saw a large turnover of representatives in addition to two new political parties now being represented. Speaker Němcová added further information on the seat distribution among the parties and the vote threshold required for the election of a member under the Czech electoral system. Canada’s requirement for visitor visa was raised and Speaker Kinsella addressed the issue. He spoke about the current changes recently adopted by the Parliament of Canada and the work underway by both governments to find a mutually acceptable solution to this matter.

Meeting with His Excellency Karel Schwarzenberg, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs

Speaker Kinsella and the delegation were received at the Cernin Palace and toured the apartment of Mr. Jan Masaryk, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs (1945-1948). Subsequently, the senators met with the Minister Schwarzenberg and discussed Canada’s candidacy for a seat on the United Nations Security Council, the Czech Republic’s admittance to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the 90 th anniversary of official relations with Canada. The group discussed the current NATO mission in Afghanistan and the need for a political solution to the military conflict which must involve all nations in the region. A collective solution involving all partners would permit an orderly exit for all foreign military personnel and assets while ensuring that the country does not return to its previous state. The Minister and Speaker spoke about the imposition of visa requirements on Czech travellers to Canada. The Minister indicated that the decision has strained diplomatic relations and has impacted the amount of business between both countries. In response, the Speaker informed the Minister of the recent legislative changes to the immigration system in Canada. Finally, the participants discussed the current free trade negotiations between Canada and the European and Czech support for the talks. To help promote trade and commercialization, the point was presented that greater cooperation is required between the players involved in shipping commercial goods between continents. This collaboration should include finding efficiency such as pre-clearance of goods and seamless integration of sea and land modes of transportation.

Meeting with Mr. Jiří Dienstbier, Senator and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security of the Senate and members of the Committee

The delegation met with the committee and discussed the ongoing relationship between Canada and the Czech Republic at the executive and legislative branches. The Speaker explained the great benefits of parliamentary diplomacy which is conducted at both the bilateral and multinational level. The participants concluded that further contact between legislatures would lead to greater understanding of global matters by parliamentarians and, in turn, making them more knowledgeable of world affairs when making domestic decisions. Chairman Dienstbier spoke about the imposition of a visa regime on Czech citizens wishing to travel to Canada. The members of the committee were concerned with respect to the singling out of the Czech Republic. In response, Speaker Kinsella provided an update on the current work by Canadian and Czech officials to address the issue and on the recent changes to the immigration and refugee system in Canada. Members of the committee provided information on the parliamentary oversight apparatus of the Czech government’s national security bodies and agencies. The attendees went on to have a valuable discussion on the development of human rights and its instruments in each country and the need to balance competing cleavages in civil society.

Meeting with Mr. Jan Hajda, Senator and Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Economy, Agriculture and Transport and members of the Committee

Speaker Kinsella and the delegation attended a working lunch hosted by Senator Jan Hajda, accompanied by members of the Senate Committee on National Economy, Agriculture and Transport. Senators from both countries discussed finding ways to increase agricultural production with the goal of providing affordable food for developing countries but without hurting local economies in the process. Another option for providing food to populations at need was presented. This included local production of alternative non-native crops such as potatoes by local farmers. Industrialized countries such as Canada and the Czech Republic could provide the necessary technological knowledge on varieties and growing techniques as part of development aid. The Speaker presented to Chairman Hajda information from the Potato Research Centre in Fredericton. Czech senators explained the impact and the subsequent required adaption to the Common Agricultural Policy following the Czech Republic’s admittance to European Union. A discussion was held on the current state of transport of goods into the country and on some of the challenges of moving consumer products eastwards to Asia by rail and sea. The Canadian delegation asked questions on the subject of energy production. Some Czech senators spoke about the production capacity of electricity from coal and nuclear sources in the country. A subsequent discussion was held on their environmental impact and the efforts towards mitigating them.

Meeting with Mr. Václav Jehlička, Senator, Member of the Senate Committee on Education, Science, Culture, Human Rights and Petitions of the Senate

Mr. Jehlička hosted Speaker Kinsella and the delegation for a working meal and discussed increasing the number of exchange students between Canada and the Czech Republic. The individuals shared information some of the current arrangements between universities. Both the Speaker and Senator Jehlička agreed to urge their respective government to increase the number of opportunity in the hope of doubling the number of exchange opportunities.

Meeting with His Serene Highness Grand Prior Fra' Karel Paar, Grand Priory of Bohemia of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta

The Grand Prior met the Speaker and the delegation during the visit. Speaker Kinsella informed him of Canada’s official recognition of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta. The Government of Canada has named its ambassador to the Holy See as its official representative. He also spoke about the visit to Canada he hosted for the Prince and Grand Master last June. At the Speaker’s behest, His Serene Highness spoke about the humanitarian work being undertaken by the Grand Priory in the country and abroad. He also spoke about the current relations between the Czech government and various faith organizations. He outlined the efforts underway to restore property and assets seized by the state under communist rule.

