sign in sign up
<<
Home , Alfred Ngaro, Anika Wells, Canadian Senators Group, Gareth Ward, Gerard Rennick, Gotabaya Rajapaksa

100 years of publishing 1920-2020 TheParliamentarian

Journal of the of the Commonwealth 2020 | Volume 101 | Issue Four | Price £14

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIAL MEDIA AND PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY IN THE COMMONWEALTH

PAGES 308-323

PLUS The City of , its Technology: Parliamentary Why Women’s Remembrancer and All Change for the Expressions & Leadership Matters the Commonwealth Official Report Practices in the During COVID-19 and Commonwealth Beyond PAGE 334 PAGE 338 PAGE 340 PAGE 350 IN TIMES LIKE THESE PARLIAMENTS NEED ALL THE RESOURCES THEY CAN GET!

DOWNLOAD CPA’S NEW PUBLICATION NOW www.cpahq.org/cpahq/modellaw

THE CPA MODEL LAW FOR INDEPENDENT PARLIAMENTS

Based on the important values laid down in the Commonwealth Latimer House Principles and the Doctrine of the , the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) has created a MODEL LAW FOR INDEPENDENT PARLIAMENTS.

This draft legislation is aimed at Commonwealth Parliaments to use as a template to create fnancially and administratively independent institutions. Specifcally, the Model Law enables Parliaments to create Parliamentary Service Commissions and to ensure Parliaments across the Commonwealth have the resources they need to function efectively without the risk of interference. www.cpahq.org STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) exists to connect, develop, promote and support Parliamentarians and their to identify benchmarks of good governance, and implement the enduring values of the Commonwealth.

Calendar of Forthcoming Events Updated as at 16 November 2020

Please note that due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) global pandemic, many CPA events, conferences and activities have been postponed or cancelled. Please check www.cpahq.org or email [email protected].

2020

December 1 to 3 December 2020 CPA Virtual Post-Election Seminar: of 7 to 11 December 2020 KwaZulu Natal CPA Benchmarks Assessment 14 to 18 December 2020 Virtual Commonwealth Youth Parliament 2021

March Monday 8 March 2021 Commonwealth Day and International Women’s Day 23 to 27 March 2021 Mid-Year meeting of the CPA Executive Committee, /online

June w/c 21 June 2021 Commonwealth Heads of Meeting (CHOGM), Kigali, Rwanda – also including: Commonwealth Youth Forum; Commonwealth Women’s Forum; Commonwealth People’s Forum; and Commonwealth Business Forum.

August 21 to 27 August 2021 65th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, Halifax, Nova Scotia,

The CPA calendar fosters the exchange of events and activities between CPA Regions and Branches. For further information on any events, please contact the CPA Branch concerned or the CPA Headquarters Secretariat. CPA Branch Secretaries are asked to send notices of CPA events to [email protected] in advance of the publication deadline to ensure the calendar is accurate.

CPA Small Branches Climate Change Toolkit for Parliamentarians • Strengthening Parliamentarians as effective actors in the climate change agenda. • Accessible introduction to the key issues facing at the frontline of climate change. • Practical guide for Parliamentarians to further at the domestic and international level. Visit www.cpahq.org/cpahq/SBclimatechange to download a copy or email [email protected] Updated February 2020 CONTENTS: THE PARLIAMENTARIAN 2020: ISSUE FOUR

PAGE 304

PAGES 308-323

The Parliamentarian: VIEWS & COMMENT NEWS & PHOTOS SOCIAL MEDIA AND Journal of the Parliaments of PARLIAMENTARY the Commonwealth DEMOCRACY IN THE Volume 101 COMMONWEALTH 2020: Issue Four The Parliamentarian ISSN 0031-2282 Editor’s Note CPA News Social Media and Issued and published by Social media and News reports include: Parliamentary Engagement the International Secretariat parliamentary democracy in • International Day of Democracy Expanding public of the Commonwealth the Commonwealth • Launch of new CPwD participation for democratic Parliamentary Association Page 284 Disabilities Communications growth in (CPA), CPA Headquarters Guidelines Page 308 Secretariat, Richmond View from the CPA • Virtual Post-Election Seminars House, Houses of Parliament, Chairperson in and Jamaica Embracing Social London, SW1A 0AA, United The Role of Parliaments and • Virtual meeting of the CPA Media and Digital Kingdom. Parliamentarians in Times of Small Branches Steering Technology in Crisis Committee Parliaments Tel: +44 (0) 20 7799 1460 Page 286 • CPA webinars with How the Legislative Email: [email protected] Commonwealth High Assembly of has www.cpahq.org View from the Commissioners and opened new doors in the Twitter @CPA_Secretariat Commonwealth Women representatives of pandemic era. Facebook.com/CPAHQ Parliamentarians (CWP) Overseas in Page 311 London; Commonwealth Should social media be the Does the digital Stephen Twigg primary tool for Commonwealth partner organisations; and pandemic of CPA Secretary-General Parliamentarians to uphold Commonwealth Speakers misinformation democracy? • New Handbook on Lay threaten our best hope Mr Jeffrey Hyland Page 288 Members for Commonwealth of ending this crisis? Editor, The Parliamentarian Parliaments Page 314 [email protected] • 2020 Commonwealth View from the CPA Small Does social media Branches Chairperson Gladwyn Lecture. bridge the gap between Main images: CPA The challenges of utilising new • CPA Photo Gallery Parliament and the Headquarters Secretariat technologies and social media Pages 294-306 people in ? and Shutterstock. Additional Page 290 Page 316 images: CPA Branches and Commonwealth Women Members. Front cover image: View from the CPA Parliamentarians News The relationship Shutterstock/218622694/ between social media Secretary-General and Events and parliamentary REDPIXEL. Identifying the CPA’s strengths Reports from CWP activities democracy in Canada to best meet future challenges around the Commonwealth Page 320 Page 292 Pages 344-345

282 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 100 years of publishing CONTENTS The Parliamentarian 1920-2020

PAGE 334

PAGE 374

FEATURE ARTICLES PARLIAMENTARY Annual subscription: Four REPORTS issues including supplements: UK: £44 inc. postage. Worldwide: £46 surface post £52 airmail

Price per issue: Sustainable Parliamentary Parliamentary Report UK: £14 cover price plus UK Development in a Expressions Featuring legislative reports postage | Worldwide: Cover Globalised World and Practices in from Canada, Trinidad price plus £5 surface post or A view from Commonwealth and Tobago, the United £8 airmail Page 324 Parliaments Kingdom, , Part three , and Disclaimer Parliament and Foreign Page 340 India Opinions and comments Policy: An Indian Pages 354-375 expressed in articles and Perspective Barriers to Women's reviews published in The Page 327 Participation in CPA DIRECTORY Parliamentarian are those of Elections in the Africa the individual contributors and Why Parliamentarians Region CPA Organisational should not be attributed to the are key to enhancing A view from Structure Secretariat of the Association. accountability in health Page 346 CPA Executive Committee service Members, CWP and CPA Contributors Page 330 ‘Building Forward Small Branches Steering Thank you to all contributors Better’ - Why Women's Committees and CPA for this issue. The City of London, its Leadership Matters Regional Secretaries Remembrancer and During COVID-19 and Pages 376 Printed in: the Commonwealth Beyond by Warners Midlands, PLC. Page 334 Page 350 Limited print run - contact Hansard Technology: Leveraging Women [email protected] for All Change for the and Youth for a details of print copies for Official Report Sustainable and CPA Branches. Page 338 Inclusive Future Page 352

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 283 EDITOR’S NOTE

SOCIAL MEDIA AND PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY IN THE COMMONWEALTH

The Editor’s Note

There has been a huge growth in the use of social media in recent examines the role of social media in connecting with constituents years across the world. Commonwealth Parliaments are still and the impact of social media in elections and asks if social exploring how to best use social media effectively media should be censored and what the role of in their communications strategies. Finding a way Parliamentarians could be. to produce engaging, non-partisan content to The Deputy Director of the Research Wing interact with stakeholders is a major challenge at the of Pakistan, Ms Nighat for all institutions, but perhaps particularly for Paristan provides examples of social media Parliaments. interaction from Pakistan and suggests that social The use of social media raises therefore a media can be called a ‘game changer’ in bridging number of challenges to Parliaments and, to a the gap between Parliament and the people. large extent, requires these institutions to engage The Chairperson of the Commonwealth in a new style of communication beyond the Women Parliamentarians (CWP), Hon. Shandana traditional institutional one. Gulzar Khan, MNA (Pakistan), writes about the The challenge for individual Commonwealth Mr Jeffrey Hyland, Editor impact of social media on Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians is even more acute as they have The Parliamentarian, Parliamentarians in particular and asks whether to grapple with providing engaging content for their Commonwealth Parliamentary social media will be, and should be, the primary constituents and the wider world while often facing Association tool for Commonwealth Parliamentarians to uphold abuse online and challenges to their messaging. democracy. However, the benefts for Parliamentarians of The CPA Small Branches Chairperson, Hon. Niki being able to speak directly to a wide audience without the ‘flter’ of Rattle, Speaker of the Parliament of the writes about the the media provides huge opportunities for Members of Parliament, positive impacts of social media on small territories and legislatures, especially during elections. Social media is able to provide not least in her own jurisdiction of the Cook Islands, but cautions that connections through spontaneous and informal reactions; social we need to ensure that social media does not undermine democratic media implies a persona behind its input which gives Parliamentarians norms and processes. the opportunity to ‘connect’ with their audience. In addition to looking at social media and democracy, this Social media can also provide many barriers to democracy as issue of The Parliamentarian also examines other current issues personal data is manipulated and ‘fake news’ is spread virtually at a in the Commonwealth. The Chairperson of the Commonwealth ferocious pace. Parliamentary Association (CPA) Executive Committee, Hon. This issue of The Parliamentarian examines the many issues Emilia Monjowa Lifaka, MP (Cameroon) in her View article around social media and democracy in the Commonwealth. shares her opening address to the 49th CPA British Islands and Hon. Justin B. N. Muturi, EGH, MP, Speaker of the National Mediterranean Regional Conference hosted by the Parliament of Assembly of Kenya and the Chairperson of the Executive Committee Malta and CPA Malta Branch with a virtual meeting held from 24 to of the CPA Africa Region examines the role of social media in 25 September 2020 on the theme of ‘The Role of Parliaments and parliamentary engagement and looks at how public participation can Parliamentarians in Times of Crisis’. be expanded for democratic growth. The CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg in his View article Hon. Nathan Cooper, MLA, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly for The Parliamentarian focuses on the impact of the COVID-19 of Alberta writes about how Parliaments can embrace social media pandemic on the Commonwealth and the role of Commonwealth and digital technology and provides examples of how the Legislative Parliaments. He also examines the role that the CPA can play and Assembly of Alberta has opened new doors in the COVID-19 identifying the CPA’s strengths to best meet future challenges. pandemic era. Shri N. K. Premachandran, MP, a Member of , the The Chair of the UK Parliament’s All-Party Parliamentary Group of the provides an article on on Social Media, Chris Elmore, MP refects on how social media has sustainable development in a globalised world. responded to the current global pandemic and asks if the digital Former Joint Secretary of the , Rup pandemic of misinformation threatens our best hope of ending the Narayan Das examines the role of Parliament in foreign policy with current crisis. particular reference to examples from India. Canadian , Ms Yasmin Ratansi, MP Fergus Drake, Chief Executive of Crown Agents, asks why

284 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 EDITOR’S NOTE

Parliamentarians are key to A familiar sign for 2020 outside a hotel in New Zealand. enhancing accountability in health service delivery and provides examples of the work that his organisation has done in several countries. The City of London’s Remembrancer, Paul Double, LVO, OStJ, writes about his ancient role and the many links between the City of London and the Commonwealth. New technology in the UK Parliament has brought automated speech software trials to the Hansard Team and this is described by Jack Homer, Deputy Editor of the Official Report in the UK’s House of Commons. In the third of his three-part series for The Parliamentarian, Parliamentary Consultant at the Lok Sabha Secretariat at the Parliament of India, Mr Ravindra Garimella, looks at the origins and history of some of the parliamentary event with Commonwealth partner organisations to introduce the expressions and practices used in Commonwealth Legislatures and in new CPA Secretary-General and launch the CPA Strategic Plan this issue focuses on the role of ‘flibustering’. consultations; a Commonwealth Speakers webinar on COVID-19 This issue of The Parliamentarian features several articles responses and Model Law in Parliaments; CPA Small Branches on the issues surrounding greater equality in Parliaments. Hon. publishing a new Handbook on Lay Members for Commonwealth Mboni Mohamed Mhita, MP, Member of the National Assembly of Parliaments; and the Commonwealth Gladwyn Lecture for 2020. Tanzania shares her presentation to the CWP Africa Region Gender This issue of The Parliamentarian also marks two anniversaries: the Sensitization Workshop in October 2019 on the barriers to women’s 400th anniversary of the frst sitting of the and participation in elections in the Africa Region. the 70th anniversary of the re-opening of the UK Parliament’s House of Amanda Ellis is the Executive Director of Global Partnerships Commons after its destruction during the Second World War. for the ASU Global Futures Laboratory and Professor of Practice The Parliamentary Report and Third Reading section in this issue at Thunderbird School of Global Management in the USA and includes parliamentary and legislative news from Canada Federal; she shares her article on ‘Building Forward Better’ - why women’s British Columbia; ; India; New Zealand; the leadership matters during COVID-19 and beyond. United Kingdom; Sri Lanka; and Australia Federal. An article by the Global Parliamentary Unit at the World Bank The CPA Headquarters Secretariat would also like to thank Mr examines how stronger youth and female political representation Stephen Boyd, Secretary for the Standing can transfer knowledge and best practices to those who aspire to Committee on Economics at the , for his become more democratically representative. dedication and commitment as the parliamentary correspondent This issue also features news and reports of Commonwealth for the Parliament of Australia for The Parliamentarian for many Women Parliamentarians (CWP) activities including the CWP years and for his parliamentary service to the Australian Federal Chairperson speaking at a special session on ‘Women Leading Parliament on his retirement. His parliamentary reports and articles Politics and Development’ at the Virtual Global Parliamentary Forum about the Parliament of Australia over many years have provided a during the Annual Meetings of the World Bank and IMF; a virtual record of events for future generations and a source of interest for meeting of the CWP Steering Committee to focus on strategic plan other Commonwealth Parliaments and Legislatures who want to and future activities; and the launch of two new CWP guidelines on share their experiences of parliamentary democracy. Gender Sensitising Parliaments and Anti-Harassment Policies for We look forward to hearing your feedback and comments Commonwealth Parliaments on this issue of The Parliamentarian, on the issues affecting CPA news reports in this issue include: International Day of Parliamentarians across the Commonwealth and to receiving your Democracy; the launch of new CPwD Disabilities Communications future contributions to this publication. Guidelines; virtual Post-Election Seminars in Dominica and Jamaica; a virtual meeting of the CPA Small Branches Steering Committee; Jeffrey Hyland a CPA webinar with Commonwealth High Commissioners and Editor, The Parliamentarian representatives of Overseas Territories in London; a CPA webinar [email protected]

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 285 VIEW FROM THE CPA CHAIRPERSON

THE ROLE OF PARLIAMENTS AND PARLIAMENTARIANS IN TIMES OF CRISIS

View from the CPA Chairperson

This View article was adapted from the CPA separation of powers among the three branches of Chairperson’s opening address to the 49th CPA government and the right to participate in free and British Islands and Mediterranean Regional democratic political process. Conference hosted by the CPA Regional Conferences, such as the and CPA Malta Branch with a virtual meeting held one held for the BIM Region, are an excellent from 24 to 25 September 2020. opportunity for Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff alike to join together – either Firstly, I would like to thank the Parliament of in person or virtually - and discuss these values Malta and CPA Malta Branch, and in particular, and how best to approach them in what is often a Hon. Angelo Farrugia, MP, Speaker of the House challenging and fast-moving global context. These of Representatives of the Parliament of Malta Chairperson of the CPA meetings allow us to explore these issues both and former CPA Small Branches Chairperson Executive Committee, Hon. from a regional perspective and, with the valued for hosting the 49th CPA British Islands and Emilia Monjowa Lifaka, MP, involvement of Observer Members and Officers Mediterranean (BIM) Regional Conference in Deputy Speaker of the National from other CPA Regions, from a broader, holistic September 2020. Assembly of Cameroon Commonwealth angle as well. It was a great honour to have been invited to During the two days of the CPA BIM Regional make the CPA Chairperson’s Opening Address Conference, participants had the opportunity at the CPA BIM Regional Conference on the topic of ‘The Role of to share best practice, generate innovative ways of approaching Parliamentarians in Times of Crisis’. I was delighted to be sharing a regional challenges and create long lasting and mutually benefcial platform with my esteemed colleague once again and I am sure that connections between Parliaments within the Region and further all delegates who attended the Regional Conference were greatly afeld – all key functions of the CPA’s work. appreciative of the hard work from yourself and your parliamentary Honourable Members, in addition to the CPA BIM Regional team which have ensured that the conference could take place. Conference, I have been very encouraged to see many successful I believe that the CPA BIM Regional Conference was the frst to be events this past year being held within the CPA BIM Region, held remotely and its success was testament to the ingenuity of the most notably the CPA Small Branches Sustainable Economic Parliament of Malta and the wider region. It followed a very effective Development Workshop in January 2020. Also hosted by the and fruitful virtual CPA International Executive Committee Meeting that Parliament of Malta and the CPA Malta Branch and attended by 19 I chaired in August 2020 and I imagine we will be harnessing these Commonwealth Parliamentarians from across our network, including new technologies increasingly in the coming months as face to face the CPA Small Branches Chairperson, Hon. Niki Rattle, Speaker of meetings still remain difficult in many parts of the world. the Parliament of the Cook Islands as well as Parliamentarians from As background for those new to the CPA, may I briefy state that the CPA Branches of , Australian Capital , The the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, which was founded Bahamas, , , , Cook in 1911, comprises some 180 national and sub-national Branches and Islands, Fiji, , , Malta, , Perlis, seeks to promote the advancement of parliamentary democracy by Seychelles, St Helena, St Lucia and Turks and Caicos. The outcomes enhancing knowledge and understanding of democratic governance. from the Small Branches workshop and the subsequent CPA toolkit The CPA connects, develops, promotes and supports Parliamentarians on ‘Climate Change and Small States: A Guide for Effective Climate and their staff to identify benchmarks of good governance and the Change Action’, are just some examples of the effective impact of implementation of the enduring values of the Commonwealth. the CPA in aiding our membership. CPA activities focus on the Commonwealth’s commitment to its The CPA British Islands and Mediterranean Region was also fundamental political values, including - just and honest government, an active participant in the celebration of the CPA community’s the alleviation of poverty, fundamental human rights, international unique connection of almost 2.4 billion people on Commonwealth peace and order, global economic development, the rule of law, Day in March 2020. It was only shortly after this occasion that the equal rights and representation for all citizens of both genders, the Commonwealth was struck by the full force of one of its greatest

286 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 VIEW FROM THE CPA CHAIRPERSON

challenges yet – COVID-19. An election vote takes place under COVID-19 regulations. My thoughts go out to all those affected by the global pandemic. It has greatly impacted the way in which we go about our everyday lives and has curtailed the means with which Parliaments and Parliamentarians are able to successfully operate and promote the fundamental values of the Commonwealth. Whilst the COVID-19 pandemic has raised great challenges for us as legislators, it has also allowed us to embrace new methods of communication and highlighted our ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Adaption was a key theme for our 64th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference held in Kampala, in September 2019 and it is a vital element in how the CPA can be of aid to its Members in digitalisation and virtual nature of processes and activities taking times of crisis. place across the Commonwealth. Whilst we may not be able Parliamentarians are now focusing their minds on public health to engage in person during these unprecedented times, the and creating safe and secure environments for their constituents. advantage of modern technology is that it allows us to support our To succeed in this endeavour, we have had to embrace rapid membership and has the ability to reach a wider audience. and uncertain change in the form of technical, social and cultural Inclusion is a key element of the theme of the 65th adaptions; from how we communicate and travel to the ways in Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) ‘Inclusive, which we legislate, represent and scrutinise . As such, Accessible, Accountable and Strong Parliaments: the Cornerstone adapting to and embracing these new ways of working is essential of Democracy and Essential for Development’. At our recent CPA for us to fulfl our civic duties. Executive Committee meeting in August 2020, Members made Moreover, whilst the whole world has felt the effects of this the difficult decision to postpone the 65th CPC due to be held in pandemic, not all of us have been impacted equally. I am therefore Halifax, Canada in January 2021 to dates later in the year in August greatly pleased to see that work continues to examine how small 2021. I hope that by that point we are able to meet and discuss this jurisdictions have managed and attempted to reduce the impact of important topic in person, but I am confdent that we will be able to COVID-19 and the relationship between gender and crisis specifc adapt come what may. policy. In recognising that crises such as these do not have a uniform On 15th September 2020, we marked International Day of impact on the health or socio-economic status of an individual or a Democracy and, in my video message to the CPA membership, I jurisdiction, we as legislators can be more tailored and effective in highlighted the importance of scrutiny and accountability as vital our responses and future planning. components to democracy. As legislators, we must be a voice Whilst the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting for citizens and continually adapt our practices to fulfl our critical (CHOGM) which was due to be held in Kigali, Rwanda in June functions during this crisis - essential in the ever-evolving nature 2020 has understandably been postponed until next year, the of democracy. Recognising the power of collectively providing theme of ‘Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, an accessible and inclusive space, I am optimistic that our CPA Transforming’ has never been more relevant. The CPA has, in Branches will use their own platforms to encourage greater this time of crisis, maintained a constant focus on innovation and adaptation and development within their own jurisdictions. transformation when looking at what we offer to our membership We as Parliamentarians must be at the forefront of responding and how we can best support you in times of fux. and evolving in this time of crisis. The last six months has shown us In September 2020, for example, the CPA hosted a fully virtual that when pushed we can be more connected, co-operative and CPA Post-Election Seminar for the Parliament of Dominica, our fexible than was perhaps initially thought possible. I hope that this second such event following a very successful programme for spirit of collaboration extends far past the lifetime of COVID-19 and earlier in the year in collaboration with the CPA UK Branch. continues for many years to come as we pursue our shared goals. The CPA Headquarters Secretariat also produced a timely CPA I look forward to hearing the outcomes of CPA activities and toolkit for ‘Commonwealth Parliaments and Legislatures on the trust that through the sharing of our experiences we can keep on COVID-19 pandemic and delivering parliamentary democracy’ and evolving as responsive Parliamentarians and as our organisation have engaged in numerous online Masterclasses and Webinars. demands of us. The CPA has been part of this incredible surge in the

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 287 VIEW FROM THE COMMONWEALTH WOMEN PARLIAMENTARIANS CHAIRPERSON SHOULD SOCIAL MEDIA BE THE PRIMARY TOOL FOR COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARIANS TO UPHOLD DEMOCRACY?

View from the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Chairperson

In November 2020, history was made. The United through which the will of the people is expressed, States of America elected its frst woman Vice- laws are passed and government is held to President. That Senator Kamala Harris is a child account.”1 of immigrants from the Commonwealth (India and The era of COVID-19 has seen the Executive Jamaica) is another important milestone. For some, branch intensifying its domination of the ‘pandemic this is democracy at its fnest. For those of us in agenda’ and a plethora of decision-making that the Commonwealth, we have been luckier as we lacks democratic control. In my discourse with fellow have had women Heads of State and Heads of Parliamentarians, there are questions as to whether Government such as in the current political scenario and in-built processes Sri Lanka, in India, Benazir Bhutto are ft and proper to ensure that Parliaments are truly in Pakistan, Khaleda Zia in , Margaret Commonwealth Women representative and are performing the job they are Thatcher in the United Kingdom and currently, Parliamentarians (CWP) elected for. Which then begs the question - ‘What is it, Samia Suluhu, Vice-; Jacinda Chairperson, Hon. Shandana exactly, that an elected Parliament is supposed to do Ardern, Prime of New Zealand; Paula-Mae Gulzar Khan, MNA (Pakistan) (during the pandemic)?’ A non-exhaustive list would Weekes, President of Trinidad and Tobago; Sheikh include legislation, passing emergency budgets, Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh; and so many oversight of the Executive, debating issues, approving more. Nonetheless, most of us in the Commonwealth are cheering constitutional changes and generally reaching out to the nation. on as a sister starts this historic journey for womankind. For me Some stellar examples can be found during COVID-19 times personally, following this epic event, it would not have been possible in different Commonwealth jurisdictions, with examples including without the aid of social media. Australia, Botswana, Canada, , Singapore and the United The larger part of this article talks about social media, Kingdom, that adopted innovative digital and social media outreach parliamentary democracy and whether social media will be, and systems in order to quickly interact with Members and disseminate should be, the primary tool for Commonwealth Parliamentarians to information. WhatsApp groups in Botswana have also proved uphold democracy. Central to this debate is whether democracy is effective, and at the , a Microsoft Teams Live recognised as a value or system of representation. Event was used for the Chief Executive’s frst live address to all staff According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), “democracy has in late April.2 This shows that Commonwealth Parliaments have come to be recognised as a universal value which does not belong proven nimble at quickly using both digital platforms and social to any country or region.” A large portion of the work of the IPU is media to fnd new ways of sustaining communication during crises based on the idea that “a strong Parliament is a critical marker for such as this pandemic. a robust democracy” and that “Parliament is the central institution But what about during ordinary times, i.e. during election campaigns and during normal non-election years? In some jurisdictions, social media is quickly becoming the litmus test for “A glaring example of the misuse of measuring the quality and quantity of democracy and effective representation. There is no doubt that social media is also helping social media by various groups and citizens in determining whether their elected representatives are successfully meeting the challenges of the age and where they not knowing where to draw the line can draw inspiration from the good practices of other Parliaments. was revealed to us during incidents of However, is it also the case that social media helps the instiution of Parliament to remain relevant in the coming years? A number of abuse of MPs on social media. In the aspects, which need to be considered, are changing relationships that Parliament maintains with the public, the media, the Executive UK, the government reached out to branch and with international organisations. social media companies to demand If we consider social media as a tool to enable and measure the quality of democracy within Parliament and parliamentary processes, support for general election candidates then each new election in the Commonwealth in the last ten years is an example of what to do or not to do. The frst US Presidential subjected to intimidation and abuse election for was largely won on the back of an during the campaign.” incredible and new social experiment; Pakistan’s Tehreek-e-Insaf is

288 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 VIEW FROM THE COMMONWEALTH WOMEN PARLIAMENTARIANS CHAIRPERSON

Left: A woman voter in Sri Lanka shows her inked fnger after casting her ballot in the Sri Lankan parliamentary election at the polling station in on 5 August 2020.

views which governments label as ‘fake news’ or criminal speech.”6 There is no doubt that the uncontrolled nature of social media postings means they can be misleading and manipulative and can misinform and lead to what is loosely termed as ‘fake news’. There is now an additional responsibility on Parliaments’ need to manage their use of information and communications technology. It may be easier to manipulate the already marginalised, leading to deeper divisions between rural and urban areas. Hence the need for control and caution is more relevant than ever to ensure social media does not subvert the values of parliamentary democracy and turn it into one party that also brought about the marriage of social media and demagoguery. political views. There are two kinds of advertising in politics, campaign A glaring example of the misuse of social media by various trail advertising and advertising the good work of the government. groups and not knowing where to draw the line was revealed to The idea behind the former is the use of an advertising campaign us during incidents of abuse of MPs on social media. In the UK, the through the media to infuence a political debate, and ultimately, government reached out to social media companies to demand voters. However, post-election advertising has been said to be akin to support for general election candidates subjected to intimidation political advertising for future campaigns. Again, on social media, this and abuse during the campaign. Ministers asked Facebook, Twitter is impossible to stop. and Instagram to create a ‘one-stop shop’ source for advice on how Candidates and governments use social media, but what about candidates can seek action to deal with online bullies and trolls. A the role of Parliament itself using social media, as an effective tool number of UK women MPs stated that they were standing down post-election, to infuence, inform and involve citizens in public from the UK Parliament at the last election in part because of the policymaking? The benefts of social media for Parliamentarians, in stream of threats that they had faced on online platforms when they this sense, are enormous. Newer Parliamentarians, in particular, can held office.6 Again, this aspect of social media could be actively beneft from social media, as they have to compete with established subverting the cause of parliamentary democracy. players, established causes and established Parliamentarians in Finally, an often ignored, but forward looking, procedural their third or fourth terms, or beyond. question is “does social media present a substantive challenge to Social media is a low-cost, powerful tool to communicate ideas. ? And, if so, can existing parliamentary An effective strategy is capable of disseminating information that conventions and practice adequately respond to the challenges of empowers the earnest voter in a way that is “faster, cheaper and the digital age?”7 There are reports of incidents where social media more pervasive than other forms of communication.” It is capable of was used to violate or circumvent a standing order or parliamentary encouraging pluralism, accountability and transparency and some convention, or to challenge . The author Parliamentarians actively use social media during and after electoral feels that the answer lies in the adaptability of both Parliaments and campaigns to advance respect for the rule of law, good governance, social media to ensure that social media advancement aids both independence of the judiciary, the rights of civil society, and the Parliamentarians and democracy. democratic values of equality and merit. Where there is confict, new thought processes and methodologies Social media has made a dent into the ‘information elite’ and is must be adopted by the Commonwealth in its effort to both lead and here to stay. However, during COVID-19, many jurisdictions in the guide the world into an era of responsible and free social media. Commonwealth have reported excessive censorship under the guise of emergency legislation and policy.3 References: Some COVID-19 lockdowns have been used as an excuse to 1 http://archive.ipu.org/dem-e/guide/preface.htm arrest more journalists and block scrutiny by the media, and “too 2 Ibid many had also betrayed the past struggles for press freedom 3 ‘The Commonwealth’s twin problems with media freedom and a and democracy by working ‘hand in hand’ with the power-hungry blueprint for action’ by William Horsley politicians in power today.”4 4 Ibid Furthermore, “COVID-19 has brought more censorship and 5 Ibid disinformation to , as to other parts of the world. Recent 6 https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/general-election-mps- events have shown how politicians misuse power to spread abuse-trolls-social-media-facebook-twitter-instagram-a9185741.html misinformation and rumours for partisan advantage. The pandemic has 7 ‘The Implications of Social Media for Parliamentary Privilege and prompted sweeping laws with harsh penalties for those who express Procedure’ by Joanne McNair

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 289 VIEW FROM THE CPA SMALL BRANCHES CHAIRPERSON

THE CHALLENGES OF UTILISING NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND SOCIAL MEDIA FOR THE BETTERMENT OF OUR SMALLEST DEMOCRACIES IN THE COMMONWEALTH

View from the CPA Small Branches Chairperson

Social media has been defned as a series of Legislatures, small and large, cannot ignore online platforms, albeit a website or application, this transformation. Although at the forefront that allows people to engage in multi-directional of the maintenance of democratic societies, communication and share information on Parliament, through its often cumbersome and the internet. Its unprecedented levels of characteristically historic working processes, has interactivity, enabling multiple people to connect not always been the harbinger of technological instantaneously regardless of where they are innovation. However, since the advent of in the world, marks a stark departure from the social media, Parliament and Parliamentarians traditional, one-directional, media of decades, have made progress integrating its usage into and centuries, gone by, such as newspapers and their activities – from political messaging on magazines, radio and television. Interaction on individual Member’s personal Twitter handles social media has now become the norm for large Chairperson of the CPA to the streaming of parliamentary sittings on swathes of the global population – Facebook, Small Branches, Hon. Niki many Parliaments’ official Facebook pages. The the world’s largest social media platform, boasts Rattle, Speaker of the benefts of this connectivity, not least the opening over 1.5 billion users worldwide – causing Parliament of the Cook up of the democratic process through little more nothing short of an information revolution and Islands than the click of a few buttons, are undeniable. upending the previous domination held by those But with the benefts, the spread of social media traditional custodians of information exchange. brings an equal number of challenges which This upheaval has brought both tremendous opportunities are revealing novel and exacerbating pre-existing threats to the and challenges to modern societies, which will only intensify democratic process. These effects have initiated countermeasures as technology advances at a near exponential rate and as and forced legislatures to adapt and improve their own working governments struggle to keep pace with relevant regulation and practices but also the governance of their respective jurisdictions. legislation needed to check technology and social media’s march. These contestations should provide Commonwealth Legislatures The growth of social media and the concurrent technological with lessons and food for thought as we power further into the revolution has and will touch every corner of the global community; information age. the institution of Parliament is no exception. Commonwealth In any democratic country, the integrity of the electoral process is reliant upon a system that integrates established or nascent democratic norms, societal values affirming notions of right and “For every challenge, however, social wrong, and a robust administrative and legal framework. However, through the spread of disinformation accelerated by social media, media, and by extension, digital innovation, these underpinnings have been strained. Many charges by different has come with as many opportunities countries of misinformation being used to infuence electoral outcomes, fundamentally compromises the rights of voters to a fair and benefits for Parliaments, particularly process. Misinformation is defned as false or inaccurate information, during the current COVID-19 crisis. The CPA especially that which is deliberately intended to deceive - it should be stressed, however, that this is not a new phenomenon brought Headquarters Secretariat has recorded about through social media. Those previously mentioned media evidence of the positive use of social media industries and mediums have long been guilty of propagating misinformation; or what can also be characterised as ‘fake news’. and technology in implementing initiatives What is new, however, is the scope and speed at which social media and strengthening relationships with its can create, foster and spread misinformation. The case of foreign interference in the US Presidential Elections in 2016, whereby membership, in-spite of the restrictions Facebook was used to target misinformation to millions of American brought about due to the pandemic.” would-be voters, is perhaps the highest-profle example of recent

290 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 VIEW FROM THE CPA SMALL BRANCHES CHAIRPERSON

years. But similar processes are happening across the world, including in Commonwealth territories. Parliament, as the main body of oversight and scrutiny, plays a leading role in mitigating and preventing such abuses. The great challenge with this is that, perhaps unlike traditional forms of media, social media platforms, through their sheer volume of active users, have proven almost impossible to effectively regulate – from both public and private actors alike. The challenge also involves balancing the need to uphold the fundamental rights of freedom of speech and expression with regulating and minimising the spread of challenges, including climate change and economic vulnerability, misinformation. This brings to light a stark political divide between their size can also bring enormous advantages. This is no more those who believe that the former takes precedence over actions evident than in the application of digital innovation. Through the towards the latter and those who believe regulation is the main virtue of their smallness, small territories can act as incubators for priority. new technologies and practices that can then be applied globally Relevant for Parliament is the use of social media as a platform on a much larger scale. Importantly, the improved connectivity for abuse and hateful messaging towards Parliamentarians, which from social media and digital technologies has and will increase has seen a troublesome increase in recent years. The regulatory resilience in small territories themselves and strengthen progress challenges and near anonymity that users can achieve online towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly means that would-be abusers can act with impunity towards public in territories with multi-island communities and large geographic officials. Even if these users remain a very small minority of the total spread of population centres. numbers of users online, this can still create a markedly hostile I have seen frst-hand the positive impacts of social media on and intimidating online environment. The only way this behaviour small territories and legislatures, not least in my own, the Cook can be effectively mitigated is through a combination of regulatory Islands. Our directs the Parliament of the Cook measures in place by social media operators and national and Islands to broadcast all parliamentary meetings via the radio local legislation as well as policies to monitor the implementation throughout the country - the only media used for many years of such methodologies. Conversely, there also needs to be a Code until we reviewed and updated the Parliament website a few of Conduct in Parliaments which ensures the responsible use of years ago. Since 2019, we have also formed an official Parliament social media by Members of Parliament. Facebook page, in addition to adding live streaming capabilities For every challenge, however, social media, and by extension, to all our meetings. The impact this has had on our democracy has digital innovation, has come with as many opportunities and been overwhelmingly positive. In particular, Cook Islanders living benefts for Parliaments, particularly during the current COVID-19 overseas or on isolated outer islands have been brought closer crisis. The CPA Headquarters Secretariat has recorded evidence to the democratic process, where they can witness frst-hand the of the positive use of social media and technology in implementing contributions of their Members of Parliament. initiatives and strengthening relationships with its membership, In regards to relevant protections from the misuse of social in spite of the restrictions brought about due to the pandemic. media, the Constitution of the Cook Islands, along with a relevant Not least among these was the successful conducting of the frst legislative framework and parliamentary practices and procedures, virtual CPA International Executive Committee Meeting through all work to ensure that social media does not undermine videoconferencing software. These technologies and mediums democratic norms and processes and that relevant actors, have provided a much-needed lifeline in enabling the CPA’s vast including from within the media and technology industries, have an network of Commonwealth Legislatures to remain connected in appropriate legal and ethical framework to operate within. the absence of in-person communications and interactions. Turning away from social media and technological innovation, As Chairperson of the CPA Small Branches network, it is in favour of archaic practices, is certainly no solution, and enormously encouraging to see what potential the effective Commonwealth Parliaments and Parliamentarians must embrace use of social media and digital innovation can also have on the coming information age. The challenge will be fnding an small territories. Although small island states and territories are appropriate balance between utilising these technologies for the often disproportionately affected by the world’s most pressing betterment of our democracies and guarding against their misuse.

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 291 VIEW FROM THE CPA SECRETARY-GENERAL

THE IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ACROSS THE WORLD AND IDENTIFYING THE CPA’S STRENGTHS TO BEST MEET FUTURE CHALLENGES View from the CPA Secretary-General

2020 has been dominated by the impact of the has earned widespread praise. It was set up in COVID-19 pandemic across the world. My thoughts March of this year. It was chaired by the Leader of are with those who have lost their lives, families who the Opposition, had an Opposition majority and have lost loved ones and the many people who are existed for two months. It was disbanded when the living with COVID-19. country’s alert level was lowered. Recently, I took part in a webinar organised by Of course, trust and consent are not just about the Commonwealth Secretariat to consider the bipartisanship in Parliaments, as important as that legislative approaches taken by Commonwealth is. It is crucially about the relationship between countries to address the pandemic. It was a governments and citizens. public welcome opportunity to take stock of the situation, health measures adopted to tackle the pandemic to share best practice and to consider what lessons Secretary-General of the rely, in large part, on the participation of the people we might learn from 2020 for the future. Commonwealth Parliamentary – for example, social distancing or wearing face Any emergency situation poses a challenge for Association, Stephen Twigg masks. Emergency provisions are most likely to be Parliaments and Parliamentarians – how best can a effective if they enjoy the respect and support of balance be struck between enabling governments citizens. to tackle the crisis and, at the same time, providing A worrying feature of the pandemic effective oversight and scrutiny? Earlier editions of The Parliamentarian which has been widely written about this year is that, in some in 2020 provided a fascinating insight into how Parliaments have countries, the response has served to accelerate existing trends responded to this year’s crisis in a variety of jurisdictions including the towards authoritarianism, the weakening of civil society and the Maldives, the Isle of Man, Kenya and Australia. scapegoating of minorities. In such circumstances, strong and We know that the virus has affected different countries in different independent Parliaments are more essential than ever. We also ways and that the policy approaches taken by governments have know that it is often the poorest and most marginalised communities varied both in terms of the public health response and the fscal/ that have been hit hardest by the impact of the pandemic including economic dimension. Going forward, there will rightly be a plethora its economic effects. of opportunities to consider the different responses and to assess The CPA’s Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures provide an their impact, including parliamentary inquiries. One that strikes invaluable set of tools to strengthen the work of Parliamentarians. me, at this stage, is the importance of trust and consent to the The CPA’s Model Law for Independent Parliaments is a resource effectiveness of a country’s efforts to tackle the virus. to help enable Parliaments to exert their independence from Earlier this year, the CPA Headquarters Secretariat published governments in line with the Commonwealth Latimer House a COVID-19 toolkit to support Parliamentarians in their work. The Principles. During this crisis, effective oversight and scrutiny are toolkit highlighted the importance of a cross-party approach. Rightly, more important than ever. We have seen the passage of emergency the ’s Epidemic Response Committee legislation and budgets across Commonwealth countries. Post Legislative Scrutiny of such measures is a vital function of the parliamentary process. “A worrying feature of the pandemic which Another feature of 2020 has been the truly remarkable adaptation by Parliaments to the crisis, with new modalities of has been widely written about this year working being adopted in many jurisdictions including online is that, in some countries, the response participation by Members in parliamentary proceedings. These changes have, of course, been an essential component of the has served to accelerate existing trends public health response to COVID-19. Nevertheless, there will be an towards authoritarianism, the weakening opportunity for Parliaments to consider retaining some elements of these changes on a permanent basis. Clearly, there are advantages of civil society and the scapegoating of and disadvantages to virtual meetings. Once social distancing minorities. In such circumstances, strong and measures are no longer required, a return to ‘in person’ plenary sessions is very likely to be the norm. However, for Committees, I independent Parliaments are more essential could see some Parliaments opting for a hybrid approach in which than ever.” Members who might be away – for example, in their constituency -

292 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 VIEW FROM THE CPA SECRETARY-GENERAL Image copyright: UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor. Parliament/Jessica UK copyright: Image

could join Committee meetings remotely. Online platforms also have Above: Many Commonwealth Parliaments have adapted to the new great potential for engagement with citizens, both for Parliaments in circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic this year to ensure that their general work and for individual Parliamentarians at a local level. parliamentary democracy continues, such as the hybrid sittings in a However, there is the important issue of the ‘digital divide’ which 'socially-distanced' House of Commons at the UK Parliament. must be addressed as part of these discussions so that citizens without digital access or technical know-how are not excluded. The CPA itself has adapted our ways of working to the events of for Democratic Legislatures contribute even more to efforts to this year. We have now held two Virtual CPA Post-Election Seminars, protect and extend good governance and independent Parliaments in Anguilla and Dominica. In August 2020, our CPA Executive across the Commonwealth? Committee met virtually. Since taking up this role in August In my frst three months in office, I have been highly impressed 2020, I have had a large number of introductory virtual meetings by the passion, commitment and experience of our Members with important stakeholders including the Speakers of Kenya, across the CPA’s nine regions. I believe that we can be proud of Bangladesh and Kiribati. the work that we do but there is always scope for improvement Against this background, I am pleased to have launched a and an imperative to ensure that we are meeting contemporary consultation process on the CPA’s next strategic plan. I am very challenges. The purpose of the CPA 2025 consultation is to assist keen to have input from Parliamentarians and Parliamentary staff us in identifying our strengths and areas where we could improve as across the Commonwealth as well as from external partners. The well as considering the external context and how best the CPA can consultation runs until 27 November 2020 and you can fnd out work to meet its challenges. more information at www.cpahq.org/cpahq/consultation. 2020 has been a very difficult year for communities and families The CPA’s 2018 strategic plan set out to strengthen the across the world. It has reminded us of our inter-connectedness organisation in several key areas – including the CPA Headquarters and has reasserted the importance of multilateral bodies, including Secretariat’s programmes, our fnances and our IT. I pay tribute the Commonwealth itself. It has also served to emphasise once to the work that has been done since then which has seen real again the scale of the challenge we face to achieve the Sustainable progress across all these areas. Development Goals across the board including health, education, Our next strategy will take us to the year 2025. What sort of climate change, poverty and inequality. CPA do people want to see in fve years’ time? In particular, how Strong, independent Parliaments will be essential if we are to can we best provide Parliamentarians with the tools they need rebuild in ways that are both sustainable and equitable. The CPA to be effective and, at the same time, be an infuential voice will endeavour to ensure that Commonwealth Parliamentarians and standing up for the values of the Commonwealth as set out in the parliamentary staff have the support and resources needed to be as Commonwealth Charter? How can our excellent CPA Benchmarks effective as possible during these critical times.

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 293 CPA NEWS

International Day of Democracy 2020 highlighted the importance of democratic processes during the current global pandemic as Commonwealth Parliamentarians speak about what democracy means to them "As the world confronts COVID-19, democracy is crucial in ensuring the free fow of information, participation in decision- making and accountability for the response to the pandemic." — Secretary-General, António Guterres. The United Nations has highlighted the importance of democratic processes to mark International Day of Democracy 2020. This year's International Day of Democracy was an opportunity to urge governments to be transparent, responsive and accountable in their COVID-19 response and ensure that any emergency measures are legal, proportionate, necessary and non-discriminatory. Democracy is built on inclusion, equal treatment and participation — and it is a fundamental building block for peace, sustainable development and human rights. The unprecedented COVID-19 global crisis has resulted in of Democracy and encouraged Parliamentarians across the major social, political and legal challenges globally. As states Commonwealth to refect on what democracy means to them around the world adopt emergency measures to address and share their experiences on this important day. the crisis, it is critical that they continue to uphold the rule of Commonwealth Parliamentarians from Cameroon, Australia, law, protect and respect international standards and basic Canada, the Cook Islands and Ghana spoke about what principles of legality, and the right to access justice, remedies democracy means to them in a series of video messages to and due process. mark International Day of Democracy that were shared on the The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) CPA’s social media channels @CPA_Secretariat and can also marked this special day and many of its 180 Branches in be viewed at www.cpahq.org/cpahq/youtube. Parliaments and Legislatures across the Commonwealth The Commonwealth Parliamentarians speaking about celebrated International Day of Democracy 2020 with different democracy included: CPA Vice-Chairperson and President of events and activities. In her video message to Commonwealth the New South , Hon. John Ajaka, Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff, the Chairperson of MLC; CPA Small Branches Chairperson and Speaker of the the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Hon. Parliament of the Cook Islands, Hon. Niki Rattle; Hon. Osei Emilia Monjowa Lifaka, MP, Deputy Speaker of the National Kyei Mensah Bonsu, MP, Majority Leader, ; Assembly of Cameroon, spoke about the importance of and Hon. Yasmin Ratansi, MP, and CPA democracy in the Commonwealth to mark International Day Canada Federal Branch Chairperson.

CPA Secretary-General joins virtual roundtable on global democracy to mark International Day of Democracy 2020 The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Stephen Twigg marked International Day of Democracy 2020 by speaking at a virtual roundtable event on the ‘State of Democracy Globally’ organised for UK Members of Parliament and key stakeholders. The CPA Secretary-General spoke about the role of the CPA in connecting Commonwealth Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff to identify benchmarks of good governance to promote democracy and its role in working with both established and newly elected Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff to provide continuing professional development in the wider pursuit of democracy in the Commonwealth. The virtual roundtable was organised by the British Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (BGIPU) and chaired by former UK Foreign Office Minister and Chair of BGIPU, Rt Hon. Harriet Baldwin, MP. The session also included insights into global democracy from Anthony Smith, CEO of the Westminster democracy globally and to resist attacks on democratic Foundation for Democracy; Jon Davies, Branch Secretary and freedoms in upholding vital political rights. Attendees also had Chief Executive of CPA UK; and Rick Nimmo, Director of BGIPU. the opportunity to review what UK-based inter-parliamentary The virtual roundtable provided the opportunity to engage organisations are doing to bolster and defend democracy Members of the UK Parliament on the key efforts undertaken through their long-standing programmes and other forms of by Commonwealth and international partners to advance assistance provided internationally.