Meeting with Most Reverend Dominik Duka, Archbishop of Prague, Metropolitan and Primate of Bohemia

Speaker Kinsella and the Archbishop discussed the historical development of the Roman Catholic Church in Prague and in the country, with a particular attention to the events following the Second World War and the subsequent occupation by the Soviet Union. The Speaker informed Archbishop Duka of the upcoming canonization of Brother André Bessette, CSC and its impact on the Canadian Roman Catholic community. Both individuals then spoke about the relationship between the state and the Church in both countries and the funding arrangements for preservation of historical Church proprieties. The discussion also touched on the level of private support for such initiatives. The meeting concluded with an overview of financial arrangements to support education, both for Catholics and non-Catholics. The Speaker spoke about the need for more post- secondary students to study abroad as part of exchange programs to enrich their academic experience and to gain first-hand knowledge of other cultures.

Meeting with Ms. Eva Bartoňová, Deputy Minister of Education

At the Speaker’s request, the delegation met with the Deputy Minister of Education to discuss expanding educational exchanges between Canadian and Czech universities. Speaker Kinsella spoke about the benefits for students and their home countries of studying abroad. The Deputy Minister outlined some of the agreements which existed with Canada. It was noted that in Canada, as in many other states, education is often a responsibility delegated to sub-national governments without many tools to promote cooperation internationally. In addition, universities also work with a high degree of autonomy which further prevents coordination at the macro level. The Speaker suggested greater contact between education officials in both countries to overcome the jurisdictional hurdles to doubling the number of exchange students in the next few years.

Opening Remarks to International Conference on National Minorities and Integration of Immigrants

Speaker Kinsella provided the opening remarks at a conference hosted by the City of Prague on national minorities and integration of immigrants. He began by reviewing the foundational principles of human rights in general society. He then spoke about how the application of rights has changed from the idea of simply respecting local customs to now being an active engagement by governments to promote multiculturalism in a global community. The Speaker went on to describe the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as the Magna Carta of the twentieth century and its impact on all states including Canada. He reflected on the significance of the adoption on the Canadian Multiculturalism Act by the Parliament of Canada as a constitutional value to actively promoting multiculturalism. He added that the flowing view is shared by many: multiculturalism also means a place for all religions in society and should not lead to cultural secularism. The Speaker concluded his remarks by speaking about the competitive advantage gained by countries that integrate immigrants appropriately. States with citizens and permanent residents that have retained their heritage languages and cultures have advantages in business when dealing with their countries of origin. Presentation of a key to the City of Prague by Mrs. Marie Kousalíková, Deputy Mayor

The delegation was warmly received by the City of Prague and was presented with a key to the city by the Deputy Mayor during a ceremony as a symbol of friendship between Canada and the city. The Speaker spoke about the strong relations between both countries and the everlasting fraternity between Canadians and Czechs.

Roundtable discussion on scientific research of potatoes

Speaker Kinsella and the delegation hosted a roundtable discussion with leading potato researchers in the Czech Republic. They discussed the current state of research and the possibility of partnerships with Canada in the future. The roundtable was attended by:  Mrs. Noemi Ceřovská, Institute for Experimental Botany, The Academy of Science of the Czech Republic;  Mr. Petr Dedic, Potato Research Institute in Halvlickuv Brod;

 Mr. Lukáš Fischer, Department of Experimental Plant Biology, Charles University in Prague;  Mr. Jiban Kumar, Crop Research Institute in Prague;  Mr. Tomas Moravec, Institute for Experimental Botany, The Academy of Science of the Czech Republic;  Mr. Zdeněk Opatrný, Department of Experimental Plant Biology, Charles University in Prague; and  Mr. Pavel Ryšánek, Department of Plant Protection, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague.

Acknowledgements

The members of the Canadian delegation wish to thank His Excellency Přemysl Sobotka, President of the Senate of the Czech Republic for hosting the official visit, for his warm welcome and for the generous hospitality. The delegation would also like to thank the Protocol Unit of the Senate Chancellery for their kind cooperation in arranging parts of the visit, in particular, the special attention it received from Mrs. Eva Hellová, Mrs. Jana Kykalová and Mr. Tomáš Opočenský. The members of the delegation also express their gratitude to the staff of the Canadian Embassy in Prague. Special thanks to Mrs. Valerie Raymond, Canadian Ambassador to the Czech Republic, who helped prepare the agenda and who accompanied the delegation throughout the visit. Thanks are due as well to Mr. Alex McNiven, Mrs. Petra Šedinová and Mr. Michael Vlček who were all instrumental in organizing the visit and its implementation. Finally, the delegates wish to thank the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and the Library of Parliament for all the documentation provided as part of the preparation for their trip.

Respectfully submitted,

The Honourable Noël A. Kinsella Speaker of the Senate

Travel Costs

Visit of the Honourable Noël A. Kinsella, Speaker of the Senate, and a Parliamentary Delegation, Prague, Czech Republic

TRAVEL $ 38,670

ACCOMMODATION $ 4,922

PER DIEMS $ 1,895

PROTOCOL $ 5,522

MISCELLANEOUS $ 34

TOTAL $ 51,044