294 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 CPA NEWS

Commonwealth Parliamentary Association hosts its second virtual post-election seminar in the Caribbean Region for newly elected Members of the House of Assembly of Dominica

Following the success of the frst virtual Post-Election Seminar hosted by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) in Anguilla in July 2020, the CPA Headquarters Secretariat has hosted its second virtual seminar in the CPA Caribbean, and Atlantic Region. This seminar was due to take place in Dominica itself, however, since the start of the current Coronavirus global pandemic, the CPA has adapted to deliver its programmes virtually in order to ensure that its membership would continue to be supported during this time of uncertainty. The CPA Post-Election Seminar for the House of Assembly of Dominica began with the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Joseph Isaac addressing the Members gathered in the Chamber and guests joining via video link across the Commonwealth. The Speaker welcomed the provision of the seminar for Members and expressed his wish that as a result, Dominica MPs will beneft from the sharing of knowledge and best practice. virtual CPA Post-Election Seminar in Dominica at the workshop The CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg speaking via session on Empowering Female Voices in Parliament by sharing video link said: “I know that Dominica plays a very important her personal experiences as a woman Member in the National role in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and Assembly of Pakistan and her role as the CWP Chairperson. I’m delighted to use the opportunity of my opening remarks She was joined in the session by guest speakers, Hon. Yasmin to reaffirm once again our collective commitment to the Ratansi, MP, Chair of the CPA Canada Federal Branch and Hon. Commonwealth values that are more important today than Akierra Missick, MP from Turks and Caicos. perhaps they have ever been before.” Further notable contributions to the seminar included: The keynote address was given by the Prime Minister of • Hon. Josephine Connolly, MP (Turks and Caicos) and Mr David Dominica, Hon. , who said: “I have always said Christopherson (former Member of Parliament of Canada) that to be effective in politics you must frst love people. It is sharing the values and challenges in relation to raising issues critical that as Parliamentarians we remain guided by that basic around amending legislation and sharing best practice on tenant in all that we do in this House. It is therefore imperative how to maximise the opportunities. that we as Parliamentarians gather over the coming days to • A session on Committee Systems, with a special focus on learn and discuss the ways to improve the quality of life of the Public Accounts Committees (PACs), was delivered by the people whom we represent. When you have concluded the PAC Chair from the Parliament of Bermuda, Hon. Patricia seminar on both the days concerned, I assure you that you will Gordon-Pamplin, MP together with the PAC , Ms Jo be equipped with a better understanding of what it means to be Corkish from the Parliament of the Isle of Man and Hon. a Parliamentarian.” Akierra Missick, MP (Turks and Caicos). The virtual CPA Post-Election Seminar in Dominica took place • Examples of good and bad practice in relation to the from 23 to 25 September 2020 with workshops equipping new appropriate behaviours and standards expected in and returning Parliamentarians with an in-depth understanding Parliament were outlined by the Speaker of the Parliament ickr.

of parliamentary practice and procedure, and the relevant skills of Bermuda, Hon. Dennis P. Lister, JP, MP. The Clerk of the f required of them in their new roles as representatives. The House of Representatives of Trinidad & Tobago, Ms Jacqui programme was carefully tailored to the requirements of the Sampson Meiguel similarly shared her perspective during this Dominica House of Assembly and included the following topics: workshop. the role of Committee Systems, administration and fnancing of • Hon. Josephine Conolly, MP (Turks and Caicos), Deputy Parliaments, public outreach and engagement, and much more. Robert Ward (Jersey), and the Clerk of the Parliament of The programme was specifically designed for both new and Bermuda, Mrs Shernette Wolffe each gave insights into the returning Parliamentarians and two additional workshops were held various services and resources utilised by their respective for female Members of Parliament and for Government Ministers. Parliaments, for the purpose of political research. A key highlight of the seminar was the notable contribution from the Prime Minister of Barbados, Rt Hon. Mia Amor Mottley, The CPA Headquarters Secretariat worked closely with QC, MP, who joined the Prime Minister of Dominica, Hon. the Speaker Emerita of Dominica, Hon. Alix Boyd Knights; the Roosevelt Skerrit; the of Anguilla, Dr Ellis L. Webster; and current Speaker of Dominica, Hon. Joseph Isaac and the Clerk other delegates via video link at the workshop for Government of the House of Assembly, Mr Daniel James to deliver the virtual Ministers on how to effectively balance important government CPA Post-Election Seminar. business with parliamentary and constituency responsibilities. The Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) To see highlights videos of the opening ceremony please visit Chairperson, Hon. Shandana Gulzar Khan, MNA also joined the www.cpahq.org/cpahq/youtube. For more images of CPA activities and events please visit www.cpahq.org/cpahq/ visit please events and activities CPA of images more For

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 295 CPA NEWS

CPA Secretary-General highlights the importance of the Commonwealth’s active involvement in UN Sustainable Development Goals at Annual Gladwyn Lecture The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Secretary-General Stephen Twigg has highlighted the role that the Commonwealth can play in delivering the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Speaking at the Annual Gladwyn Lecture on 11 November 2020, organised by the Council for Education in the Commonwealth, the CPA Secretary-General focused particularly on quality education (SDG4) and peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG16). The UN SDGs were adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. During his virtual lecture, the CPA Secretary-General emphasised the urgency of the SDGs, invoking the call of UN Secretary-General António Guterres for a ‘decade of action’. COVID-19 may have very damaging impacts on global efforts to meet the 2030 target, but the CPA Secretary- General was resolute that the deadline should not be extended, reiterating that it is the duty of governments, Parliaments and civil society to keep the SDGs at the forefront of the global agenda, despite the pandemic. On education, the CPA Secretary-General highlighted fve key priorities: funding, a focus on quality, collaboration, innovation and leaving no one behind. The Commonwealth has already shown leadership in these areas. At the Commonwealth Conference for Education Ministers in 2018, governments and organisations came together to pledge their commitment to the SDGs and, since the pandemic began, the Commonwealth of Learning has shown excellent leadership by supporting quality remote education through technology. Education, peace and good governance are not simply linked, but interdependent, the CPA Secretary-General said. A safe, well- governed society is imperative for the delivery of quality education, whilst an educated society is well-placed to deliver peace, justice and good governance. It is through collaboration across the Commonwealth that we can jointly advance these values, which are central to the Commonwealth Charter. Discussing the CPA’s contribution to education and good governance, the CPA Secretary-General pointed out the professional development and training that the CPA provides to Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff, which is a practical, effective way to build robust democratic institutions. With many governments having adopted emergency powers in response to COVID-19, well-informed Parliamentarians, alert to potential abuses of power, are key to the protection and progression of SDG 16. Another example of the CPA’s work towards the SDGs is the upcoming CPA Virtual Commonwealth Youth Parliament, which seeks to combine SDG 4 and SDG 16 by giving young people the opportunity to learn about the institutions of democratic government. The Annual Gladwyn Lecture, named in honour of Lord Gladwyn, the former patron of the Council and a distinguished diplomat, focusses on an educational topic of relevance to the Commonwealth. Sonny Leong CBE, Chair of the Council for Education in the Commonwealth, gave the introduction to the event and Dr Neil Kemp OBE managed the Q&A session. The vote of thanks was given by Alastair Niven LVO OBE.

New dates announced for 65th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Canada The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and the CPA Canada Region have announced that the new dates for the 65th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC), hosted by the CPA Canada Region in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, will be 21st to 27th August 2021. The annual conference has been postponed to August 2021 due to ongoing travel restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic and the quarantine restrictions in place between different countries. The annual conference is the largest annual gathering of Commonwealth Parliamentarians, which brings together Parliamentarians, parliamentary staff and decision makers from across the Commonwealth for a unique conference and networking opportunity. The announcement follows the decision of the CPA Executive Committee, meeting virtually from 19-22 August 2020, which approved the postponement of the 65th CPC to August 2021. The President of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (2019- 2021), Hon. Anthony Rota, MP, Speaker of the House of Commons at the Parliament of Canada said: “The CPA Canada Region is pleased to announce the new dates for the 65th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference to be held in Halifax, Nova Scotia in August 2021. We look forward to welcoming Parliamentarians from across the Commonwealth next year and to re-committing to the CPA’s aims of advancing parliamentary democracy and implementing the enduring values of the Commonwealth.” The Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference was last held in Canada in August-September 2004. During the 65th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, there will also be a number of additional conferences and meetings including: 38th CPA Small Branches Conference; workshops for the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP); 65th CPA General Assembly; meetings of the CPA Executive Committee; Society of Clerks at the Table (SoCATT) meetings. The annual conference will also hold elections for the new Chairperson of the CPA Executive Committee for a three-year term.

All eligible CPA Branches will be contacted with further information and invitations to the 65th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) in Canada. For further information and updates please visit www.cpahq.org/cpahq/65CPC.

296 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 CPA NEWS

CPA Small Branches network hold virtual Steering Committee meeting to discuss future activities The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Small Branches Steering Committee met virtually on 14 October 2020 to discuss the strategic plan and future activities for 2021. The CPA Small Branches network represents the Parliaments and Parliamentarians in the smallest jurisdictions in the Commonwealth and brings them together to discuss their unique challenges and to identify their particular needs and requirements in parliamentary strengthening, development and cooperation. The CPA Small Branches Steering Committee meeting was chaired by the CPA Small Branches Chairperson, Hon. Niki Rattle, Speaker of the Parliament of the Cook Islands, and Committee members attending included Hon. Joy Burch, MLA, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Australian Capital Territory (representing the CPA Australia Region); Deputy Lyndon Trott from (representing the CPA British Islands and Mediterranean Region); Hon. Nils Clarke, MLA, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Yukon (representing the CPA Canada Region); and Hon. Hima Douglas, Speaker of Assembly (representing the CPA Pacifc Region). The meeting was also attended by the CPA Secretary- General, Stephen Twigg. CPA Secretary-General meets virtually with Commonwealth Parliamentarians in the Isle of Man The CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg had the opportunity to meet virtually with members of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Isle of Man Branch at their Executive Committee meeting. The CPA Secretary-General met with the President of , Hon. Stephen Rodan MLC and the Speaker of the and Chairman of the CPA Executive Committee, Hon. , SHK, along with members of the CPA Isle of Man Executive Committee, who were holding their meeting at the Legislative Buildings in Douglas. The CPA Secretary-General congratulated the CPA Isle of Man Branch for taking such an active role as a Branch of the Association and on the many innovations in Tynwald that have made for a more effective and modern legislature. The CPA Secretary-General also spoke of the support to the smallest jurisdictions in the Commonwealth and the work of the CPA Small Branches network. The CPA is unique in that it works with national, sub-national, provincial, state and territorial legislatures in the Commonwealth – including Dependencies and the Overseas Territories - to network, share good practice and innovative work to strengthen the role of Parliament as an institution. A valuable resource in strengthening the capacity of Parliaments – CPA Small Branches publishes Handbook on Lay Members for Commonwealth Parliaments The CPA Small Branches network has launched its new Handbook on Lay Members for Commonwealth Parliaments, which serves as an information resource for encouraging the adoption of lay members into parliamentary systems. Small legislatures are often met with the challenge of having fewer Members than are required to form Parliamentary Committees, boards and commissions; bodies that are crucial

in ensuring that Parliaments function effectively in their role of holding the Executive to account. This ickr. f new handbook is unique in that it is one of the frst of its kind to explore this issue and delve deeper into the various ways in which the adoption of lay members into a can eliminate such problems. Although this handbook is more notably for the beneft of small states and territories, its contents are no doubt a valuable resource for all Commonwealth jurisdictions. The handbook defnes a lay member in the parliamentary context as “a member of the public (not considered a Member of Parliament), invited to sit on a Committee, board, Commission (or other unit within the parliamentary system), in order to bring an independent and external perspective to deliberations.” In exploring what a lay member is and the various challenges and motivations behind adopting them, it is hoped that there will be a greater understanding of what benefts this change may bring. The CPA Small Branches Chairperson, Hon. Niki Rattle, Speaker of the Parliament of the Cook Islands welcomed the handbook promoting the adoption of lay members, stating “For forty years, the CPA Small Branches network, has sought to fnd effective and practical approaches to help strengthen the capacity of Parliaments within smaller jurisdictions and territories across the Commonwealth. This Handbook, a frst of its kind to look at this issue, will be an invaluable asset to those legislatures that wish to learn more about the nature of lay members and how they can effectively be incorporated into parliamentary systems across the Commonwealth.” To download a copy of the CPA Lay Members Handbook please visit www.cpahq.org/cpahq/smallbranchesresources For more images of CPA activities and events please visit www.cpahq.org/cpahq/ visit please events and activities CPA of images more For

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 297 CPA NEWS

Helping Parliaments to become ‘disability confdent’ in their communications with persons with disabilities – CPA launches its Disability Inclusive Communications Guidelines for Parliaments The Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPwD) network has published two new toolkits as part of its Disability Inclusive Communications Guidelines. These toolkits on ‘Facilities of Inclusion’ and ‘Linguistic Principles’ provide guidance to Commonwealth Parliaments and Legislatures on how to enhance and sensitize their communications with persons with disabilities. Parliamentarians with disabilities are represented in national, sub-national, provincial and territorial Parliaments across the Commonwealth and across the nine Regions of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA). The CPwD network provides a means of supporting the capacity of Parliamentarians with disabilities to be more effective in their roles and helping to improve the awareness and ability of all Parliamentarians. The network also encourages all Parliamentarians to include a perspective mindful of Commonwealth and is a key priority of the Commonwealth disabilities in all aspects of their role - legislation, oversight and Parliamentary Association. The two new guidelines will representation - and helping Parliaments to become institutions support CPA Branches in becoming more ‘disability confdent’ that are sensitive to issues surrounding disabilities. in their communications with and about Parliamentarians with The CPA Headquarters Secretariat has conducted research disabilities across the Commonwealth.” amongst its membership of 180 Commonwealth Parliaments The Speaker of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly and and Legislatures as well as non-governmental organisations to CPA Executive Committee Regional Representative for the create these two Disability Inclusive Communications Guidelines CPA Canada Region, Hon. Kevin Murphy, MLA contributed the for Parliaments. The guidelines provide various examples forewords for the two guidelines and said: “Giving a meaningful of best practices that can be adopted by both Parliaments voice to persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Parliaments and and Parliamentarians in order to continue to ensure that they Legislatures leads to improvements in the following three sensitively address Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff functions of a Parliament. Oversight will be more comprehensive; with disabilities. representation will be more equitable; and legislating will be The CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg welcomed the more sensitive.” launch of the new inclusive guidelines for Parliaments and said: “The inclusion of Parliamentarians with disabilities is of vital Please visit www.cpahq.org/cpahq/disabilitiesresources to download a importance to advancing parliamentary democracy across the copy either of the Disability Inclusive Communications Guidelines. Helping Parliaments to legislate on disabilities and ensure that they represent, educate and advocate for persons with disabilities – CPwD launches two new videos to highlight the issues facing people with disabilities The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) has published two new videos through its Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPwD) network to highlight the issues facing people with disabilities. These new videos on legislation and representation, education & advocacy provide guidance to Commonwealth Parliaments and their Members on how to enhance these aspects of their institutions. The frst video on legislation features Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services, Hon. Gareth Ward, MP and , AM, MP, both of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly. “We don't want to see government raise the foor but remove the roof and encourage everyone to achieve their full potential” - Hon. Gareth Ward on the perspective of the New South Wales Parliament on disability legislation. “The voice of the advocacy agencies and the groups that we have contact with from our previous lives and bringing that voice into the Parliament is really important [with] policy development” - Liesl Tesch on the role of non-governmental actors in the process of policy development by Parliaments. The second video on representation, education and advocacy features Dr Floyd Morris, former President of the of Jamaica and leading disability rights advocate. “There are over 1 billion persons with disabilities living across the world and out of that over 80% of them reside in developing countries so [they are] a signifcant constituent” - Dr Floyd Morris on persons with disabilities as a constituent worldwide. To view the new videos please visit www.cpahq.org/cpahq/youtube.

298 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 CPA NEWS

Commonwealth Parliamentarians examine the response of Parliaments to global crises at virtual 49th CPA British Islands and Mediterranean Regional Conference Over fifty Parliamentarians from more than thirteen Commonwealth countries and territories joined a virtual conference to discuss the response of Parliaments in times of crisis with a special focus on the current COVID-19 pandemic. The 49th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) British Islands and Mediterranean (BIM) Regional Conference, was hosted by the Parliament of Malta and CPA Malta Branch with a virtual meeting from 24 to 25 September 2020. The regional conference was opened by the Speaker of the House of Representatives at the Parliament of Malta, Hon. Angelo Farrugia, who spoke of the need for Parliaments and Parliamentarians to learn from each other in these challenging times for all jurisdictions. The Speaker highlighted the importance of how Parliaments react to the current crisis and how it presented an opportunity to rethink how Parliaments operate. The current global crisis had enabled technological innovation to fourish and Parliaments had adapted their procedures to Parliamentarians, and the Commonwealth Parliamentarians with continue to operate. Disabilities - are of such vital importance.” The CPA Secretary- The Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary General also spoke of the importance of the UN Agenda Association, Hon. Emilia Monjowa Lifaka, MP Deputy Speaker 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals which focus on of the National Assembly of Cameroon, addressed the opening tackling poverty, addressing climate change and environmental of the regional conference and said: “I believe this is the frst CPA degradation and promoting positive good governance around BIM Regional Conference to be held remotely and its success is the world. testament to the ingenuity of the Parliament of Malta and the wider Delegates attending the virtual BIM regional conference region. I imagine we will be harnessing these new technologies participated in workshops on a number of topics including: the increasingly in the coming months as face to face meetings still parliamentary responses to COVID-19; the economic impact of remain difficult in many parts of the world.” To read the CPA COVID-19 on small jurisdictions; the impacts of COVID-19 on Chairperson’s full opening address please turn to page 286. women and men in policy-making; examining if the innovations The CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg attending his introduced in response to COVID-19 made Parliaments more frst CPA Regional Conference since his appointment said: “The resilient. impact of COVID-19 has been felt across the Commonwealth The Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) British on health, on the economy and on public fnances. COVID- Islands and Mediterranean Region held a meeting of the regional 19 has impacted on everyone, but it has hit some harder than Steering Committee during the virtual regional conference and others. It reminds us why the work of the CPA networks – the the BIM regional conference also incorporated the CPA BIM CPA Small Branches network, the Commonwealth Women Region’s Annual General Meeting.

CPA Secretary-General addresses virtual seminar for new and returning Jamaican Parliamentarians ickr. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Secretary-General Stephen Twigg f recently welcomed new and returning Parliamentarians in Jamaica to the start of a fve-week virtual seminar which will support Members to effectively carry out their duties. The seminar, organised by the Jamaican Houses of Parliament in partnership with the Management Institute for National Development (MIND) and supported by the CPA Headquarters Secretariat, will focus on training Members of Parliament to legislate and scrutinise in a transparent, accountable and efficient manner. The CPA Secretary-General praised the organisers of the seminar for their commitment to parliamentary development through continual engagement with the CPA, noting the planned Jamaican delegation to the upcoming Virtual Commonwealth Youth Parliament. He told attendees that post-election seminars “are such an important part of the way in which Parliaments can prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.” During the virtual seminar, which will take place once a week over the course of a fve-week period, Parliamentarians will study topics including the constitutional and legal framework of parliamentary democracy, Standing Orders, practices and committees, public fnance and management. Hon. Jose Vanterpool, MP, a Member of the Anguilla House of Assembly gave a virtual presentation at the Jamaica Post-Election Seminar on the Constitutional and Legal Framework of Parliamentary Democracy. The Member has recently completed a CPA professional development programme. For more images of CPA activities and events please visit www.cpahq.org/cpahq/ visit please events and activities CPA of images more For

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 299 CPA NEWS

Commonwealth Parliamentarians attend Virtual Global Parliamentary Forum with World Bank and IMF to discuss development priorities More than 200 Parliamentarians from 82 countries including many Commonwealth Parliamentarians attended the four-day Virtual Global Parliamentary Forum from 12 to 15 October 2020 on the occasion of the Annual Meetings of the World Bank and IMF. The World Bank Group organised forum was the frst of its kind and was themed ‘Achieving a green and inclusive recovery post COVID-19’. The event gave the opportunity to exchange and learn about actions Parliamentarians could take in their own Parliaments to pave the way for a resilient and inclusive recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Forum highlighted that poverty and inequality are rising rapidly, with the frst increase in poverty in over 20 years threatening to push more than 100 million people into extreme countries. The IMF has also provided US$100 billion in support for poverty by the end of this year. The World Bank President, 81 countries and debt relief to the 29 poorest countries. David Malpass emphasised the importance of Parliamentarians UK Parliamentarian, , MP, Chair of the in helping the World Bank define its development priorities, Parliamentary Network on the World Bank and IMF said: “These implement evidence-based policies, and translate its global are important discussions we as Parliamentarians will steward mandate to country outcomes. The IMF Managing Director, over the next year. Zero-ing in on the purpose of fnance is a Kristalina Georgieva emphasised that Parliamentarians speak for good place to start in order to make ethical, green and inclusive the people which is precisely what makes their voices so powerful. investment decisions.” The Global Parliamentary Forum was timely in connecting The momentum of the forum continued with a special session Parliamentarians with development experts and leadership co-hosted by Women Political Leaders in honour of Beijing from the World Bank Group and IMF as well as their global peers +25 entitled ‘Women Leading Politics and Development’. during the COVID-19 pandemic to share effective policies and The session brought together a high-level panel of female practices for improved outcomes at the country level. The role of parliamentary leaders, including former CPA Chairperson, Parliamentarians has grown ever more important during COVID- Hon. Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Speaker of the Parliament 19 as they have passed emergency legislation and stimulus of Bangladesh, to discuss how women’s increased political packages, performed crucial checks and balances to oversee participation can lead to a more inclusive and resilient COVID-19 their governments’ handling of the crisis, and implemented recovery and foster sustainable growth for fourishing societies. reforms. The main global challenges discussed throughout the The Chairperson of the Commonwealth Women forum included debt transparency, jobs creation, empowering Parliamentarians (CWP), Hon. Shandana Gulzar Khan, MP women and girls, transitioning towards a green economy, and (Pakistan) spoke on the panel and said: “The one thing that the partnering with the private sector. pandemic has taught us and brought us together on is, in terms Hon. Marlene Mahaloo Forte, MP, Attorney-General of of women’s issues, there’s no better time than now to stop calling Jamaica said: “As Members of Parliament, we know frst-hand them ‘women’s issues’ and to start calling them ‘national issues’.” what is happening on the ground. We see the people whom we The discussion panel demonstrated that female participation are elected to represent, how their lives are impacted, and what in politics will bring more inclusive policymaking and leadership has been unleashed upon them in the wake of COVID-19." styles to the table. Parliaments with greater female participation During the forum, it was highlighted that the World Bank’s tend to pass laws to improve gender and human capital broad and fast response to COVID-19 had provided US$160 billion outcomes, and their inclination for collaboration, empathy, in commitments and support being delivered in 111 countries compassion, and building across party lines have shown to for emergency health response, as well as the IFC’s US$4 be particularly impactful in the face of COVID-19. billion platform for the development of vaccines for developing Commonwealth Parliamentarians recognise importance of public fnancial oversight at virtual CAPAC Workshop for Public Accounts Committees Over 85 Commonwealth Parliamentarians from the CPA Asia, Africa, Pacifc, Caribbean and British Islands and Mediterranean Regions attended a virtual Westminster Workshop on Public Financial Oversight from 19 to 23 October 2020. The workshop was targeted for the Chairs, Members and Clerks of Public Accounts Committees across the Commonwealth and was hosted by the Commonwealth Association of Public Accounts Committees (CAPAC), which is administered by the CPA UK Branch. Spread over four days and split into two programmes for different regions of the Commonwealth, each programme explored important functions of Public Accounts Committees, including questioning, holding governments to account, and reports and recommendations. Sessions examined what makes an effective Public Accounts Committee, with keynote addresses from , MP, Chair of the UK Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, and Gareth Davies, Auditor General and Comptroller of the UK National Audit Office.

300 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 CPA NEWS

Commonwealth Parliamentary Association webinar emphasises the role of building effective partnerships with Commonwealth organisations in achieving its strategic goals for 2022-2025 The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association has emphasised the key role of building effective partnerships with Commonwealth organisations in achieving the organisation’s strategic goals for 2022-2025 during a CPA webinar event. The CPA webinar on ‘The Commonwealth in 2025: Building effective partnerships’ was attended by over 40 Commonwealth organisations and partners representing a wide range of disciplines. The Chairperson of the CPA Executive Committee, Hon. Emilia Monjowa Lifaka MP, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Cameroon, opened the webinar and spoke of the challenging times that all organisations are facing with the external fux and uncertainty of COVID-19. The CPA Chairperson said: “The CPA will prioritise its strategic objectives and will continue to work the importance of consultation with organisations at local and closely with partner organisations in the Commonwealth.” regional level as well as national and international.” The webinar event provided an opportunity for the The webinar also held a Q&A session facilitated by the recently appointed CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg, Secretary-General of the Association of Commonwealth to meet virtually with representatives of many Commonwealth Universities, Dr Joanna Newman MBE which saw questions organisations and external partners and to discuss the from a number of different Commonwealth organisations upcoming work of the CPA and in particular, the new CPA including the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF), Strategic Plan 2022-2025. The CPA Secretary-General the Commonwealth Equality Network and the Commonwealth spoke of his commitment to engage and consult with as many Businesswomen’s Network. Commonwealth partners as possible during the planning for To hear the CPA webinar visit www.cpahq.org/cpahq/youtube. the new CPA Strategic Plan and said: “The CPA recognises

Commonwealth Parliamentary Association provide sponsorship for Commonwealth Music prizes The Commonwealth Youth Orchestra and Choir (CYO) has announced the winners of two of its landmark music contests – the Commonwealth Music Competition and the Commonwealth Children’s Choir Competition 2019. The results were delayed until recently due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. It was announced that Ian B. Wilson, a secondary school headteacher from the United Kingdom, was the winner of the Commonwealth Music Competition 2019, which was sponsored for last year by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. Wilson’s winning composition, ickr. A Commonwealth Childhood, has recently been published by Kingfsher f Music and he said: "I'm delighted to be chosen for the Commonwealth Music Competition Prize 2019. The CYO is a cause close to my heart. I feel full of pride whenever I watch the children from our school singing in the Above: Commonwealth Music Competition prize winner, children's choir and it has given me huge pleasure to write for them." Ian B. Wilson pictured outside the UK Parliament with the The three joint winners of the Commonwealth Children’s Choir Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Competition 2019, also sponsored by the CPA, were also announced as Bishop Anstey Junior School Choir from St. Ann’s Valley on the outskirts of Association, Stephen Twigg. the Trinidad and Tobago capital, Port of Spain; Creative Saint Helena from the South Atlantic Island; and Star School Glee Choir, a primary school in the London Borough of Newham in the United Kingdom. As part of their entry in the Commonwealth Children’s Choir Competition, the choirs were asked to write 500 words about the importance of music in their communities. The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Stephen Twigg, one of CYO’s Commonwealth Honorary Vice-Presidents, said: “I am delighted that the CPA has been able to support the Commonwealth Youth Orchestra and Choir for many years, particularly given the value of its community engagement at grassroots levels through music within the Commonwealth. I would like to congratulate Ian B. Wilson and the three children’s choirs on their awards. I look forward to continuing the CPA collaboration with CYO in educational projects involving young people in all 54 nations of the Commonwealth.” For more images of CPA activities and events please visit www.cpahq.org/cpahq/ visit please events and activities CPA of images more For

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 301 CPA NEWS

Commonwealth Speakers emphasise the importance of independent Parliaments during COVID-19 pandemic at CPA webinar for Presiding Officers Commonwealth Speakers and Presiding Officers from Australia, India and the Maldives have emphasised the importance of independent Parliaments and Legislatures, especially during the current COVID-19 global pandemic, during a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association webinar. The CPA webinar for Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth provided a timely and unique opportunity to examine the nature of Parliaments as independent institutions in the context of COVID-19. The webinar was introduced by Matthew Salik, Head of Parliamentary Development at the CPA Headquarters Secretariat who spoke about the launch of the CPA’s Model Law for Independent Parliaments earlier this year and the CPA’s work with Commonwealth Legislatures on establishing Parliamentary Service Commissions and ensuring that Parliaments can remain robust, effective and independent institutions. Hon. Kate Doust, MLC, President of the Legislative Council of Western Australia spoke about how the COVID-19 global pandemic highlighted that the Maldives were the frst Parliament in the had placed an increased spotlight on the way that Parliaments Commonwealth to sit virtually at the outset of the pandemic. function and had accentuated the already considerable internal The CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg spoke at the and external pressures that Parliaments face. She also thanked webinar about how Parliaments in the long-term can establish all parliamentary staff who had worked so hard to ensure that policies, strategies and powers to give them the necessary Parliaments could continue to function during the pandemic. resources to function independently and effectively. As Hon. Hitendra Nath Goswami, MP, Speaker of the democratic institutions, Commonwealth Parliaments must Legislative Assembly and CPA Executive Committee Member ensure public confidence in their ability to manage their for the CPA India Region spoke of the challenging times that the affairs and to conduct their essential legislative, oversight Parliaments in India are facing with the uncertainty of COVID-19, and representative functions, especially during the current but that scrutiny of legislation had continued as most Legislatures COVID-19 pandemic. The CPA Headquarters Secretariat is had robust procedures in place. He also highlighted that many providing assistance to Commonwealth Parliaments through Parliaments were facing challenges in maintaining public its programme of seminars and its toolkits, like the Model Law interaction with their Legislature, as often the public are not for Independent Parliaments and the CPA’s Benchmarks for currently allowed into the Chamber – however many Parliaments Democratic Legislatures, provide Legislatures with a robust have utilised technology to overcome these challenges. framework of parliamentary procedures. Hon. Mohamed Nasheed, GCSK, Speaker of the People’s Majlis of the Maldives spoke about how many Parliaments The CPA webinar for Speakers and Presiding Officers will be available across the Commonwealth have responded quickly to adjust for the beneft of all Commonwealth Parliaments on the CPA’s YouTube existing practices and procedures to be able to continue their channel at: www.cpahq.org/cpahq/youtube. To download a copy of the scrutiny of the Executive and of legislation. The provision of new CPA’s toolkit on Model Law for Independent Parliaments please visit technologies to facilitate hybrid Parliaments was a huge factor in www.cpahq.org/cpahq/modellaw. the continuation of parliamentary procedures and the Speaker

Two virtual CPA roundtable events engage with Commonwealth High Commissioners and Overseas Territories representatives in London The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Headquarters Secretariat held two virtual CPA High-Level Roundtables with Commonwealth High Commissioners based in London and representatives of the Overseas Territories to discuss key issues facing the Commonwealth. During the frst roundtable, participants heard from the newly appointed CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg and guest speaker, Her Winnie Kiap, High Commissioner of Papua New Guinea to the UK on the topic of the ‘Challenges Facing Island States in the Commonwealth’. The second virtual roundtable discussed the topic of ‘Working Towards a Common Future’ ahead of the CHOGM 2021 conference in Rwanda next year and attendees heard from guest panellists, Hon. Yasmin Ratansi, MP, CPA Canada Federal Branch Chairperson and Member of the Canadian House of Commons; Her Excellency Rethabile Mokaeane, High Commissioner of Lesotho to the UK; and CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg. During the roundtable, the CPA Secretary-General also launched an 8-week consultation with key stakeholders on the CPA Strategic Plan 2022-2025 and the future direction for the organisation.

302 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 Commonwealth countries could respond to similar public health challenges once the pandemic is over. Commonwealth Association of Legislative Counsel, Western Australia. Commission; Tushar Mehta, Solicitor General of India; Mr Frank Ally, Attorney-Generalpanelists of included:the JusticeSeychelles; Jody Kollapen,Geo Judge of the of and Chairperson of the South African Law Reform e the and measures, pandemic including COVID-19 emergency the legislation, addressing have in had oncountries constitutional Commonwealth rights by and adopted on the approaches separation of powers. of Post-Legislative Scrutiny and the importance of emergency measures being both proportionategovernments and totime tacklelimited. the crisis whilst still providing e enablingbetween strike to havelegislators that balance the and pandemic global current the during Parliamentarians of of maintaining legislative oversight and scrutiny. during the current pandemic while recognising the challenges legislation effective and urgent for the need the to Legislatures of some and from Parliaments Commonwealth 180 of responses membership CPA’s the about spoke General Secretary- CPA The pandemic. Parliaments COVID-19 global the during Commonwealth of responses legislative the discussto webinar a atspoken has TwiggGeneral, Stephen Secretary- Association Parliamentary Commonwealth The to COVID-19 during Rule of Law webinar CPA Secretary-General highlights Commonwealth Parliaments’ legislative responses funds. account, building expertise in particular thematic areas, proposing and reviewing legislation and both applying is scrutiny legislation to the emergency use ofensure public and proportionate transparency and timechampion limited. to governments and Parliamentarians Commonwealth for particularlyinthecontext ofemergency legislation andCOVID-19. Engaging with citizens andcivil society waskey and itiscrucial had not bene importance of acknowledging the digital divide in the Commonwealth,yearParliamentsin across theCommonwealth, and through thestill being ablefunctionto factandful that so many this played citizenshad it that role key withthe and technologymodern noof or limited connectivity welcomed the CPA Secretary-General Mombasa Committee for to address Senator delegates. and Sessional Legislation the Delegated on of Chairperson Mwinyihaji, Faki Mohamed Senator by chaired session workshop The Kenya. of Senate the of Speaker the Lusaka, Kenneth Senator Hon. Rt by opened was workshop two-day The their improvement. and review to stakeholders identifyopportunitiesdevelopmentfurthertofor activities and external and Members with SenateCommitteesthe17 of the bringstogetherChairs of the in the COVID-19 and post COVID-19 period. and the role and of operations of Senate Parliaments and the their CommitteesKenya’s addressed Liaison Committee has via video Twigg link on the Stephen work of the CPA Association, Parliamentary Commonwealth the of Secretary-General The during COVID-19 the addresses Secretary-General Association Liaison Committee on Parliamentary the importance of Parliamentary Commonwealth Committees Thepanel also discussed good practice in enforcing public health legislation while respecting the rule of law and explored how and Division Law of RuleSecretariat’s Commonwealth the from OlivierMarie-Pierre by moderated was discussion panel The di the on focused webinar the Secretariat, Commonwealth the of Section Law of Rule the by Organised TheCPASecretary-General alsoemphasised thevital role The CPA Secretary-General concluded by focusing on the vital role of Parliamentary Committees in holding the Executive to Executive the holding in CommitteesParliamentary of role vital the on focusing by Secretary-Generalconcluded CPA The The essential role of Commonwealth Parliamentarians in scrutinising legislation was emphasised by the CPA Secretary-General, The CPA Secretary-General spoke to Senators of the bene SenateTheKenyaof Liaison Committee’s annualworkshop f tted from increased use of technology. ff ective oversight. In particular, the CPA Secretary-General highlighted the role f The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | ts f l theirl civic duties. alsoHestressed the ff ect which enforcement enforcement which ect ff Lawn, President of the CPA NEWS ff erent legislative legislative erent 303

For more images of CPA activities and events please visit www.cpahq.org/cpahq/fickr. CPA NEWS

Parliament of Bermuda celebrates its 400th anniversary

The Parliament of Bermuda has celebrated its 400th anniversary. Bermuda’s first Parliament met in 1620 in St. Peter’s Church in St George, known as ‘Their Majesties Chappell’, which is also the oldest Anglican church outside of . The gavel used by the Speaker at the House of Assembly in Hamilton was made from a cedar tree that still exists in the churchyard of St Peter’s. Bermuda’s Parliament has been in continuous existence since 1620 and it has the distinction of being the oldest Parliament in the Commonwealth The historic nature of the occasion was noted in the Throne outside of Westminster in London. Speech read by the of Bermuda, which said, “The A number of events planned for the 400th anniversary of the Legislature convenes today within earshot of the venue where, frst sitting of Bermuda’s Parliament had to be postponed in the 400 years ago, an Assembly, composed only of white men, was light of the COVID-19 pandemic, however some events including summoned to meet by the then Governor Nathaniel Butler. In a Youth Parliament, an art competition, a public debate and a these four centuries, the walls of those chambers in which commemorative stamp launch did take place. The theme of the the Legislature has met could speak of debates on slavery, anniversary is ‘Bermuda: Future Matters’. universal adult , the end of capital punishment, human Recently a ceremony was held to mark the occasion of the rights and all manner of laws meant to ‘serve and regard the 400th anniversary and the Throne Speech for the new session public.’ Today, black and white, women and men represent of the Bermuda Parliament attended by the President of the a people whose vote is of equal value across an Island that Senate, Mrs. Joan Dillas-Wright, MBE, JP and the Speaker of has surpassed the likely dreams of those who met in that frst the House of Assembly, Hon. Dennis P. Lister, JP, MP as well as Assembly, only 11 years after the happened upon the Premier of Bermuda, Hon. E. David Burt, JP, MP and many this uninhabited North Atlantic paradise. More than ever, the current and former Speakers and Members of Parliament. yoke of representative service weighs heavily on those who The , H. E. John Rankin read a have taken it up. Four hundred years later, the Commonwealth’s message of congratulations from Queen Elizabeth II, Head oldest representative body outside the United Kingdom’s of the Commonwealth and Patron of the Commonwealth Parliament will be summoned again to deliberate and act in Parliamentary Association, to the people of Bermuda which said: unprecedented ways in these unprecedented times to meet “On the occasion of celebrations to mark the 400th anniversary equally unprecedented challenges.” of the Bermuda Parliament, I have pleasure in sending my Bermuda's Parliament is one of the oldest known Legislatures warm congratulations to the people of Bermuda. I have fond in the Commonwealth and dates back to 1st August 1620. memories of my visits to the islands, including in 1953 when I On that day the then incumbent Governor, Nathaniel Butler, opened Parliament on the frst stop on my Commonwealth tour summoned a General Assembly to convene at St Peter's Church and most recently in 2009. I send best wishes on this auspicious in the town of St George. The Assembly was the forerunner occasion and for the future.” of Bermuda's present House of Assembly. Since 1684, when direct administrative control of Bermuda's affairs was transferred to England, Bermuda's , representing the authority of the Crown and acting on instructions, have played a major Executive role in Bermuda until the 1960s when, following the Constitutional Conference in 1966, Bermuda moved from a representative to a responsible form of government. In 1815, Hamilton replaced the town of St George as the capital of Bermuda. In the same year, the Parliament, the courts and all public offices were transferred to the new capital. The frst gathering of the Assembly took place in the Town Hall on Front Street in Hamilton on 13th January 1815. In 1826 the Assembly moved to the Sessions House on Parliament Hill, which has been the meeting place for the Parliament of Bermuda ever since.

304 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 70 United the the celebrated recently Kingdom of Parliament The UK Parliament marks 70 achievements, but dismissed much of his styling as incongruous and clumsy pastiche. But, 70 years later, Scott’s Commons Commons Scott’s later, years 70 But, pastiche. chamber clumsy is much and admired, incongruous especially as for styling its his outstanding of craftsmanship, much asdismissed exempli but achievements, and telephony equipment behind a gothic surface, which would blend with the rest ofand thevisitors Victorian above an Palacealready oflimited Westminster. space of 21 x 14 metres at ‘ ofLords. From there, in1943, then UKPrime Minister, SirWinston Churchill, decreed that theHouse ofCommons chamber must be The destruction of the House of Commons chamber forced thousandsMembersof casualties of Parliamentand damage to the Houseto ofLordsrelocate chamber, theto Clock theTower, grandeurWestminster Abbeyand andSecondthe spacetheWorld War,Britishresulting in ofMuseum. the House during London on raid air biggest Luftwashell.The smoking the a was chamber of Victorian left was that all morning, ceilingtocollapse. Bythefollowing the causing Lobby, Members’ the to chamber Commons of House the from spread fire The ablaze. set was Hall Westminster the of roof and Westminster of Palace the on down rained bombs 1941, incendiary bombs. of series a by War World the Second during destroyed been had Westminster at chamber The second Commons. of House the of Image copyright: UK Parliament almost twice the original budget. Architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott was facedbut burntwith archthe fromchallenging the old task chamberof at its entrance. Work on the new chamber began in May 1945 and it would cost more than £2m - replicated. ‘ restoredallessentialsin itsoldtoform, convenience anddignity th When he saw the finished chamber in October 1950, 1950, October in chamber finished the saw he When May 11 and 10 of nights the On The recreation of the House of Commons would be an emblem for the future as symbolised by the incorporation of the surviving anniversary of the re-opening re-opening the of anniversary We shape our buildings and afterwards our buildings shape us, ff e attack was theattack was e th anniversary of the re-opening of the House of Commons Left: The bomb damaged UK House of Commons in 1941. House met in the new Commons chamber at a quarter past ten o-clock ‘ 1950,October 26 on that showparliamentaryrecords democracy.Hansard of system Westminster the and Parliament UK the with connections strong the and of Zealand symboltangible and strong a remain New and were – Lucia St from frominkstands the boxes dispatch as such – countries Commonwealth thebenches forgreenoccupied newtheir MPs as CommonwealthSpeakers wereattendancein theHouseinCommonsof gallery, attendedhundredsby Parliamentariansof andoverseas dignitaries. Twenty-nine demonstrate tape to enable virtual participation and keep us socially distanced - wemay be very dicontinue to thrown at it, be it bombs or - as we are experiencing now - COVID. The challengessaid: MP chamber, the current Speaker of the House of Commons, Rt Hon. Sir Lindsay Hoyle, coe 15, ih gad n high-pro and grand a with 1950, October masterpiece of ‘neo gothic’. Re King George VI presided over the opening of the new chamber on 26 26 on chamber new the of opening the over presided VI George King f ecting on the 70 “Our parliamentary democracy has and will endure everything that is that everything endure will and has democracy parliamentary “Our The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | h Times The f f exibility and resolve to ensure democracy continues.” oor level. He also had to hide the latest heating, ventilation, lighting ff ’, insisting’, thatthecrowded intimacy theoldofchamber mustbe erent,but 70 years on - with our chamber th ’ he said famously. ’ architecture correspondent praised Scott’s technical technical Scott’s praised correspondent architecture ’ anniversary of the re-opening of the House of Commons f ed by the Speaker’s chair. It is seen by some as a f le ceremony in Westminster Hall, Hall, Westminster in ceremony le f f tting additional room for MPs rst time. Some 56 gifts fromgifts 56 Some time. rst f lledwith screens and CPA NEWS Source: UK Parliament. '. the 305 Image copyright: UK Parliament

For more images of CPA activities and events please visit www.cpahq.org/cpahq/fickr. Commonwealth Parliamentary Association CPA Photo Gallery

New Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Secretary-General holds his frst bilateral meeting with the Commonwealth Secretary-General The role of Commonwealth partnerships was emphasised when the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon. , QC and the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Stephen Twigg held their frst virtual meeting to discuss ongoing partnerships, closer Commonwealth collaboration and strengthening ties between the two organisations. Also joining the virtual meeting were: Dr Tawanda Hondora, Adviser and Head, Rule of Law Section; Luis Franceschi, Deputy of the Governance & Peace Directorate; Deputy Head of Commonwealth Secretary-General’s Office, Senyo Agbohlah; and Emily Davies, the CPA Secretary-General’s Head of Office.

CPA Australia Region hold virtual meeting with new CPA Secretary-General As part of the new CPA Secretary-General Stephen Twigg’s induction programme, he has been meeting with all of the nine CPA Regions and Regional Secretariats. The CPA Secretary-General recently met virtually with the CPA Australia Region at a meeting that was attended by Speakers, Members and Clerks from across the Region as well as the CPA Vice-Chairperson, Hon. John Ajaka, MLC, President of the New South Wales Legislative Council and the CPA Executive Committee Regional Representative, Senator Hon. Scott Ryan, President of the Senate of Australia.

Commonwealth Parliamentarians from small jurisdictions at CPA fundamentals course with McGill University The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Stephen Twigg joined Commonwealth Parliamentarians on the CPA Small Branches Fundamentals Course with McGill University, Canada during their online residency week. The CPA Secretary-General gave a presentation on the work of the CPA and gave his refections as a former Parliamentarian.

CPA Secretary-General meets former UK diplomat who worked for the Commonwealth and United Nations The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Stephen Twigg met with Sir Peter Marshall recently to discuss issues around the Commonwealth and the United Nations. Sir Peter is a former Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General (1983-1988) and Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the United Nations in Geneva (1979-83) as well as many other roles. He recently wrote an article for The Parliamentarian on ‘The Commonwealth and the United Nations: 75 years of international symbiosis’ to mark the UN’s 75th anniversary.

Virtual CPA Trustees meeting held The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association held a 'socially-distanced' meeting of the CPA Trustees chaired by the CPA Treasurer, Hon. Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, MP (Malaysia) and attended by the CPA Secretary- General, Stephen Twigg, the CPA Finance Director, Paul Townley and new Trustee, Deputy Lyndon Trott (Guernsey) who joined the meeting via video link.

306 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 CPA TOOLKIT FOR COMMONWEALTH COVID-19

PARLIAMENTS DELIVERING PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY ON THE COVID-19 CPA Toolkit for Commonwealth Parliaments PANDEMIC AND DELIVERING PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY

CUSTOMERS BUYING LESS Fear of the virus and government advice to stay at home is having a devastating impact on the retail, tourism, leisure, hospitality and hotel industries across the world. Coronaviruses (CoV) are a A pandemic is a global outbreak of disease. Pandemics happen COVID-19 COVID-19 when a new virus emerges to infect people and can spread What is family of viruses that cause DOWNLOAD illness ranging from the PANDEMIC between people sustainably. Because there is little to no pre- Coronavirus? TRAVEL INDUSTRY existing immunity against the new virus, it spreads worldwide. 2 COVID-19: CPA TOOLKITcommon FOR cold COMMONWEALTH to more severe PARLIAMENETS COVID-19: CPA TOOLKIT FOR COM- DECLINE diseases. Coronavirus disease The virus that causes COVID-19 is infecting people and The travel industry has been (COVID-19) is a new strain badly damaged, with airlines spreading easily from person-to-person. Cases have been cutting fights and people that was discovered in 2019 detected in most countries worldwide and community spread is GROWTH COULD cancelling holidays and business and has not been previously being detected in a growing number of countries. On 11 March STAGNATE trips. Governments around the identifed in humans. 2019, the COVID-19 outbreak was characterized as a pandemic If the economy is growing, that world have introduced travel generally means more wealth restrictions to try to contain the CPA’S NEW by the WHO. and more new jobs. According to virus. the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) , the world’s economy could grow at its slowest rate since 2009, ‘SAFER’ due to the coronavirus outbreak. PUBLIC HEALTH IMPACTSINVESTMENTS HIT When a crisis hits, investors Common signs of infection often choose ‘less risky’ include: The public health impacts of the Coronavirusinvestments. outbreak Gold is PUBLICATION • Respiratory symptoms are widespread. Some of the areas of publictraditionally health considered a afected will include: ‘safe haven’ for investment The economic impacts of • Fever in times of uncertainty but the Coronavirus outbreak • Increased mortality rate – the primarythe pricehealth of gold impact globally has • Cough of the global pandemic fallen. The global oil price has COVID-19’s have left businesses • Shortness of breath also fallen as investors fear around the world • Physical health of the general populationthat the global – for spread of the • Breathing difculties those who sufer from the virus but virusalso will through further hit the global ECONOMIC counting costs and trying lack of exercise/fresh air, poor diet, etceconomy during and socialdemand for oil. IMPACT to understand how the In more severe cases, distancing measures economy will be afected NOW infection can cause: • Social care provision - particularly for elderly or in the future. • Pneumonia vulnerable groups • Severe acute respiratory • Mental health – particularly through stress, anxiety, syndrome isolation especially during social distancing measures • Kidney failure • Health services – a global pandemic will have a • Death huge efect on the public health services UNEMPLOYMENTin any given SYMPTOMS jurisdiction. Businesses in non-essential services may close, resulting in temporary or www.cpahq.org/cpahq/coronavirus permanent unemployment in the services sectors. Governments have taken steps to provide benefts and the freezing of debt repayments to cushion the impact. FINANCIAL MARKETS DECLINE Maintain social Practice respiratory Avoid touching eyes, Financial markets around the world Washing of hands INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION SLOWED have seen huge falls since the outbreak distancing hygiene nose and Withmouth the restrictions on movement across the world, industrial began. Investors fear the spread of the frequently Maintain at least 2 This means covering Hands touchproduction many has slowed. In , for example, where the Coronavirus coronavirus will destroy economic growth frst appeared, industrial production, sales and investment all fell in and that government action may not be Regularly and metre (6 feet) distance mouths and noses with surfaces and can thoroughly clean hands the frst two months of 2020, compared with the same period in 2019. enough to stop the decline. In response, between people, either the bent elbow pick up viruses.China makes Once up a third of manufacturing globally and is the world’s central banks in many countries have cut with an alcohol-based especially those or a tissue when people contaminated,largest exporter hands of goods. Supply chains for all major industries will be interest rates. afected by the industrial slow down. hand rub or wash them who are coughing or cough or sneeze. can transfer the virus with soap and water. 2 sneezing. to the eyes, nose or PREVENTION mouth.

Source: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

The outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and its spread to at least 180 countries has consequently plunged many Parliaments and Legislatures across the world into a . Commonwealth Parliaments and Parliamentarians are grappling with many diferent issues both to implement the emergency health measures during this global pandemic while at the same time looking at new ways to conduct debates, scrutinise and pass legislation, hold parliamentary committees and question the actions of their governments.

THE ‘CPA TOOLKIT FOR COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTS AND LEGISLATURES ON THE COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS) PANDEMIC AND DELIVERING PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY’ provides various measures and recommendations that can be adopted by both Parliaments and Parliamentarians in order to continue to deliver on the Legislatures’ role of scrutinising legislation and delivering democracy during a global pandemic. SOCIAL MEDIA AND PARLIAMENTARY ENGAGEMENT

SOCIAL MEDIA AND PARLIAMENTARY ENGAGEMENT: EXPANDING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION FOR DEMOCRATIC GROWTH

Social media has been, and democracy around the world. exponentially. In a 2015 to continues to be, a key From mass mobilisations during report, the UN noted that information tool in the ever- elections to vote-pitching by information and communication evolving digital era. It holds political parties and players, the technology infrastructure are great infuence in the various infuence keeps evolving day by global and are considered spheres of life whether social, day. Politicians especially, have two of the most important economic or political. Over time, noted the peculiar nature of drivers of development and social media has developed opportunities that are provided growth.3 According to the into an avenue not only for by the various platforms and Communication Authority entertainment but also for have taken advantage of these of Kenya, up to 90% of the Hon. Justin B. conveying and gathering opportunities to advance their population in the country has N. Muturi, EGH, information, for advertisement, political agenda. Political parties access to mobile telephony MP is the Speaker including political advertisement use social media to directly and the attendant internet of the National as well as for targeted mass and continuously engage with connectivity. Out of these, more mobilization. voters. Comparatively, social than three-quarters have smart Assembly of Kenya ‘Social media’ describes a media provides greater reach phones or other gadgets that and the Chairperson collection of online systems and can amplify and mobilise can readily access the internet. of the Executive that allow for the production, political opinions in the remotest This, therefore, puts social Committee of the storage and distribution of user- geographical areas.2 media as a potential information CPA Africa Region. He generated content allowing The conventional, or what tool to a large number of the holds the record as for the creation of a virtual is now called mainstream population. social space where groups of media, has experienced In Kenya, technology, and the longest serving users can come together in reduced emphasis especially more so social media, has Chairperson of the synchronous and asynchronous from political fronts. The Public Investments interactions. These interactions fact that social media offers Committee (PIC) in can be structured (such as a direct link to the masses the Parliament of threaded responses to blog serves as an advantage over “In the political Kenya. Prior to his posts that are moderated), the often perceived biases in semi-structured (e.g. the the mainstream media where sphere, the use of election to Parliament discussion amongst groups editorial discretion guides these platforms has in 1999, he served in of friends within extended what information is passed on made great impact the Kenya Judiciary for Facebook social networks), or to the masses. Cognisant of more than 15 years, unstructured in nature (such this, politicians have invested in the development rising to serve as as in Twitter, where topics are in formidable social media and entrenchment of Principal Magistrate not ‘owned’ but tied together strategies, well assured that through the ad hoc application the information they intend to political democracy and Chairperson of of hashtags that can be used to pass is conveyed directly to around the the Kenya Judges locate and link together posts the targeted mass without any and Magistrates by a variety of different users).1 editorial oversight, save for the world. From mass Association. The main social media platforms various community guidelines mobilisations during include YouTube, Facebook, that ensure conformity to elections to vote- Twitter and Instagram. set rules and standards on In the political sphere, such aspects as hate speech, pitching by political the use of these platforms violence and terrorism, parties and players, has made great impact misogyny, etc. in the development and The world over, access to the influence keeps entrenchment of political internet continues to grow evolving day by day.”

308 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 SOCIAL MEDIA AND PARLIAMENTARY ENGAGEMENT

been used by political players, including politicians, civil The . society organisations and state agencies, for different purposes. In seeking to elaborate the usage, several aspects will be considered for this article. These are civic education and the development of democracy, political mobilisation and some emerging issues. As stated above, social media has played a key role in the development of democracy and civic education. Due to the massive reach of these platforms, more people are reached by the conveyed messages on political participation, and human and civil rights compared to those reached through the more conservative media channels. In Kenya for example, NGOs and other non-State organisations have continuously raised public awareness in the management of public affairs. The International Budget Similarly, the Parliament of We have noted great interest For the public, the fact Partnership of Kenya for Kenya makes use of its own from the public with increased that one is following a certain example provides, through their channels to inform and educate participation. political fgure gives the Facebook page, an analysis the public on its activities. Social media has also been impression of a ‘one-on-one’ of the budget making process Through the Parliament of used for mass mobilizations and relationship thus becoming key and follows the implementation Kenya YouTube channel, consolidation towards specifc opportunities for mobilization. of each budgetary cycle. This we are able to provide live causes. Notably, the importance These has been used to move helps in raising awareness coverage of parliamentary of social media is not simply that the public toward certain and also providing a potential proceedings which can be it provides alternative channels directions for example in voting oversight avenue for Parliament accessed ‘on the go’. We for institutional political actors’ or supporting a social cause. by the public. The citizenry is also make use of Facebook communication in structured For example, when the northern made aware of the processes and Twitter to update the election periods but also acts part of the country was hit by involved, their input and public on the various activities as an avenue where public famine in 2011, an initiative was roles, if any. Through such of Parliament including opinion is formed, and where established by the Kenya Red mechanisms, the populace the progress and effect or interventions in public opinion Cross Society to raise funds to becomes knowledgeable and interpretation of any resolutions are possible by an increasing supplement Government efforts is able to question government made. array of institutions and to support the affected families. institutions on the use of public These channels are also individuals.5 Using social media, politicians funds. used as tools for public Most of these channels and corporates alike mobilized Other organisations participation and for receiving make use of audio-visual the public and this saw the including Mzalendo.com follows views from the public as a presentations which are raising of more than 100 million the activities of Parliament and requirement of Article 118 of the appealing and catchy to many. shillings. In the political realm, sends out ‘real-time’ tweets .4 Every Pictures, said to be worth 1,000 the last two general elections and posts on matters under or subsidiary legislation is words, are used to convey have seen greater voter turnout, deliberation. As an open uploaded to the channels that chunks of information to the and this may partly be attributed Parliament, we are amenable to are linked to the institutional public. Some politicians in to the mobilisation in the social channels that seek to provide website. The public is then Kenya have great social media media. relevant information to the able to access and make following, running into the Having noted the above, people on the activities of the submissions if any on the millions, and this offers access several emerging issues arise Houses of Parliament. matters before Parliament. to them. with regards to the use of social

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 309 SOCIAL MEDIA AND PARLIAMENTARY ENGAGEMENT

media especially within the In the endeavour to It is therefore incumbent on make use of the opportunities political front. To start with, there educate the people, politicians all users, especially political offered by the platforms to is a need to exercise caution in especially, should ensure players to ensure only the right advance their constitutional the information that goes out there is no disinformation. Fact- information is passed. mandates. to the public. While facilitating checking then becomes an As the Parliament of Kenya, civic engagement for a more important emerging issue within we continue to monitor the References: participatory democracy, the social media platforms. It is social media activities and 1 Chen, P.J., Australian Politics social media is often misused an open secret that politicians information relating to the in a Digital Age, ANU Press – for propaganda, hate speech, would sometimes make use institution and correcting any accessed via https://www.jstor. and disinformation campaigns, of disinformation for their wrong information. However, org/stable/j.ctt2jbkkn.11 which can undermine the own selfsh political gains. A as a proactive endeavour, we 2 Mahapatra S. and Plagemann J. pluralistic foundations of legislation will be passed but have embarked on opening (2019) Polarisation and Politicisation: democracy.6 the interpretation that is made up the legislative activities and The Social Media Strategies of is distorted or out-rightly wrong involving all stakeholders to Indian Political Parties, to create a predetermined ensure that all resolutions of the Institute of Global and Area Studies notion. This misinformation Houses and their implications (GIGA) accessed via https://www. “While facilitating may be used to pass hate to the country are known to jstor.org/stable/resrep24806 speech, targeted violence and avoid misinformation from other 3 United Nations (2015). Information civic engagement for terrorist activities. It is therefore quarters. economy report 2015. Unlocking a more participatory fulflling to note that some of Finally, Parliaments have the Potential of E-commerce for democracy, these platforms, like Facebook, to continue adapting to the Developing Countries. Geneva: have elaborate fact-checking digital developments in the United Nations. social media is frameworks that ensure that world. Whereas it may be said 4 The Constitution of Kenya (2010) often misused only the properly verifed that social media operates as – accessible at: http://kenyalaw. information is posted. Sadly, a community with its own rules org/kl/index.php?id=398 for propaganda, the current frameworks do not of informality, Legislatures 5 Chen P.J., Ibid. hate speech, and prevent misinformation but should not lose their practices 6 Mahapatra S. and Plagemann disinformation provide mechanisms for pulling and traditions when engaging J. (2019), Polarisation and down already posted data. You in the platforms. They should Politicisation: The Social Media campaigns, which will note that sometimes, the therefore seek to conform Strategies of Indian Political can undermine the information is usually already to social media rules, while Parties, German Institute of Global accessed by thousands of maintaining institutional and Area Studies (GIGA) accessed pluralistic foundations people before the fact-checking credibility. In the end, it is for via https://www.jstor.org/stable/ of democracy.” and pulling down happens. Legislatures to be agile and to resrep24806.

310 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 EMBRACING SOCIAL MEDIA AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY IN PARLIAMENTS EMBRACING SOCIAL MEDIA AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY IN PARLIAMENTS

How the Legislative Assembly of Alberta has opened new doors in the pandemic era.

Pervasive. Ubiquitous. 2020 pandemic shutdown our watching, and what they are Inescapable. Assembly managed to sit for talking about while they are These words can easily 52 days – the most in Canada watching. In the past these describe the impact of digital – without a major public health conversations were taking technologies on human incident. place in coffee shops and populations globally. In a around the dinner table; with relatively short period of Engaging online social media we not only see time such technologies have Social media has undergone a these discussions, but we can become deeply entrenched considerable evolution since join them. in our lives, in how we its inception. As social media Hon. Nathan communicate with each other, platforms have evolved over the Cooper, MLA is in how we work and play, and past 20 years, the darker side of the Speaker of the in infuencing and affecting a these communication tools has “Social media Legislative Assembly multitude of other facets of our also emerged. No longer are daily lives. they simply vehicles for posting has undergone of Alberta. He was Social media, likewise, has pictures and connecting with a considerable first elected in changed the way many people ‘Facebook friends’. In addition 2015, representing connect and access information. to privacy concerns, the rise evolution since its the constituency Initially something of a curiosity, of social media has allowed inception. As social of Olds-Didsbury- a way to share pictures and and encouraged fake news, media platforms Three Hills. In 2019, connect with friends, social hate speech, and even foreign media has become a multi- interference in elections. have evolved over he was elected to trillion dollar business with In spite of these serious th the past 20 years, the serve as 14 Speaker billions of users worldwide. concerns, social media offers of the Legislative It is also an effective means tremendous value in reaching darker side of these Assembly of Alberta of disseminating information, a large number of people from communication tools and he also serves as whether used in business across a diverse demographic has also emerged. Chair of the Special or commercial contexts or spectrum and a wide by governmental and non- geographical area. It provides No longer are they Standing Committee government organisations. In an opportunity for Parliaments simply vehicles for on Members’ Services. the parliamentary context social and Parliamentarians to Prior to election, he media is an infuential tool for connect with the public and posting pictures and was Chief of Staff elected officials to connect with to highlight parliamentary connecting with and Director of the public and provide a level of traditions and purposes in a ‘Facebook friends’. Legislative Affairs for accessibility that the public has meaningful way. Using social come to expect. media platforms not only breaks In addition to privacy the Wildrose caucus. In this environment, the down barriers but also enables concerns, the rise Previous to this, he Legislative Assembly of Alberta Parliamentarians to speak served two terms has taken a leading role in directly to citizens and engage of social media as councillor for the embracing technology to in a two-way conversation. has allowed and engage, educate, and inform. Currently at the Legislative town of Carstairs. He encouraged fake is a strong supporter Focusing on adapting to the Assembly of Alberta, social rapidly expanding digital world media is used to broadcast news, hate speech, of the Rotary Club’s helped to prepare us for the parliamentary proceedings. charitable and youth substantial challenge presented Detailed analytics allow us and even foreign activities. by the COVID-19 pandemic. As to see how many people interference in direct result, during the spring are reached, what they are elections.”

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 311 EMBRACING SOCIAL MEDIA AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY IN PARLIAMENTS

“Content is now The Legislative Assembly of Alberta is the legislature for the province of Alberta, Canada, and is being created with located at the Building in the provincial capital of Edmonton. social media in mind to facilitate this engagement process. For example, in Alberta those who are interested in democratic traditions are afforded a behind-the-scenes glimpse into both the legislative process and the Legislature building itself through a video series that is available on several social media platforms.”

The Legislative Assembly engagement is more than Speaker’s Corner and the Mace, and ending off by of Alberta also uses social helpful; it is indispensable. The ‘Education’ section of showing viewers a little known media as a way to share Content is now being Speaker’s Corner, a feature area within the Legislature, the information about parliamentary created with social media on the Legislative Assembly of Speaker’s suite. proceedings, committee in mind to facilitate this Alberta’s website, addresses For those interested activities, and programs taking engagement process. For a number of topics, ranging in policy, we offer a brief place at the Legislature and example, in Alberta those who from an explanation of what explanation of how budgetary has been doing so since are interested in democratic the Order Paper is to videos estimates are considered in 2012. However, the modern traditions are afforded a on parts of the Legislature Committee, in an attempt to institution of Parliament has behind-the-scenes glimpse into Building that the public may not illustrate how it is Parliament, a responsibility to do more both the legislative process visit in person. For instance, and not government, that plays than share information, and the Legislature building one video shows viewers a the key role in determining whether theoretical or itself through a video series glimpse of the South Members’ whether the government is practical. Increasingly, it is that is available on several Lounge, which is a Members- supplied with the funding it necessary to engage directly social media platforms. These only area of the Legislature that requires. with citizens to help them videos exemplify how the use we have dubbed the ‘Peace Lastly, a short video understand parliamentary of technology, combined with Lounge’ because Members describes the tradition of the processes, as well as the personal storytelling, can inform, from both the Government and parliamentary plant that sits citizen’s vital role in our educate, and even entertain Opposition caucuses meet on the Table in the Alberta democracy. In light of reports Albertans about parliamentary there to discuss what is going Chamber. In the video we relate about citizen disengagement, institutions. on in the Chamber. a story of how the tradition it is imperative that those Videos have been In addition, we host a extends far beyond Alberta’s responsible for promoting developed to demystify the Facebook Live video event, history, to the 17th century and democratic institutions Assembly, using modern offering viewers the opportunity the House of Commons at employ the most relevant and technology to make this content to tour the Chamber, Westminster, where a Member effective means possible in an accessible to a wide and highlighting interesting of Parliament is said to have effort to re-engage citizens. diverse audience. elements such as the portraits, requested that a plant be In this regard, social media the Table, the Speaker’s dais, placed on the Table so that he

312 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 EMBRACING SOCIAL MEDIA AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY IN PARLIAMENTS would not have to look across at Perhaps most importantly, person as well as through been possible without the ‘lying bastard’ on the other the information communicated video and teleconferencing. professional, knowledgeable side. on social media platforms must By allowing some Members, and motivated Assembly staff. Another series of videos, be available to users in a timely staff and others participating In that vein, I must recognise titled ‘Who Makes Democracy way. While content may remain in Committee meeting to work Dr Philip Massolin, Clerk of Work’, contains brief interviews on social media platforms for remotely, we have been able Committees and Research with Assembly staff to explain quite some time, the material to free up Committee room Services, for his invaluable their roles and illustrate that at the time it is posted should space and meet strict physical assistance in crafting this article. there are many people who strive to refect what is currently distancing health protocols. work behind the scenes to relevant. Immediacy and In addition, the full adoption We live in a digital world support the Speaker and other relevancy are key expectations of video conferencing allows It has been said that Members in performing our of social media users. the Assembly to broadcast “technology is neither inherently roles in the Assembly. The Developing fresh content that is Committee meetings live on a helpful nor harmful. It is videos found under the ‘Events’ engaging and even interactive dedicated television channel simply a tool ... [The] effects of series provide Albertans with is vital. and via the Internet. It is technology depend upon how it a front row seat to ceremonial another way for us to improve is wielded.” 1 and celebratory events taking Making technology work for us transparency while demystifying Here in Alberta, we have place at the Legislature. Many In the COVID-19 pandemic era, the process for the public. been able to use social media of these videos are also posted programs such as Skype for Numerous hybrid Committee and other digital platforms to to the Speaker’s Twitter and Business, Teams, Webex and meetings have taken place fguratively open our doors to Facebook accounts. Zoom have become common in since the Standing Committee the entire world, providing the Users of social media expect workplaces and homes around on Public Accounts convened public with new opportunities to be informed in a succinct the world. Our Legislature its frst hybrid meeting in April to engage and learn about our and direct way. It is our goal is no exception, as video 2020, one of the frst meetings democratic institutions. At the to make the information easily conferencing is now integral of its kind in Canada during same time, we have been able understood by all Albertans to facilitating parliamentary the pandemic. The early to harness modern technology of different age groups, with operations. feedback has been positive, the to support our Members and different backgrounds, and from Fully adopting this technology has worked well, to literally keep our doors diverse walks of life by discussing technology was not optional and the Members have been open during the pandemic era. topics in a direct, conversational for us. While many workplaces receptive to this new way of As Parliamentarians, our role way. Adding a little bit of humour shut down during the early days conducting meetings. extends beyond debating and or injecting some enthusiasm of the pandemic, it was quickly While digital technologies legislating. We must all work to to convey our passion for the evident that the people’s have been indispensable, defend, maintain, and build faith subject matter also translates business must continue the real credit for keeping in our democratic institutions. well in this medium. In sharp unabated. our Legislative Assembly Technology is a great tool to do contrast to the complex and In Alberta, Committees of functioning goes to the just that. text-intensive discussions of the the Assembly have permitted Assembly staff that rose to the In Alberta, we believe that parliamentary authorities, these Members to participate via challenge presented by COVID- our parliamentary institutions videos are brief and to the point. teleconferencing for several 19. Modern technology is not should not and cannot stand Indeed, accessibility is very much years. Starting in April 2020, always simple. In the case of apart from society. More than about the message itself and the these Committees transitioned hybrid meetings, our staff had ever before, the digital world is way content is expressed and to hybrid meetings, in which to integrate new processes a part of society. As servants to delivered. Members participated in with Hansard, broadcasting our Members and to the wider and Committee operations. public, we have a duty to both They were able to do so and recognize and embrace the troubleshoot any glitches prior potential this technology offers. to meetings. At the same time, other staff members worked References: with Members to develop new 1 Emily A. Vogels, Lee Committee protocols, ensuring Rainie and Janna Anderson, Members could fully participate “Tech is (Just) a Tool,” Pew in debate, raise points of Research Center, Internet order, and vote in person or and Technology, available at remotely. Training and mock https://www.pewresearch.org/ meetings were also part of the internet/2020/06/30/tech-is-just- preparations for this new way of a-tool/, accessed on 6 October The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta with doing things. 2020. children visting the Legislature on Canada Day. None of this would have

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 313 TACKLING DIGITAL MISINFORMATION

DOES THE DIGITAL PANDEMIC OF MISINFORMATION THREATEN OUR BEST HOPE OF ENDING THIS CRISIS?

The Chair of the UK Parliament’s All-Party Parliamentary Group on Social Media reflects on how social media has responded to the current global pandemic.

A mere 12 months ago, nobody Social Media, I’ve been keenly overwhelmingly the leading across the globe could have keeping my eye on how much host of such potentially imagined how much our world misinformation is being spread dangerous information, but the was about to change and the on social media platforms – and platform is by no means alone. extreme level of disruption that crucially, what the social media Across YouTube, Instagram, was set to plague all our lives. giants are doing about it. You Twitter, and various other Bringing an end to the COVID- don’t have to look far to realise popular social media sites, this 19 pandemic is an ambition that some corners of these virus of misinformation now every country now craves. Sadly platforms are rapidly becoming presents a real threat for our though, we know that there are a sewer of misinformation which ability to control the real, and Chris Elmore, no ‘silver bullet’ solutions to this risks eroding public trust in any deadly, Coronavirus. MP is a UK crisis and the future has scarcely potential coronavirus vaccine, When we look globally, the Parliamentarian looked less certain. Individuals, before one is even identifed. seriousness of this issue cannot representing the families, and businesses in the The anti-vax movement is be overstated. Last year, the UK and across much of the world nothing new though – in fact, World Health Organisation constituency of are unable to plan from one it’s been around since the days officially categorised vaccine Ogmore in South week to the next, many have of smallpox. Yet what makes hesitancy as one of the top Wales. He was first suffered intolerable loss, and this strain of thought important ten global health challenges elected in 2016 and governments are struggling to in 2020, is the exponential we now face. In a global study is currently a Shadow keep control of the spread of levels of oxygen being given to conducted in June of this year, Minister for Scotland COVID-19. The world is waiting ill-informed falsehoods about 13,000 people from 19 different with bated breath for news vaccines online. countries were surveyed and Opposition of a vaccine – which could Recent polling from the and almost three in every ten . He is also be our best hope of bringing Centre for Countering Digital respondents stated that they a Member of the an end to this pandemic. Yet Hate lays bare that 31% of the either wouldn’t take a COVID- House of Commons mounting evidence suggests British public would now be 19 vaccine or were neutral; Procedure Committee, that a new, digital pandemic of hesitant to have a Coronavirus indicating hesitancy. It’s clear Committee of misinformation about the safety vaccine if one becomes that the problems associated of vaccines now threatens our available. A University College with the anti-vax movement Privileges and best hope of an exit strategy. London study has also shown are far from being confned Committee on Social media lies at the heart that barely half of people in the to the UK’s shores and, as Standards. He is of this phenomenon and it now UK say they are ’very likely’ to Parliamentarians, we have a the Chair of the UK poses an acute challenge for get vaccinated. This doesn’t shared responsibility to ensure Parliament’s All-Party Parliamentary democracies merely present a risk for those robust and decisive action is Parliamentary Group across the Commonwealth and individuals – it presents a taken to counter it. the world as a whole. risk to each and every one I do recognise that some of on Social Media. Last month, I led a debate in of us, our loved ones, and the social media companies the UK Parliament on the issues our wider communities. The have taken steps to combat anti- surrounding the so-called CCDH’s study showed that vax misinformation. Last month, ‘anti-vax’ movement because so-called ‘anti-vax’ social media Facebook announced that they I believe that government accounts now have 58 million will be banning anti-vax adverts inaction on misinformation followers and this number is from its platform. But banning ads now poses a direct threat to growing rapidly. The 147 largest alone simply isn’t good enough our public health and to our accounts have amassed over as it ignores the ballooning economic recovery. As Chair 7.8 million new followers since number of organic posts and of the UK Parliament’s All- 2019, representing a staggering high-profle oxygenators who Party Parliamentary Group on increase of 19%. Facebook is are willing to spread them. Mark

314 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 TACKLING DIGITAL MISINFORMATION

is not exclusive to the UK and governments around the world must do much more to work collaboratively on strategies which can help to improve their populations’ collective knowledge of this. The ubiquitous nature of social media and the shared endeavour we all have to fnally end this pandemic underscores the importance of Parliamentarians working together to tackle issues like this. I would be very keen to engage with other members of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association on Zuckerberg himself has said that Djokovic, and other infuential misinformation from circulating any campaigning or legislative Facebook will not actively take names become embroiled on their platforms. The UK progress other countries may down anti-vax misinformation in endorsing the anti-vax Government has been widely have been making on this and conspiracy theories, leaving movement. While I understand criticised as being far too slow in issue. Our world has grown a void which the instigators of that some of these people have responding to an ever-growing increasingly divided over the increasingly popular anti-vax since been forced to row back number of implications this past decade and the COVID-19 Facebook groups are more on the comments they have pandemic has brought. This pandemic has highlighted the than happy to fll. This fagrant made or the content they have is an issue which they – and perilous risks of such division. reluctance to act represents an shared, all too often this is only governments across the globe Our countries entered this crisis abdication of the duty of care after much of the damage has – simply cannot afford to be too together and we must help one social media companies should already been done. slow in responding to. another to free ourselves from have to protect their users. It also Given that there are too Aside from the action that the constraints it has brought underlines why government many social media companies now needs to be taken by with it. While at frst the anti-vax action is now urgently needed to who are failing to take the social media companies movement may seem obscure, create a level playing feld across sufficient action, it falls to us themselves, governments I now frmly believe that it is all sites. as Parliamentarians to compel must do much more to improve now an issue which threatens Conversely, the commitment our governments to step in. the public’s awareness of to undermine our ability to end YouTube has recently made In the UK, we’ve been waiting vaccine safety. I’ve called on this public health and economic to remove false content about for well over a year now for UK Government Ministers to crisis. By working together and vaccines is to be commended new legislation to be brought overhaul their communications taking frm and decisive action, – and sets a bar which the forward to combat so-called strategy and bring forward a we can ensure that future other platforms must meet. ‘online harms’. We’ve now been holistic, six-month plan to better needless deaths are avoided Facebook and Twitter have also told that the UK Government inform the public about the and that our economies can started to fag information as won’t start the passage of this stringent and robust clinical recover as swiftly as possible. disputed, but this needs to go legislation through Parliament safeguards that are in place much further. Information that until early 2021. This latest delay prior to the approval of any The UK Parliament All-Party is shared that is palpably false means the new protections vaccine. Many of the questions Parliamentary Group on Social Media or potentially dangerous needs any new law will bring will I’ve received from constituents works to drive policy change that to be removed; regardless of come far too late to have since campaigning on this issue maximises the positives and mitigates whether it has been posted by an impact on the corrosive have centred on arguments the negatives of social media. Building a President, a Formula 1 driver, anti-vax misinformation we stating that ‘vaccines should on the fndings of the #StatusofMind or a normal person going about now see spreading at an be subject to scrutiny’. This report by the Royal Society for Public their everyday life. The role exponential rate online. It is of course true, but this Health (RSPH), the APPG on Social high-profle public fgures have therefore seems obvious that demonstrates that that the UK Media was established in March 2018 played in at best, not dispelling, the UK Government – and Government is systematically and responsibility for the APPG was and at worst, outright endorsing governments around the world failing to promote the rigorous passed from RSPH to the UK Safer anti-vax content is truly alarming. – need to take emergency steps that have to be followed Internet Centre in July 2020. For more Since this pandemic began, measures to compel the before any new medicine or information visit www.saferinternet.org. we’ve seen Madonna, Lewis social media giants to remove vaccine can be approved. This uk/appg-social-media or follow Hamilton, Kanye West, Novak blatantly false anti-vax is a problem which I am sure @socialmediaAPPG on Twitter.

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 315 SOCIAL MEDIA AND PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY: A VIEW FROM PAKISTAN DOES SOCIAL MEDIA BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN PARLIAMENT AND THE PEOPLE IN PAKISTAN?

Can social media rightly be called a ‘game changer’ in bridging the gap between Parliament and the people in Pakistan?

Social media has revolutionised transparent and participatory. The passage of the Zainab Ms Nighat the modus operandi of Professor Tim Unwin in Alert Response and Recovery Paristan is Deputy parliamentary business and is his paper, ‘Social Media Act, 2020 in the Parliament of Director of the making strides in promoting and Democracy: Critical Pakistan is a recent example Research Wing at the public participation in decision Refections’1 categorised the of social media activism and National Assembly of making process. In budding prospect provided by digital its role in strengthening the Pakistan. democracies, Parliaments are platforms as sharing liberty, legislative process. relatively latecomers to the space time liberty and access world of social media, but with liberty, which is dramatically Accessibility and transparency the passage of time, Parliaments changing the contour of public on social media have established their foothold accessibility to their MPs. The has in the digital space, otherwise Social media is challenging the made advances in facilitating known as the “vulnerable space traditional pattern of politics online accessibility. Digital for formal political institutions.” as an important forum of platforms have made Parliament In democratic structures, communication. Moreover, it is and its Members more social media is considered as an a disseminator of information transparent and accessible. effective tool for encouraging and facilitator of political Through social media, ‘social participatory discussions. The Parliament of the public can directly follow governance’. Social media Pakistan has already started different political viewpoints users are challenging to establish itself in the digital on a debate and in some administrative norms and space, to reap the benefts of cases, directly contribute by structures and dictating political the accessibility provided by the communicating with Members discourse around the world. social media in the changing of Parliament in ‘real time’. Due Political changes, such as political spectrum. to the easy accessibility of those in the East since Citizen journalism is on the 2010, can indeed be seen as a rise in Pakistan. Youngsters are direct result of the use of social turning towards the internet “In democratic media, and are a veritable and local citizen journalism structures, social ‘Facebook Revolution’. During portals and independent blogs the past decade, social media to express their opinions. media is considered has started playing a key role in Traditionally, the work of as an effective tool circulating news through digital Parliament might have been for encouraging platforms, beyond national reported through media borders, across social, cultural commentary; however, due ‘social participatory and political niches. to the wide range of social governance’. Social media has not media platforms available only raised the visibility of today, Honourable Members Social media users Parliaments considerably of Parliament are tweeting are challenging but has also started working and posting comments to as pressure group on the social networks direct from administrative workings of the Parliament the Chamber and Committee norms and structures and the performance of rooms, as and when events and dictating Parliamentarians. This has unfold, which is helping in resulted in making political mobilizing people around a political discourse processes more democratic, particular cause or legislation. around the world.”

316 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 SOCIAL MEDIA AND PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY: A VIEW FROM PAKISTAN

social media, many constituents and a politician’s wrong doings of 18 years, it was evident media. For citizens, social media are interacting with their elected and it has the potential to create that Pakistan’s young voters served as a mouthpiece to Member with great ease. increased transparency; a held the key to the political voice their opinion. It enhanced In this regard, the social media prerequisite of accountability.2 future of their country and their awareness of political team of a former Speaker of the social media would be a key rights and duties and enabled National Assembly of Pakistan Pakistan’s demographics communications channel to underprivileged voters to shared their experiences. These and social media statistics reach this audience. On the confront and question those included instances when the offer an excellent explainer fip side, compared to older they voted for. constituents would tag pictures on the rationale behind the generations, the political views Digital platforms have of broken bridges and roads, communication strategies of of young people were often dramatically changed the fow fooded streets and parks. The the leading political parties less rooted in the political of information, the development social media team would reach for the 2018 elections. The history of Pakistan and they of political opinion, the out to the concerned quarters population of 210 million in were more disposed to behaviour of political parties with these complaints and Pakistan boasts over 150 political campaigns via social and election campaigns. sorted things out right away. million mobile phone users and electronic media. The During the 2018 elections in The constituents would then be which include 57 million 3G/4G 2018 election in Pakistan also Pakistan, the leading political reached out for feedback on the subscribers. While Facebook witnessed a marked shift in party withdrew the candidature issue’s resolution and the same has over 35 million users in the focus of political parties to of a strong candidate, when a would be shared on social media. Pakistan, the most popular online campaigning to cater video surfaced online where A study conducted in website is YouTube closely for this vast number of younger he was being stopped by a Pakistan investigates social followed by Google. WhatsApp, voters.3 group of youngsters, during his media as a tool of transparency Viber, Instagram and Twitter election campaign, as critical and good governance in Gilgit are other popular messaging E-campaigns on social media reaction to his performance Baltistan. This study concluded apps and platforms. In growing democracies, in the constituency. Social that social media penetration election campaigns are being media is indeed helping in enables the people and With 64% of Pakistan’s designed around the increased evolving a more informed and different groups to disseminate population aged under 30 accessibility to voters that has politically participative culture. information about corruption years old and a been made possible by social The expression of popular will

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 317 SOCIAL MEDIA AND PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY: A VIEW FROM PAKISTAN through social media in the 2018 elections has cultivated a new image of voters in the eyes of Pakistani politicians. The victory of the incumbent Prime Minister of Pakistan in the 2018 election is credited to the effective usage of social media platforms. The youth activism in the 2018 General Elections is an undeniable fact that also shows the close relationship between social media and the emerging democratic trends in Pakistan. Pankaj Mishra has argued that social media is changing Pakistan; it provides direct access for voters to approach candidates and politicians. While free campaigning on Facebook and other social media forums allowed candidates to avoid costs and confnes of old media.4 foor of the House. through social media, has Facebook’s place to police Social media has transformed Although social media is become a serious problem to free speech or political the formal mode of delivery of making it easier for people to electoral integrity and citizens’ debate. Instead, he compared parliamentary business and have a voice in government trust in their democratic Facebook to a tennis court — it procedure. During the COVID- to discuss issues, to route for institutions. Another area of is Facebook’s job to keep the 19 crises, the Public Accounts causes, and to hold leaders concern is ‘deep fake’ videos, court in order, but not to “pick Committee of the Parliament accountable, but the excessive which use artifcial intelligence up a racket and start playing”.5 of Pakistan held virtual fow of information through (AI) to produce falsifed videos meetings, and the Speaker social media comes with its own that are almost undetectable The debate over what impact of the National Assembly risks. Excessive information by swapping out someone’s micro-targeting and fake news and Members of Parliament and the intensifcation of face and voice with that of an have on politics has been raging engaged and participated communications do not imposter. These ‘deep fake’ since the Cambridge Analytica in these virtual sessions necessarily make people more videos could be used during scandal and the 2016 US on important national and able and better qualifed to elections to undermine the Presidential election. However, international issues from their take decisions or to infuence reputation of candidates, it has come into sharper focus respective Chambers. decision-making processes. especially women. In Pakistan, now because fnally the social The fux of disinformation on to tackle this situation, the media platforms themselves Social media infuences on social media has inadvertently Election Act, 2017 does, are getting involved. Political Parliamentary business brought its own challenges. however, allow the Election advertising doesn’t require Recently in an unprecedented Since the 2016 United States Commission to constitute a truthful or factually accurate event, the National Assembly of Presidential election, the campaign monitoring team, claims in political campaigns Pakistan’s Standing Committee issue of social media and which could examine political as political ads are micro- on Human Rights held a special misinformation has gained adverts online or monitor any targeted and misleading most meeting on the plea of Pakistani growing attention as a major violations of the Act or Rules. of the time. In 2008, the then women journalists, who were threat to the integrity of Presidential candidate, Barack facing a backlash and threats elections. Whether by domestic Facebook’s Head of Global Obama became one of the on social media. A senior factors, such as candidates affairs and Communications frst candidates to use social politician in the Sindh Provincial and campaigns, or through (and former UK media advertising in his election Assembly extended his apology foreign-infuenced campaigns, Parliamentarian) campaign. That year, election to a female colleague after the ability of voters to make clarifed the company’s policy candidates in the US spent a mounting pressure from the informed choices based on fair recently that it would not ‘fact- total of US$22.25 million on public, especially women via and balanced information has check’ ads or statements from online political advertising.6 social media, for using profane been signifcantly skewed. politicians on its platform. Though social media is language against her on the Disinformation, particularly Clegg argued that it wasn’t playing a signifcant role in

318 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 SOCIAL MEDIA AND PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY: A VIEW FROM PAKISTAN

“Conclusively, it can political awareness and ‘people after consulting concerned References: to Parliament’ contact, the stakeholders, has published 1 Background Paper for be claimed that close challenges it brought in the ‘Removal and Blocking of Commonwealth Parliamentary relationship between social and political arena seem Unlawful Content (Procedure, Conference, Colombo, 2012 – Parliaments and insurmountable. Fake news is Oversight and Safeguards) ‘Social media and democracy: increasingly seen as a threat to Rules, 2020’, to counter the critical refections’ by Professor social media has political legitimacy, democratic fow of illegal, blasphemous, Tim Unwin, Chief Executive both positive and institutions and social cohesion obscene or defamatory content of the Commonwealth by governments around the on social media. Telecommunications Organisation negative aspects world. Conclusively, it can be – accessible via http://www.cpahq. and contours. It has Citizens increasing use of claimed that close relationship org/cpahq/cpadocs/Unwin%20 technology and social media between Parliaments and CPA%20Social%20media%20 become a necessity presents both opportunities and social media has both positive and%20democracy.pdf for Parliaments challenges for Parliaments and and negative aspects and 2 Social Media as a Tool for of the world to Parliamentarians. Unfortunately, contours. It has become a Transparency and Good social media has become an necessity for Parliaments of the Governance in the Government recognise the force easy place to castigate and world to recognise the force of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan – of social media and publicly abuse Parliamentarians of social media and harness accessible via https://www. and other public fgures. this power for the benefts of academia.edu/11935850/ harness this power Although Parliamentarians are public. Channelling emerging Social_Media_as_a_Tool_for_ for the benefits of public representatives, they public opinion and the ever- Transparency_and_Good_ public. Channelling are fully entitled to personal strong response of the people Governance_in_the_Government_ space and privacy. The due to omnipotent nature of_Gilgit_Baltistan_Pakistan emerging public tragedy being faced by public of social media is the major 3 Pakistan Elections: the role opinion and the ever- representatives is that they democratic goal to be achieved. of social media, University of are unable to counter a sea The Commonwealth family Nottingham Asia Research strong response of of disinformation about their consists of 2.4 billion people Institute – accessible via https:// the people due to personal life and their social and includes both advanced theasiadialogue.com/2018/10/15/ life on social media. Pakistani economies and developing pakistan-elections-the-role-of- omnipotent nature democracy like any other countries. The role of social social-media/ of social media is the democracy is at loggerheads media for integration, creation of 4 The Role of Social Media major democratic with the increase in social opportunities and dissemination Towards Political Accountability media abuse. The Ministry of information, bridging the gap in Pakistan: A Literature Review, goal to be achieved.” of Information Technology created by linguistic diversity Saiqa Sadiq, Dr Zawiyah binti and Telecommunications, in the Commonwealth is hard Mohd. Zain and Dr Mohd Na’eim to ignore. The Commonwealth Ajis, The University Utara Parliamentary Association Malaysia – accessible via http:// (CPA) through its social www.eajournals.org/wp-content/ media accounts can provide uploads/The-Role-of-Social- a welcome opportunity to Media-towards-Political- youngsters and a wider Accountability-in-Pakistan.pdf audience in playing their role 5 What are the problems with in converting Parliaments into political ads on Facebook and a more open, transparent and Twitter? By Luke Graham, City AM, accessible space. 11/11/2019 - accessible via https:// There is a greater need www.msn.com/en-gb/news/ for an engaging debate on in-depth/what-are-the-problems- how to use social media for with-political-ads-on-facebook- the better transformation of and-twitter/ar-BBWzlmE Parliaments in line with the CPA’s 6 Political Advertising on Social Recommended Benchmarks Media Platforms by Lata Nott, for Democratic Parliaments American Bar Association – (2006, revised 2016), which accessible via https://www. aspires for Parliament’s improved americanbar.org/groups/crsj/ accessibility and openness for all. publications/human_rights_ magazine_home/voting-in-2020/ political-advertising-on-social- media-platforms/

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 319 SOCIAL MEDIA AND PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY: A VIEW FROM CANADA THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIAL MEDIA AND PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY IN THE COMMONWEALTH: A VIEW FROM CANADA

The relationship between a voice to the voiceless and seminars, opinion columns for social media and parliamentary enabled them to express local newspapers, coffee ‘meet- democracy is very pertinent their opinions, and in some and-greets’ at constituents’ in the current COVID-19 cases, overturn governments. residences, school visits and environment. Social media Social media has been used community events. This was has an important role to play to mobilise public opinion and complemented by social media in the democratic process. It coordinate protests, with the posts on platforms including allows both Parliamentarians best examples being that of the Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and the electorate to share Arab Spring. to reach out to the different their views directly, in real-time, Individuals and groups have demographics in my riding. Ms Yasmin unmediated by journalists and used these channels effectively Constituents would also receive Ratansi, MP is a other observers. in more targeted campaigns, regular updates over email. Canadian Member In this short article, we will such as the capture of Joseph From my perspective, of Parliament for explore a few themes, including Kony, the rebel leader of the I found that using social the positive and negative Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), media, especially, during the the riding of Don impacts of social media, the who had brutalized Uganda and pandemic, has helped my Valley East. She is effect on elections, and the neighbouring countries. Chair of the CPA impacts on women. The quick and easy access Canada Federal In general, social media of mobile phone cameras has Branch, Chair of the provides a good platform also had a dramatic impact “The relationship Standing Committee for politicians to reach out to on public opinion because between social groups including millennials people can share footage live on Environment and Gen-Z, who tend to rely with the world on channels media and and Vice-Chair of primarily on social media to stay including Twitter, YouTube and parliamentary the GOPAC. As Chair updated on what is going on Instagram, exposing atrocities of the Standing locally and around the world. in real-time. Social media can be democracy is very Committee on the As stated by Freedom used to disseminate information pertinent in the Status of Women, she House: “Social media allows on vote-rigging and voting current COVID- ordinary people, civic groups, rights violations. was proud to have and journalists to reach a vast In Bulgaria, a nonproft 19 environment. introduced the first audience at little or no cost.” 1 organisation created a mobile Social media has report on gender However, this can also pose app called ‘I vote’ to inform users lens budgeting for a threat to democratic elections, about their voting rights and an important role Parliament. She works because the source and obligations and allows them to to play in the to engage multi-faith veracity of information shared monitor the fairness of elections. on platforms cannot always be As Members of Parliament, it is democratic process. groups in promoting verifed in real time, allowing our responsibility to communicate It allows both peace, harmony and misinformation to spread rapidly. with our constituents and keep Parliamentarians respect for each other. them informed of the work She is also a Fellow Some Positive Impacts of we do on their behalf. We are and the electorate of the Chartered Social Media their voices to Parliament, not to share their views Professional In the past few years, we Parliament’s voice to them. As have seen the impacts of such, before the pandemic, I used directly, in real- Accountants of social media shining a light on many forms of communication: time, unmediated Canada and a Certified injustices and human rights paper medium (Householders by journalists and Management violations all around the world. and 10 percenters), website Consultant. These platforms have given posts, in-person town-halls and other observers.”

320 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 SOCIAL MEDIA AND PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY: A VIEW FROM CANADA

Social media in elections – does social media provide widespread disinformation in elections? Social media can provide misinformation and fake news. Due to the plethora of platforms available, those who wish to use social media for negative purposes have been able to do so with impunity. In recent years, some governments have used social media to spread misinformation within their own countries. Authoritative governments have used various methods of censorship towards dissenting voices on social media within their borders. Methods include blocking social media platforms or preventing access to constituents stay updated and discussion. Billboards are solutions they came up with in individuals, or certain groups connected to my work and that another form in which the divide ensuring that their messages whose members are critical of the Federal government. can be reduced. Print media in were disseminated to their of government policies or The seven virtual town halls I the form of free newspapers, constituents through billboards actions.2 In addition, China’s conducted using social media information bulletins or and other physical platforms. ‘Great Firewall’ which is a allowed participants to provide pamphlets can keep people combination of legislative and their input on our government’s informed on the current state of Social Media and its impact technological actions that response to COVID-19. This affairs in the country. on Women Parliamentarians allows the People’s of was invaluable as it allowed In the case of Canada, The websites listed below China to regulate the internet the government to fne-tune there is a dedicated television provide ample examples of domestically, limiting access programs it had created. The channel: Cable Public Affairs what women Parliamentarian’s to western media and social input from my constituents and Channel (CPAC). Here face, including misogyny, media applications including the changes to the programs proceedings of both the insults, ridicule and racism. Facebook. reinforced the fact that we are Canadian House of Commons Social media provides In recent years, electoral their voices to Parliament. and the Senate as well as anonymity to the perpetrators, interference by foreign actors To beneft from social media, Committee meetings are emboldening them to say things has become a major concern for people should have access broadcast live. that they would not say in any democratic countries especially to reliable and affordable Within the Commonwealth, civilized society. To ensure in light of US intelligence internet and mobile networks. the recording of the that such behavior is curtailed, agencies fnding that Russia The lack of accessibility proceedings of the House in one needs to look more interfered in the 2016 and affordability can lead Hansard provides historical closely at legislation to prevent presidential elections.3 Some to inequity in democratic data for the public. The Library and punish such appalling analysts observe that China engagement by the electorate. of Parliament is another source behaviour. and Russia are increasingly For the Commonwealth, this of verifable information. To • https://www.bbc. employing election interference type of digital divide may keep democracy accessible, com/news/uk-wales- tactics to “infuence the political pose challenges for a truly constituents with no access politics-52785157 environment by weakening the participatory democracy. to computers are able to write • https://globalnews.ca/ liberal democratic West and Knowing the creativity letters to their Members of news/6152836/hillary- increasing their own economic of human beings, there are Parliament across Canada clinton-abuse-female- and political power in the world alternative solutions to reach without postage. politicians-toxic-social- order.”4 constituents, especially those In conducting virtual media A recent New York Times in rural and remote areas. sessions with the newly elected • https://www.amnesty. article highlighted that Russia Through my travels, I have seen Parliaments of both Anguilla and org/en/latest/ and Iran gained access to villagers sitting around a radio Dominica as part of the recent research/2018/03/online- electoral information and sent or television to listen to the CPA Post-Election Seminars, I violence-against-women- threats to voters in Florida.5 news, followed by an animated was impressed by the creative chapter-2/ As stated by some

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 321 SOCIAL MEDIA AND PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY: A VIEW FROM CANADA

“During an election The Parliament of Canada. cycle in a pandemic, social media gains an even stronger foothold in the ‘messaging’ of election platforms, in candidate debates, and in replacing the more traditional forms of canvassing the electorate. The use of social media platforms in elections, especially during a pandemic, is of paramount healthcare. However, traditional an even stronger foothold in dangerous rhetoric. Also, there forms of advertising are geared the ‘messaging’ of election is no way for any platform to fact importance.” to help those political parties platforms, in candidate debates, check all the tens of millions of with a greater ‘election war and in replacing the more posts that come up everyday. researchers: “Social media chest’. By contrast, political traditional forms of canvassing Governments and civil society makes a quantitative and advertising on social media is the electorate. The use of social need to balance freedom of qualitative difference to the way less costly and has the potential media platforms in elections, speech with the public good. instability and distrust can be for greater reach. especially during a pandemic, is There have been a few prosecuted, given its ubiquity Social media is a more fuid of paramount importance. recent examples of social and reach.” 6 way for the public to receive media taking action, for Foreign governments have daily coverage of elections. Should social media be example, in the case of QAnon, been able to use social media However, because of its greater censored, and should it be a conspiracy theory website; and other online platforms to accessibility compared to print legislated? TikTok took steps to block “infuence and further entrench media, it has the potential to As a provider of fuid the use of hashtags that were ideological divides and polarize attract exponentially more information, social media linked with the website or white societies along existing political ‘followers’ than print or more can be used for widespread supremacy. YouTube releases and social cleavage. Ironically, traditional forms of media. As disinformation in elections. a transparency report and democracies with robust and such, attention must be placed Foreign actors can easily create provides data on its removals open media are particularly on the effect of content. Unlike fake accounts to disseminate of inappropriate content. vulnerable to manipulation as newspapers that have editorial fake news to sway the vote. Globally, YouTube employs foreign sources can very easily boards and professional Unfortunately, there are few 10,000 people in monitoring use online platforms to spew journalistic standards, the regulations and lax rules that and removing content. Yet the hate speech and escalate their checks and balances on social still allow Facebook, Twitter, giants in the social media space, impact.” 7 media are often minimal and, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, such as Facebook, have done in some cases, absent. Far and other social media to be nothing with regards to hate What is the role of political from adhering to principles of easily manipulated by anyone to speech spread in Myanmar advertising on social media journalism and broadcasting circulate fake news and mislead against the Rohingya Muslims.8 during an election? rules and regulations, some the electorate on key issues Facebook, though has taken Political advertising by political creators of content on social during elections. steps in redirecting fake news parties is essential for the media often operate unfettered Self-regulation does not regarding the US election by electorate to understand where from laws, regulations, industry, work. Trolls, bigots, white either removing it completely each party stands on key issues or ethical standards. supremacists and foreign or adding a banner that shows including climate change, the During an election cycle in a nations use these spaces to users that the information that is economy, social issues, and pandemic, social media gains freely distribute lies and harmful, being disseminated is likely or

322 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 SOCIAL MEDIA AND PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY: A VIEW FROM CANADA partly or completely false.9 (which controls 90% of the proposed to modernise References: In an ideal world, social web searches), for antitrust Canada’s Elections Act, also 1 Freedom House, Freedom on media should be censored to violations, alleging it abused its contained provisions to protect the Net 2019: The Crisis of Social disallow fake news. However, dominance to stife competition. Canada’s elections from cyber Media. https://freedomhouse. the question is how to censor threats and foreign interference. org/report/freedom-net/2019/ social media in a fair and just way Legislation and ‘PushBack’ In 2020, the Liberal federal crisis-social-media to weed out the bad actors and from Legislators government introduced the 2 Ibid.; Freedom House, allow valid information to fow. On 12 April 2018, the House Digital Charter. This document Freedom on the Net 2020: The Legislators can enact laws and Senate in the United contains ten principles Pandemic’s Digital Shadow. that prohibit hate speech, States, questioned Cambridge including, that, digital platforms https://freedomhouse.org/ prejudice, attacks on religious Analytica regarding its will not disseminate hate, violent report/freedom-net/2020/ and other beliefs. But then an improper harvesting of roughly extremism, or criminal content pandemics-digital-shadow additional question comes up: 87 million Facebook users. and that Canadians will be able 3 Willam Marcellino, Christian where to draw the line between Questions arose as to whether to rely on the authenticity and Johnson, Marek N. Posard, the rights of individuals, while the company should be more security of the internet services and Todd C. Helmus, Foreign at the same time ensuring heavily regulated, and the they use. Interference in the 2020 they are not crossing into debate continues. Election: Tools for Detecting harmful territory. Invariably, In Belgium, the country’s Conclusion Online Election Interference, discussions about the control Privacy Commission ordered In conclusion, technology and RAND Corporation, Research of misinformation on social Facebook to stop the use the advancement of social Paper, 2020. https://www.rand. media turns into discussions on of long-term and unique media has made the world org/content/dam/rand/pubs/ censorship and free speech. identifcation codes to track more interconnected. People research_reports/RRA700/ In Canada, section 2(b) of the non-users without their consent. have access to parliamentary RRA704-2/RAND_RRA704-2.pdf Charter of Rights and Freedoms This resulted in a Federal court affairs and geopolitics, and they 4 Ibid, p. 111. guarantees freedom of ordering Facebook to stop expect more transparency and 5 https://www.nytimes. expression “including freedom tracking “each internet user on accountability from their elected com/2020/10/21/us/politics/iran- of and other media of Belgian soil” on their websites. officials. russia-election-interference.html communication.” Nations including Germany, The advent of technology 6 Paul Baines and Nigel Jones, Recently, lawmakers in the Australia and European Union has enabled Parliaments across Infuence and Interference in United States have called for bloc have enacted effective the globe, to function virtually, Foreign Elections: The Evolution anti-trust actions against Big legislation against the big tech which in turn has had a positive of its Practice, RUSI Journal, Vol. Tech, stating that Facebook companies.10 impact in engaging with the 163, No. 1, 2018, p. 15. dissuades the free press due to In 2019, under a Liberal electorate on a variety of topics. 7 Vasu Mohan and Alan Wall. its monopoly. The US Deputy majority, the Canadian The virtual meetings have also Foreign Interference: Past, Attorney General on 20th government introduced Bill had a positive impact on the Present and Future, Georgetown October 2020 sued Google C-76. The Bill (now law), environment and reduction Journal of International Affairs, of greenhouse gases, due to Vol. 20, 2019, p. 113. limited usage of different modes 8 https://www.forbes.com/ of transportation and in a vast sites/isabeltogoh/2020/10/19/ country like Canada, enabled us tiktok-is-banning-accounts-that- to use our time more efficiently. spread-qanon-theories-and- However, there is a dark side of disinformation/#76ec96d22620 social media that manipulates 9 https://www.theverge. and feeds off dangerous com/2019/10/21/20925204/ misinformation that must be facebook-2020-election- vigilantly and actively monitored. interference-prevention-tools- policy-false-misinformation CPA Podcast: Ms Yasmin Ratansi MP 10 Additional information can be spoke alongside Commonwealth obtained on this website link: Parliamentarians from the UK and Jamaica https://www.bbc.com/news/ at a live webinar event on ‘How can technology-47135058. MPs continue to communicate with their constituents during COVID-19?’ hosted by the CPA UK Branch in June 2020 - to hear the full discussion please visit www.uk-cpa. org/news-and-views/online-webinar-how- can-mps-continue-to-communicate-with- constituents-during-covid-19/

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 323 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN A GLOBALISED WORLD: A VIEW FROM INDIA

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN A GLOBALISED WORLD: A VIEW FROM INDIA ‘Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming’

A nation’s ability to achieve and and attention of the world. such as FDIs (Foreign Direct sustain long-term economic As a country leap frogs itself Investments) and FPIs (Foreign growth is determined by to acquire modern dimensions Portfolio Investments), but its propensity to increase of development, it realises the the necessity to focus on the productivity through the use need and signifcance of the domestic sector such as public of better technology, together growing inter-connectedness sector units. This may seem like with human and physical capital. and inter-dependence between a socialistic ideology, however, However, in the never-ending nation states. India, too, is this could be the biggest race for social and economic no exception in this regard. weapon in the new market or a growth by all nations, the Connection, Innovation and capitalistic market by providing Shri N. K. word ‘Sustainability’, which Transformation have been the a competitive market space Premachandran, is signifcant for us and more byproducts of globalisation and between international MNCs MP is a Member for the coming generations, the exponential growth of the (Multinational Corporations) of Lok Sabha, the has been forgotten by most internet. and the local market (i.e., either of us. The modern concept In the case of India, we Public Sector Undertakings or Lower House of the of sustainable development opened our doors to the other governmental institutions). Parliament of India. was defned in 1987 by outside world in 1991, with This could be the balance of a He was elected for the Brundtland Report1 as our policies of liberalisation, socio-capitalistic market. In this the fourth time in “development that meets the privatisation and globalization; scenario, both the public sector May 2019. From needs of the present without since then the economic and and the private sector could 2000 to 2006, he compromising the ability of social growth of the nation had have market competitiveness future generations to meet seen a signifcant rise. When we in a way that benefts both the was a Member of their own needs.” Thus, when start thinking about the current customer and the companies. , the we talk about well-being of our world economic conditions, we of the future generations, sustainability are exposed to everything and India Parliament. He needs to be at the core of the anything in any part of the world, served as a discussion. which was seen in the 2008 “For India, the Minister in the State For India, the underlying world economic crisis and the principle of development is later European economic crisis. underlying principle ‘through everyone’s support, In these crises, India was least of development from 2006 to 2011. He for everyone’s development affected owing to its economic has published articles and towards everyone’s trust’. stability, which was mainly due is ‘through in various newspapers This mirrors the essence of the to its strict economic policies everyone’s support, and periodicals. 2030 Agenda for Sustainable along with the support of its for everyone’s Development, of ‘leaving strong public sector companies no one behind’. Therefore, such as the insurance (Life development and Sustainable Development Insurance Corporation) and the towards everyone’s has to address the hopes and national banking sectors. The aspirations of the millions of lesson from these crises is clear; trust’. This mirrors people below the poverty line the future lies in controlled the essence of and has to keep the poor and and monitored globalization, the 2030 Agenda the marginalised at its centre. however, more focus needs to We are conscious that India’s be placed on self-sustaining for Sustainable actions and experience, with policies and supporting Development, of its one-sixth of the world’s domestic public companies. population have global This does not mean ‘leaving no one implications and attract interest restricting globalization policies, behind’.”

324 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN A GLOBALISED WORLD: A VIEW FROM INDIA

However, such a competitive with that of our partner nations, is considered as indigenous he explained that the real India space can be created only including the Commonwealth people. lies in its 600,000 plus villages. if the PSUs (Public Sector nations. Globalisation has As we see now, diseases If Indian civilisation is to make Undertakings) are well improved lives through know no geographical its full contribution to the growth supported and fnanced, initially, technological advancement boundaries. The world has of a stable world order, it is this in the domestic market such and economic growth over the suffered the difficult and vast mass of humanity that has as the insurance sector in past few decades. However, unpredictable challenges from to be made to live again and India. When the whole world the challenges from a number the spread of pandemics and converted into a demographic economy, was shaken by of fnancial crises, terrorism or new diseases claim lives across dividend. the 2008 crisis, we strongly pandemics, or large movements borders and regions. The world The future way forward for believed it was due to the of refugees feeing confict is battling a virulent pandemic almost all nations would be presence of such industries zones, bring out the challenges in the form of COVID-19 today ‘self-subsistence’, it could be that we never felt the shock of of global inter-dependence. and we need to act collectively implemented by utilising the economic breakdown. Since Therefore more, and not less, and realise that this moment ‘geographic-specifc traditional the PSUs are supported by collaborative and effective is a wake-up call for all of us industrial rejuvenation’. In the governmental institutions, co-operation among the to work together to address the present context this might they would have a level of Commonwealth is needed today’s challenges. Amid this be construed as a concept accountability towards the to manage the opportunities pandemic crisis, the concept of of anti-globalisation, rather, customers and the people. At and challenges that we face globalisation, trade, commerce this could also be seen as an the same time, the presence collectively. and even the economic opportunity for developing of private sector companies Reviewing the possibility machinery of the world are at a some of the lost traditional ensures a competitive feld. for the growth of the nation on standstill. industries. If utilised properly, This all revolves around a micro level, the future could To overcome these short- through value addition and the different dimensions of depend on its ‘self-subsistence’. comings and to maintain a state proper marketing on a global sustainable development. The A more elaborate explanation of sustainable development, level, the export potential of scenario mentioned above of the term self-subsistence both, in the economic and the such products could be tapped. follows a macroscopic approach would resonate in the second social development, Mahatma This would be pro-globalisation on economic terms towards theme of this article, ‘Indigenous Gandhi famously proposed that and self-subsistent as they ‘Delivering a common future’ people living in our countries’. “The future of India lies in its utilise local labor and local where the development of the An interesting point here is that villages.” This was the idealism resources. These industries nation’s economy is intertwined in India, the whole population or foresight of , employ the indigenous people

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 325 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN A GLOBALISED WORLD: A VIEW FROM INDIA

“In this new world of globalisation, we are all interconnected, which from an economic point of view is necessary and unavoidable. However, this also forces us to choose a cheaper product or service from another country rather than producing it locally, such as the cashew industry. In layman terms, it is less dependence on others and more of that geographic location. the local cashew industry in better quality, rather, making As in the past, they used to Kerala has plummeted to a better products for self- dependence on depend on the utilisation of record time low leaving a high subsistence. Thus, on a macro- ourselves.” the local resources available. vacuum of unemployment for economic level, the importance In developing and third-world the semi-skilled labor force and lies in creating a competitive countries, these industries many such families in despair. environment between the are mainly labour intensive, This could be attributed to the private sector and the public which have a high employment lack of focus on such traditional sector to maintain a balance potential and local resources industries and more focus on of proft for the companies as utilisation. For example, I less subsistent investment well as the customers. Similarly, represent a constituency on the and developments such as on a micro-economic level, southern tip of the Indian sub- FDIs and FPIs as mentioned the focus should be shifted continent called Kollam which before. This COVID-19 towards rejuvenating the geo- is in the State of Kerala. We are period has shed light on the specifc traditional industries known as the cashew capital importance of self-sustenance, which are highly labour of the world; cashews are the like in the case of the USA, intensive depending on the geographic-specifc traditional vis-à-vis its requirement of local people of the geographic industry which provides a hydroxychloroquine from India. area. Thus, the future forward livelihood for about 600,000- In this new world of is a combination of the themes 700,000 employees and globalisation, we are all in both the articles. A common farmers. There are more than interconnected, which from future has to necessarily be a 250,000 employees directly an economic point of view is sustainable one, if we intend to involved in the industry, which necessary and unavoidable. bequeath something credible is about 10% of the population However, this also forces us and lasting for our future of the district and 95% of these to choose a cheaper product generations. workers are women. or service from another We were known for high- country rather than producing References: quality cashew which is of high it locally, such as the cashew 1 Brundtland Report, publication export potential. However, industry. In layman terms, it is by World Commission on unfortunately due to the less dependence on others Environment and Development high levels of international and more dependence on https://www.britannica.com/ competition of products at a ourselves. The future in topic/Brundtland-Report lower price and lesser quality, globalisation is not buying

326 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 PARLIAMENT AND FOREIGN POLICY: AN INDIAN PERSPECTIVE

PARLIAMENT AND FOREIGN POLICY: AN INDIAN PERSPECTIVE

A recurrent theme of changes and modifcation in best interest. This, however, is parliamentary surveillance the policy of the government.2 not always the case. The most of foreign policy is ensuring The India Parliament falls in this likely reason, however, for the security, and category and as such the role measures of all-party agreement, territorial integrity of the country, of the Parliament should be is that Members on both sides of and the safeguarding of the seen in the context of a ‘policy- the House will not wish to allow national interest of the people infuencing Legislature. inter-party squabbles to threaten and the country. This is ensured Although in principle powers any perceived national interest or through various parliamentary with respect to foreign affairs security. The effect of this is well and procedural devices, belong to the Government, at summarised by William Wallace Rup Narayan through the well-established times, the Parliament is taken in The Foreign Policy Process in Das is a former Joint parliamentary conventions into confdence, particularly Britain.3 Secretary of the Lok and through a network of with regard to the declaration of “Where the front benches are Sabha Secretariat of Parliamentary Committees. war and the making of , united, as they most often are, In trying to evaluate the and if any measure calls for an the tradition of bipartisanship the Parliament of impact of Parliament on foreign appropriation of public money in foreign policy serves to India and is currently policy or in the conduct of the or for a change in domestic law, damp down debate, to lend a Senior Fellow of the country’s external relations, it will then the legislation must be respectability of national interest Indian Council of Social be very useful to decipher the introduced and the Parliament’s to the accepted consensus and Science Research at nature of the parliamentary polity assent sought. The Parliament of to label criticism as somehow 4 the Indian Institute of of the country in the frst place. India, however, only discusses extreme, if not also disloyal.” Philip Norton’s classifcation of issues related to the declaration A third major obstacle to Public Administration, Legislatures based on ‘policy- of war or making of treaties. the infuence of Parliament in New . He holds a making Legislatures’, ‘policy- Motions approving or expressing foreign affairs is what Wallace Ph.D from the School infuencing Legislatures’ and opinions are declaratory only. describes as “the peculiar of International ‘Legislatures with little or no But then, these motions can help secrecy in which foreign policy Studies at Jawaharlal policy impact’ is highly useful in authenticating the position of matters are discussed and Nehru University. He in determining the impact of the Government on a particular decided (in Britain). In seeking the India Parliament on foreign issue. Yet another factor that to suppress the dissemination has written for a wide policy.1 It must be noted that inhibits Parliament’s involvement of information and raising and range of international a parliamentary polity, in foreign policy-making is cross airing of contentious issues, publications including unlike a Presidential government -party agreement. Although the Government will often fall the Harvard Asia as in the United States of political parties may disagree on back on the claim of secrecy, Quarterly, Global Asia, America, the India Parliament emphasis, a broad consensus arguing that to reveal too much China Brief, China does not exercise direct control does exist among political would be to act contrary to the over the making of foreign policy. parties, only the degree of thrust national interest. It is a claim Report, International Policy-making Legislatures, such varies. often disputed but one rarely Studies, the Times as the US Congress, are in a There are several reasons overcomes.”5 Higher Education position to not only amend or for this bipartisan approach. The The fourth factor is the lack Supplement and many reject government measures, but major Opposition party, seeing of political interest attached English language daily also to substitute the same with itself as a future Government, to foreign affairs. Even though newspapers in India. proposals of their own. In other will not want to create a rod for some Members of Parliament words, they play an active part its own back when it returns to prefer foreign policy as one of in the initiation and formulation office. Electorally, Opposition their primary interests, the fact is Email [email protected]. All of policy. Policy-infuencing leaders will see the merit of being that the area of foreign affairs is views expressed in this article are personal. Legislatures, on the other hand, seen to support the Government so vast and the Members’ time are restricted only to suggesting when it is acting in the country’s and commitments pressing, that

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 327 PARLIAMENT AND FOREIGN POLICY: AN INDIAN PERSPECTIVE

the amount of parliamentary attention paid to it – other than during a time of national or international crisis – is in reality of secondary importance. A demonstrated interest in the Korean Peninsula, West Asia or South China Sea dispute is probably not going to get a Member re-elected. Notwithstanding limitations, however, Entries 10 to 21 in the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution enumerates subjects on which the India Union Government is competent to make laws. They are: 1. Foreign affairs; all matters which bring the India Union relations into relations with any foreign country 2. Diplomatic, consular and trade representation 3. Any matter related to the United Nations Organisation through general debate, but regarded as the ‘Father of the Members of Parliament. 4. Participation in international it seldom provides formal, House’ – moved a cut motion in Later, however, when the conferences, associations defnitive assent to it. A closer the lower chamber, Lok Sabha Tibetan crisis broke out, the and other bodies and scrutiny and analysis of the on 4 December 1947 relating same Parliament became implementing of decisions debates and deliberations of to the demands for grants of critical of China, suggesting made at these events the Parliament of India clearly the Ministry of External Affairs. how the national interest, 5. Entering into treaties demonstrates the commitment Professor Ranga said: “China security, territorial integrity and and agreements with of the country to the strategic has become a sort of cockpit sovereignty of the country was of foreign countries and autonomy of its foreign policy between the Soviet Russia and supreme concern to Parliament. the implementing of and how the Parliament has America. Are we going to keep The naivety of then Prime treaties, agreements and collectively protected it in spite of mum about it, are we going to Minister, , was conventions with foreign the dominance of the Executive allow becoming an unfortunate criticised by some Members countries and the numerical majority of the victim of these powers as the of Parliament, including some 6. War and peace, especially ruling party or of political Republic of Spain has become? from the Congress Party itself. over foreign jurisdictions parties. Protection and promotion Should we not take a positive The Chinese invasion of Tibet 7. Citizenship, naturalisation of national interest has been stand in regard to this?” was discussed in the Lok Sabha and immigration the driving force for the India Another Congress Party on 17 March 1950 in the course 8. Extradition Parliament. Member, Brajeshar Prasad, of a discussion on the Ministry 9. Admission into, and The frst test of the India supporting the sentiment of of External Affairs. Members emigration and expulsion Parliament’s interest in foreign Professor Ranga, said: “India urged the Government to clearly from India; as well as matters policy issues was eloquently and China are destined to be defne India’s frontier with Tibet. relating to passports and displayed during the India- leaders of Asia. Joined together Participating in the debate, P. C. visas China war in 1962. The India they will be force to be reckoned Barua, a Member of the ruling 10. Pilgrimages to places Parliament’s role in India-China with.” He even went to the extent party, said, “The McMahon outside India relations, however, predates of proposing a federal plan of line, which was drawn at a 11. Piracies and crimes even the independence of the union, saying, “it is in common conference in Shimla is a vague committed on the high seas country and can be traced back interest of both the states to boundary. The line is more or or in the air; offences against to the Provisional Parliament evolve a federal plan of union.” less an imaginary one and that is the law of nations committed called the Constituent Assembly This clearly refected not only the reason why our statesman in on land or in the air. (legislative). Even before the the concern of the Parliament at this particular area will be put to People’s Republic of China the time, but also the strategic great test in the years to come.” The India Parliament, was formally proclaimed on 1 autonomy germane to India’s Intervening in the debate Mr however, often scrutinises the October 1949, Professor N. G. foreign policy articulated through , a nominated Government’s foreign policy Ranga of the Congress Party – the collective voice of the Member of the Anglo-Indian,

328 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 PARLIAMENT AND FOREIGN POLICY: AN INDIAN PERSPECTIVE

said, “I believe that it is not only recently after the bloody clash political parties exchange their succinctly summarised by Dinesh self-delusion... dangerous self- in the Galwan Valley on 15 June views and iron out differences, Singh, India’s former External delusion either to hope or to 2020 also found its resonance in if any. Thus, while analysing the Affairs Minister, in an article in believe, however, exemplary the political spectrum, including role and impact of Parliament in The Parliamentarian in 1970. He our motives in the international in the India Parliament which the making of foreign policy, the wrote: “Attempts by Government plane, however, genuine met briefy from 14 September role of Parliamentary Committees to shut out parliamentary our desire for neutrality... for to 23 September 2020, must be factored. scrutiny, or to take for granted friendship with nations, that notwithstanding the COVID- Yet another issue in which the parliamentary approval, of the the communists will in the fnal 19 pandemic. Ahead of the Parliament of India has shown aspects of their foreign relation analyses respect our neutrality Parliament of India session, the interest and concerns relates to are bound to recoil. On the and our loftiness of motives.” Prime Minister, , India’s nuclear doctrine, which other hand, in a parliamentary On another occasion on briefed the leaders of political has a bearing on the country’s set-up, the Executive obviously 20 November 1950, while parties with regards to the security and development. The cannot afford to abdicate its participating in a debate many prevailing situation in the LAC ’s decision responsibility to initiate and prominent leaders of Congress (Line of Actual Control) including not to sign the Nuclear Non- implement policies, especially in cautioned the Government India’s response to the challenge Proliferation in 1967 is the matter of the conduct of its against adopting a complacent on 19 June 2020. The position often attributed to parliamentary foreign relations. There has to be attitude towards China. Professor parties, however, persistently pressure. The stance of the a judicious mixture of Executive N. G. Ranga expressed concern demanded not only a statement India Parliament with regard initiative and parliamentary at the way the Tibetan question from the India Government but to the US-India Civil Nuclear control. The exact point where was being handled by the also a discussion in Parliament. Cooperation Agreement, also this balance is struck may vary, Government. He questioned As per the well-established known as the 123 Agreement but in the absence of such a India’s wisdom in having pressed parliamentary convention, the formally announced in July 2007, balance, smooth functioning for China’s admission to the Minister of Defence, Rajnath which was subject to intense of parliamentary control as United Nations at so early a Singh made a statement in both debate from 2005 to 2008, is well as the conduct of foreign stage. Houses of Parliament on 15 only too recent in public memory. policy by the Executive will be in The on-going standoff September 2020. The nuclear deal ended what is jeopardy.”7 between the armies of the two As the session was for a very called India’s ‘nuclear apartheid’. countries which intensifed brief period, the India Parliament The United Progressive Alliance References: couldn’t discuss the issue further. Government headed by then 1 Philip Norton (1990) “As far as the role However, the recently appointed Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan ‘Legislatures in perspective’, Chief of the Defence Staff, Singh, was almost on the brink of West European Politics, 13:3, of Parliament in General Bipin Rawat, briefed losing a trust vote on July 2008 143-152 law making is the Parliamentary Standing when the Left parties which 2 Cliff Grantham and Bruce Committee on Defence earlier had extended outside support George, ‘The Infuence of the concerned, there on 11 September 2020 and said to the Government withdrew British Parliament on Foreign are occasions when that the support for the Government’s Policy’, in Manohar L. Sondhi legislation initiated had taken adequate measures alleged tilt towards the USA. (Edited) Foreign Policy and to thwart any effort to alter the The Government won the trust Legislatures: An Analyses of by the Executive LAC. Similarly, senior diplomats vote by a slender majority. The Seven Parliaments, Abhinav are scrutinised by from the India Ministry of External role of Parliament in fne tuning Publications, , 1988, p.8 Affairs, including Foreign the nuclear deal was eloquent 3 ‘The Foreign Policy Process in Parliament, including Secretary, Dr S. Jaishankar, who testimony of parliamentary Britain’ by William Wallace, Royal by the Parliamentary subsequently became External supremacy. Institute of International Affairs, Standing Committees. Affairs Minister, as an outreach of As far as the role of Parliament 1976 Parliament briefed the Chairman in law making is concerned, there 4 Ibid The best example and Members of the Committee are occasions when legislation 5 Ibid of such legislation of External Affairs on the issue initiated by the Executive are 6 Line of Actual Control (LAC) of India-China relations. As the scrutinised by Parliament, is a notional demarcation line is the Citizenship proceedings in the Parliamentary including by the Parliamentary that separates Indian-controlled Amendment Bill, Committees are not open to Standing Committees. The best territory from Chinese-controlled the media and not telecast, example of such legislation is territory in the Sino-Indian border granting dual then the interaction between the Citizenship Amendment Bill, dispute. citizenship to the the Committee Members and granting dual citizenship to the 7 Shri Dinesh Singh, ‘The Indian Indian Diaspora the officials are said to be Indian Diaspora and voting rights Parliament and Foreign Policy’, free and frank. Discussions to them. The Parliamentarian. Volume 51, and voting rights to are substantive and on merit; The role of Parliament in the No 3, July 1970, p157. them.” Members belonging to different making of foreign policy was very

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 329 WHY PARLIAMENTARIANS ARE KEY TO ENHANCING ACCOUNTABILITY IN HEALTH SERVICE DELIVERY

WHY PARLIAMENTARIANS ARE KEY TO ENHANCING ACCOUNTABILITY IN HEALTH SERVICE DELIVERY

The COVID-19 pandemic is to the contraction of identifying savings and the most pivotal event in our productive sectors and maximising the effectiveness lifetime, already disrupting overall GDP, causing of all possible resources is how we work, socialise, travel increased unemployment key, particularly for developing and in some cases, changing and necessitating massive countries that do not have the nature of relationships budgetary reallocations to reserves for economic between state and citizen. Apart fnance urgent expenses in recovery. But even before the from the staggering statistics health and other essential pandemic, appropriate and on the number of deaths, services. For example, growth in efficient resource allocation, particularly among the poor, Sub-Saharan Africa is predicted particularly for health service Fergus Drake is vulnerable, women and ethnic to fall to -3.3% in 2020, pushing delivery, was a challenge for the Chief Executive minorities, it is having a toll on the region into its frst recession many governments. of Crown Agents, family violence, mental health, in 25 years. Projections suggest This article aims to share a not-for-profit education opportunities and of that COVID-19 could push 71 our experience of working course livelihoods. While the million people into extreme with governments to build an international extent of the economic damage poverty in 2020, 40 million of evidence base for effective development is still unclear, a baseline whom would be living in Sub- allocation and expenditure of company, established forecast by the World Bank Saharan Africa. As a result, the resources in health service in 1833. Crown Agents envisions the deepest global global extreme poverty rate delivery. Given the crucial work reaches over recession since World War II. would increase for the frst time role Parliamentarians play 120 million people since 1998 and progress made in overseeing government The challenge ahead since 2017 would be wiped out. expenditure, it will also outline in 60 countries, In attempting to respond Against this backdrop, ideas, resources and ways with expertise to the health emergency, in Public Sector governments have had to Transformation, rapidly re-allocate fnancial and Humanitarian human resources to secure the & Stabilisation, drugs and equipment required to adapt control and treatment Procurement reform, measures. At the same time, Last Mile Supply businesses and households’ Chain, Health System need for fnancial support to Strengthening survive the resulting economic and Training downturn continues to grow. & Professional These competing needs are forcing governments to make Development. Prior to difficult decisions about how to Crown Agents, Fergus allocate limited public resources was Executive Director to best mitigate the health and of Global Programmes socio-economic impacts of the at Save the Children pandemic, while retaining the UK from 2009 to 2017. confdence of their citizens. It is clear COVID-19 has- and will- lead to serious fscal stress within governments’ public fnances and reduced revenue collections due

330 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 for money in procurement expenditure, and identify value provide transparency, track and make resource allocations, use of data to identify needs experience - which is that the transparency citizens. e pandemic has been more rapid, and economic response to the and transparent, their health g Evidence exists that where Our this di livelihood needs are served in the most severe health and time, make sure that those with cost savings, and, at the same respective country to ensure untrialled ideas in his/her inspire the reader to consider we hope our contribution will available resources. Ultimately, e t in which legislators can use heir powers to maximise the ff ffi overnments are accountable ective and credible with This analysis aligns with our ciency and e f ffi ndings: Data and cult time. 1 are key ff ectiveness of the e treatment and help maximise demand for health services or c Local epidemiological data demand public citizen-state relationship. In public and strengthening the health outcomes for the accountability has for tangible the huge potential increased we also have experienced a challenge in many contexts, accessing robust data may be resources. e maximises e by Maximize resource allocation for citizens. truly transformative outcomes profound di management process makes a each stage of the inform decision-making at example, the use of data to and procurement reform, for an support identi ff ectiveness of scarce Whilst we recognise that using data to identify ffi f ciency of resource nancial management ff ffi erence in creating ciency and f f nancial cation of The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | t are properly accounted for used for their intended purpose, crucial to ensuring that they are E through Ensure value for money variations in health. needed to respond to local governments have the to ensure subnational less strict grant conditionality Population has now introduced the Ministry of Health and As a result of these to be prevalent in all areas. the diseases are not thought target countries, even though and municipalities of one of the disbursed across all provinces NTD programming were equally federal government grants for Diseases, we identi and contain Neglected Tropical Health Ministries to eliminate programme working with 11 UK Government-funded in delivering ASCEND, a allocations. For example, he use of public funds are ff ective systems for tracking WHY PARLIAMENTARIANS ARE KEY tracking expenditure TO ENHANCING ACCOUNTABILITY IN HEALTH SERVICE DELIVERY f f ed that ndings, f exibility accounting and local government budgeting, deliver a web-based system for local software developer to have been working with a In Nepal, for example, we and deliver value for money. draw on audit reports for tracked: Firstly, Parliament can adequately allocated and to ensure expenditure is variety of tools at their disposal for how funds have been used. to hold government to account internet browser, enabling them and the wider public through an available to local assemblies pandemic. This data is made response to the COVID-19 is also tracking spending in religion, ethnicity and age. It based on gender, caste, enables tracking of expenditure throughout the country and reporting. The system is used presented to Parliament as part actual – when the accounts are expenditures – planned and on all domestic health sector Parliamentarians have a f nancial f gures 331

Image: Crown Agents. WHY PARLIAMENTARIANS ARE KEY TO ENHANCING ACCOUNTABILITY IN HEALTH SERVICE DELIVERY

“Parliamentarians attention to resources reaching public fnances if well managed. protections for the those most in need and that Good public procurement Government in the have a crucial role to new policies achieve the means efficient provision of event of contractor non- play in monitoring right balance of maximising quality-assured life-saving performance. whether scarce revenue and stimulating health equipment like PPE and • Applying a standard growth. Parliamentarians also ventilators to hospitals and Value for Money (VFM) resources are used have an important role to patients; and assurance for assessment methodology effectively and play around intergenerational all that public funding is being across all tenders, leading regarding the additional used effectively for the public to a standardised approach whether resource borrowing to fnance these good. to VFM negotiations. allocation and plans and who will eventually Having worked directly economic recovery pay back this debt. An excellent with 45 countries on their The fnancial savings resource for evidence-based COVID-19 responses and resulting from applying these plans take into policy responses for good procuring over 2.4m items practices can be signifcant. account the most public governance, including of PPE, Crown Agents has Together with the Government guidance on legislative budget experienced frst-hand how of Ghana, for example, we have vulnerable and oversight of emergency effective public procurement reviewed over US$400m worth socially excluded in responses, has been published can impact on the functionality of public contracts to build by the OECD and can be found of health systems, and on the hospitals, colleges and housing. society.” in the link below.3 consequent preparedness In the frst six months of 2019 of entire countries for health alone, this review generated Coordinate donor fund crises. Effectiveness can over US$20m in savings. allocation with existing be strengthened when In Ukraine, similar methods of national budgets and plans. domestic allocations governments identify where generated US$62m worth of In addition, Parliamentarians can Understanding the total they can improve value savings on oncology medicines challenge their governments resources available for health for money in public sector since 2016 in collaboration through as services requires transparency procurement and then with the Ministry of Health, by well as the Public Accounts in all foreign and domestic implement reforms to learn from using global tenders for high Committee (PAC) and demand contributions and allocations. any cost savings in future. quality medicines, engaging 95 reporting on the use of all For many developing countries, This can be done by: international companies in the international assistance donor funding represents • Supporting the application bidding process as opposed to intended for the health a signifcant proportion of of transparent, consistent fve local bidders. As a result of system. Similarly, legislators national health budgets. Ideally, practices and the improved public procurement, can exercise parliamentary donor resources are placed use of data in tender hospitals had a sufficient supply oversight by reviewing into a sectoral budget for evaluations in line with of life-saving stents, which constituency health expenditure management by the relevant Open Contracting Global caused deaths by heart attacks to identify whether funds have Ministry. This enables all Principles. in Ukrainian hospitals falling by been spent effectively and funds to be aligned with and • Establishing clear 20% in 2018. whether there are any over or reported on through existing and comprehensive In order to ensure that public underspends.2 government systems. It also benchmark prices, so procurement provides value enables oversight of total health unrealistic bids are not for money, Parliamentarians Ensure resource allocation is funds, enabling resources accepted. have a variety of legislative inclusive and sustainable to be allocated according to • Preparing Standard powers at their disposal: The speed of responses to need, avoiding duplication. This Contractor Qualifcation Firstly, they can establish legal COVID-19 has necessitated leads to greater ownership, Criteria, to establish a set frameworks for procurement; emergency expenditures lower delivery costs and of minimum contractor debate and approve annual and reallocations. However, strengthening of existing qualifcations with respect and supplementary budget generally the presentation of systems. to past performance, authorisations; request reports budget plans to Parliament is experience of personnel from, or hold hearings with, an opportunity to scrutinise Make savings through and fnancial resources of government and industry allocations and ensure these transparency in public the Contractor’s company, officials regarding specifc are in line with need and policy procurement to ensure only credible tenders and contracts; hear priorities. As governments Public contracts are the second bidders can tender. testimonies by government develop economic recovery biggest item of spending for • Selecting/preparing officials; and, in some cases, plans, Parliamentarians can most governments, thereby the applicable general approve procurement awards provide oversight of the presenting a high corruption and special conditions above a certain amount.4 implementation of additional risk but also offering a of contract, to ensure Further ideas and guidance on spending by ensuring there is transformative opportunity for appropriate legal strengthening transparency

332 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 WHY PARLIAMENTARIANS ARE KEY TO ENHANCING ACCOUNTABILITY IN HEALTH SERVICE DELIVERY Image: Crown Agents. Crown Image:

over procurement during procurement. to provide some food for Partnership provides a guide, COVID-19 from the Open • Identifying savings and thought on how resources can resources and ideas from Contracting Partnership can maximise efficiencies be used most effectively in across the globe on responses be accessed through the link by using the Public some areas of health delivery to COVID-19 including on below. Support to improving Accounts Committee to and procurement, freeing up fscal openness - https:// procurement practice, in the review audit fndings and domestic resources where www.opengovpartnership. form of best practice principles demand transparency in possible. We hope that this org/documents/a-guide-to- and frameworks, is available. international assistance. knowledge will be useful for open-government-and-the- • Monitoring impact Parliamentarians in exercising coronavirus/ Action points for by working with local their oversight duties as well 3 http://www.oecd.org/ Parliamentarians at a glance constituencies, civil society as starting the conversations governance/public-governance- Parliamentarians have a crucial and groups like the Open needed with their governmental responses-to-covid19/ role to play in monitoring Government Partnership to counterparts to ensure that 4 Geneva Centre for the whether scarce resources track expenditure. wastage of public resources Democratic Control of the are used effectively and • Contributing to a can be minimised wherever Armed Forces. Parliament’s whether resource allocation strengthened social possible. role in Defence Procurement. and economic recovery compact through increased DCAF Backgrounder, plans take into account the state-citizen trust, For further information about the October 2006, accessed most vulnerable and socially underpinning future post- work of Crown Agents please visit 30 October 2020, https:// excluded in society. They can COVID-19 improvements in www.crownagents.com. ukrainesecuritysector.com/ do this by: revenue collections, service wp-content/uploads/2016/08/ • Ensuring services get delivery, and health and References: Parliaments-Role-in-Defence- to those in need by education outcomes for all. 1 Bremmer, I. The Best Global Procurement_ENG.pdf supporting data-driven Responses to COVID-19 5 https://www.open-contracting. resource allocations. Conclusion Pandemic. Time, 12 June 2020, org/2020/04/08/5-procurement- • Strengthening COVID-19 and its impacts accessed 30 October 2020, strategies-for-navigating-the- transparency by applying remain a huge socioeconomic https://time.com/5851633/best- covid-19-crisis-from-around-the- global standards and challenge for the global global-responses-covid-19/ world/ guidance for public community. This article aimed 2 The Open Government

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 333 THE CITY OF LONDON, ITS REMEMBRANCER AND THE COMMONWEALTH

THE CITY OF LONDON, ITS REMEMBRANCER AND THE COMMONWEALTH

The City of London’s Remembrancer writes about the many links between the City of London and the Commonwealth.

The City of London occupies the children of Lord Protector, concerns, added to the fact a special place in the British Edward Seymour, Duke of that, somewhat mysteriously, constitution. Avid internet Somerset, who governed the the identity of those he was to surfers may have found it country in the frst years of be accountable to in the City described as ‘a city within a the reign of boy king Edward of London was not stated in city’, referring as it does to the VI and was married to the his instrument of appointment. ancient capital occupying just daughter of the Archbishop of It might be concluded that he one square mile in the centre Canterbury, Thomas Cranmer. was really as much the agent of the London metropolis. His patron was William Cecil, of Queen Elizabeth I than he Described by the Roman Lord Burghley, principal adviser was the City’s. This supposition Paul Double, LVO, historian and politician, Tacitus, to Queen Elizabeth I for most is reinforced by the fact that OStJ has served as as “a busy emporium for trade of her reign and Thomas the City of London was rather the City of London’s and traders”, it is now the home Walsingham, Elizabeth’s keen to get rid of the office Remembrancer since of one of the world’s leading - if spymaster. He also had political when Norton died. It took a not the leading - international experience as a Member letter from Queen Elizabeth 2003. He was called fnancial centres. Yet the nature of Parliament, a position he recommending diplomat, to the bar in 1981 of the government of the City of maintained as one of the four Dr Giles Fletcher, another and he is a Bencher London has a primarily Saxon Members then representing the well-known fgure at Queen of the Middle Temple. origin and it still enjoys a degree City of London on becoming Elizabeth’s Court and a former He was made a of independence from its Remembrancer. Member of Parliament, to the Freeman of the City slightly less historic neighbour With all that background it is Office of Remembrancer. to its west at the Palace of difficult to reconcile the notion While Remembrancer, Fletcher of London in 1985 Westminster. When it comes to of an essentially clerical job as acted as Queen Elizabeth’s and has served as its officials, that distinctiveness a record keeper. Looking at Ambassador to Russia and was one of Her Majesty’s is represented in parliamentary Norton’s activities, which were made the Queen’s Master of Commissioners of affairs by the Remembrancer. really as much concerned with Requests to act for the Lord Lieutenancy for the The Remembrancer the nation’s than the City’s Privy Seal. City of London since is the product of the frst Elizabethan age, the office Below: At Guildhall in March 2007, the President of the Republic of 2018 and Under having been created in 1571. Ghana John Agyekum Kufuor speaks at a banquet hosted by the Sheriff of the City of The circumstances of its Lord of London, John Stuttard and the City of London during London since 2017. creation, like the reason for the the Ghanaian State Visit to the United Kingdom. He is Director of Lord name of the Office, is unclear. Mayor’s Show Limited The government of the City which organises of London did suffer from a record keeping problem in the the historic annual 16th century and an official to pageant held in keep matters ‘in remembrance’ – to report and record City London to mark the Archives. London of City Image: election of the Lord affairs and keep the records Mayor of London in order, is one explanation. and is also sponsor That, however, does not really accord with the person frst of the City of London chosen to undertake the role, Corporation’s Multi- Thomas Norton. He was well Faith Network. known in the Court of Queen Elizabeth I. He had been tutor to

334 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 w protocol, inward o based diplomatic corps on (FCDO) and the London- and Development O Foreign, Commonwealth and with the United Kingdom’s and ceremonial occasions, state and major public events with the Royal households for ‘go-between’ role for the City Remembrancer has a similar interests in Parliament. The and monitor of the City’s of the City’s constitution also acts as a general guardian own measures in this way. He few bodies which promotes its of London is one of the very parliamentary bills. The City promoting the City’s private City’s Parliamentary Agent, incumbent). He acts as the barrister (as with the current is customarily held by a Law O is one of the City of London’s Kingdom. The Remembrancer and the Parliament of the United between the City of London level channel of communication be a she in the role) is the o ‘political’. He (there has yet to de today re types have transformed. public’s right to information of all privilege. How views about the then a breach of parliamentary parliamentary proceedings, the 1760s and 1770s to publish role in the early attempts during with , had a leading notably was Brass Crosby who, on issues of the day. Most have taken very public positions those who have held the o have been instances where although it is fair to say there Parliament at Westminster, with the United Kingdom’s a towards the City of London’s and became more orientated Remembrancer lessened, expression of the work of the ff hich followed the public airs and its relationship f Over the centuries The role of Remembrancer nitely now ‘o ffi cers, and the O f ects its past but is very ffi ffi cial’ and not cial visits ffi ce ffi ce ffi ffi ce cial more speci O in the ongoing work of the continuous item of business Commonwealth features as a Commonwealth links. The role have, in various ways, involvement in such occasions. City of London’s long history of and events. This continues the arrival on UK shores of the to mark 100 years since the A dinner was even held in 1982 recent examples of these Visits. Africa and Singapore are more business events. Ghana, South banquets with accompanying of major formal dinners or State Visits, usually in the form receptions to Commonwealth Games and from health conferences, the City of London have ranged Guildhall and Mansion House in decades. Occasions marked at the City of London over the Commonwealth dignitaries to for welcoming thousands of made the o the O example of this feature, but typically held annually, is one debate on the Commonwealth, Parliament. The Lords in the United Kingdom’s of Commons and House of to Members of the House work on events, the O Negotiations. Through its Inquiry into UK-Australia Trade Agreements Sub-Committee House of Lords International proceedings, such as the recent Sir Noel Vansittart Bowater, then Lord Mayor of London, events. Two weeks later, the most notable Commonwealth the City would host one of its tour of the Commonwealth, that London after a very long Royal of Edinburgh) entered the City of Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke (carrying onboard Her Majesty when the Royal Yacht Britannia Zealand lamb! shipment of refrigerated New ffi All the elements of the However, it was in 1954 ce in parliamentary brie ffi ce also inputs into f ffi cally focused cial arrangements ffi ce has f f rst ngs The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | Zealand, the Flying Doctor she had witnessed in New geothermal power generation on the developments in Queen Elizabeth II reported globe. For example, in 1954, their journeys to all parts of the for the sharing of insights from media) provided a platform news reporting (let alone social and, in the days before 24-hour customary in the City of London homecomings were once execution.” inspired conception and brilliant tour as six-month long Commonwealth where he described the couple’s at a Mansion House luncheon, hosted the young Royal couple Above: At the Commonwealth Flag Raising at Guildhall in the City from a London primary school for the annual Commonwealth Events to mark Royal of London on 11 March 2019, the City Remembrancer and Chief Commoner of the City of London with pupils and teaching sta “an achievement of THE CITY OF LONDON, ITS REMEMBRANCER AND THE COMMONWEALTH Joined by leading Philip had recently returned. Iran, from which she and Prince to India, Pakistan, Nepal and shared accounts of her journey by the Lord Mayor, The Queen Luncheon hosted at Guildhall Dam in Uganda. In 1961 at a opening of the Owen Falls Service in Australia and the hospitality she and Prince Philip and warmly recalled the feeling of a family gathering” having the described the occasion as for the event), The Queen who had travelled to London Commonwealth Prime Ministers a number of Her other serving Minister, Harold Macmillan and day (including then UK Prime “particularly pleasant raising ceremony. f gures of the f 335 , ag ff

Image: City of London Archives. THE CITY OF LONDON, ITS REMEMBRANCER AND THE COMMONWEALTH

Right: At the Commonwealth High Commissioners’ Banquet at the Guildhall in 2016, the Company of Pikemen and Musketeers form a guard of honour for Her Majesty The Queen accompanied by the Lord Mayor of London, Jeffrey Evans to mark the inclusion of Epping Forest in The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy initiative. Image: Gerald Sharp Photography/City of London Archives. London of Photography/City Sharp Gerald Image: had received on their journey. The types of events that the Office of the City Remembrancer organises on behalf of the City of London may now have evolved, but the City’s commitment to the Commonwealth remains. Occasions such as the community and broader friendship is as deep rooted be driven in the right direction.” (pre-lockdown) Red Cross international contacts to in the City of London as it is Though most of the practical Australian Bushfre Appeal come together in the grand in the Commonwealth and in reasons for obtaining the event, co-hosted by the Lord surroundings of the Guildhall, 1996 and 2013 respectively, Freedom of the City have Mayor of London and the High and is one of the City’s two great friends from South disappeared, it remains a Commissioner for Australia principal annual diplomatic Africa – Nelson Mandela unique part of London’s to the United Kingdom and Commonwealth engagements. and Archbishop Desmond heritage and key to furthering attended by HRH The Prince of Beyond events, the Office Tutu - joined the list of world mutual understanding and Wales, demonstrate the close was fortunate to have the fgures who have received the diplomatic relations more and enduring bond between opportunity to play a leading City’s ‘right hand of fellowship’ generally. In 2014, Lee Hsien the City of London and the part in securing agreement when they were admitted as Loong, Prime Minister of Commonwealth nations. for the City’s inclusion of the Honorary Freemen of the City Singapore was received by New expressions of the 6,000 acres of Epping Forest, of London. These occasions the then Lord Mayor, Dame bond develop, as with the north of London, as part of the are another aspect of City Fiona Woolf, at Mansion House event each year in March, Royal Commonwealth Society’s tradition arranged through the for his Freedom ceremony. when the Commonwealth Queen’s Commonwealth Remembrancer for the City of Admissions are sometimes held Flag is now raised above the Canopy initiative. Separately, London Corporation. Nelson there - the Lord Mayor’s official Guildhall in the company of through collaboration and links Mandela was the frst Head of residence - but are more usually local schoolchildren to mark with Commonwealth institutions, State in Office since 1768, and held at the Guildhall. In addition Commonwealth Day (this year the City of London Corporation the frst ever Commonwealth to Heads of Government, a also marked with an event by is seeking to refne its ability to be honoured in range of Commonwealth High the Commonwealth Youth to promote UK trade and this way (other recipients having Commissioners have received Choir), and the developing investment opportunities across been heads of government the Freedom of the City of relationship with Goodenough Commonwealth member states. rather than Heads of State when London in ceremonies arranged College, the postgraduate In 2015, the Office was active admitted). In addressing guests through the Remembrancer’s London residential campus in engaging in the process at his Freedom Ceremony, Office. The privilege has also with strong City of London and by which the City of London Mandela spoke fondly of his been extended to successive Commonwealth connections Corporation became a founding admiration for multi-cultural Secretaries-General of the of which the current partner (now Strategic Partner) London. Archbishop Tutu, Commonwealth. Remembrancer is a Fellow. in the establishment of the speaking at his own Freedom The Office has either The Office works closely Commonwealth Enterprise and ceremony, referenced one of collaborated with or played with the Royal Commonwealth Investment Council (CWEIC) – the more traditional reasons for host at the Guildhall on behalf Society in jointly hosting the as part of its plan to enhance its obtaining the Freedom when of the City of London to a annual High Commissioners’ contacts with business and its he likened the novel privilege number of Commonwealth Banquet. This historic event, decision makers and across the of driving sheep over London Parliamentary Events – frst held in 1874, provides an Commonwealth generally. Bridge to his “life as a shepherd including Commonwealth opportunity for the business The importance of with a difficult fock, needing to Speaker conferences, the

336 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 THE CITY OF LONDON, ITS REMEMBRANCER AND THE COMMONWEALTH

Commonwealth Parliamentary beyond, at the Conference – 1980) hailed from Mannville, the Lord Mayor has visited Association International of the Commonwealth Alberta, Canada. include Cyprus, Malta, Sri Parliamentary Governance Association of Legislative A large part of the Lord Lanka and Malaysia, as well as Seminar in 2009, and Counsel (CALC) in Livingstone, Mayor’s job is to serve as an numerous countries in Africa, receptions to mark the Zambia and subsequently international ambassador for including Kenya, Tanzania, Association’s ‘ to at the Commonwealth Law the UK based fnancial and Uganda, Ghana, Mozambique, Commonwealth Charter’ and Conference. The trip was not professional services sector, Zambia and . The ‘International Parliamentary only an opportunity for debate promoting both the City of current Lord Mayor, William Conference on National and discussion on legislative London’s and the UK’s regional Russell has not escaped the Security’ conferences (held in and procedural matters in offer, in priority growth markets impacts of COVID-19, and 2015 and 2017 respectively). Commonwealth jurisdictions, but overseas. This ambassadorial subsequent travel constraints In both 2009 and 2015, also allowed for engagement role incorporates a packed have resulted in his programme Serjeants at Arms and security on broader cultural fronts such programme of overseas of overseas visits ‘going digital’. professionals from across as at the Livingstone Museum in visits, with Commonwealth Exceptionally, Lord Mayor the Commonwealth were the margins of the conference destinations and attendance Russell will serve a second welcomed to Guildhall dinners and in fostering broader mutually at related events (such as the term and the resumption organised by the Office of the benefcial connections for which Commonwealth Heads of of in-person visits is keenly City Remembrancer. At the 2015 the Commonwealth is so well Government CHOGM Business awaited. Though physical event, which celebrated 600 suited. Forum in Malta in 2015) regularly visits may now be on the ‘back years of the Office of Serjeant- If the Remembrancer has a featuring in the programme. burner’ for the moment, ‘virtual’ at-Arms, Sir David Wootton (the primarily domestic focus, the The Remembrancer’s Office overseas visits comprising of Lord Mayor locum tenens at the same certainly cannot be said input into this programme is high-profle meetings carried time ) noted that Guildhall was of the Lord Mayor of London. primarily in providing diplomatic out via video conference, just three years older and went The Lord Mayor plays a leading or political advice. have proven themselves to on to introduce the City’s own role in promoting partnerships The emergence of be valuable alternatives – Serjeant at Arms and Common and dialogue between the City Commonwealth countries with the Lord Mayor already Cryer – the admittedly highly and business around the world. as a major economic force in having completed extensive experienced Geoffrey Spanning almost 900 years, the which UK based fnancial and ‘virtual’ visits to Australia Godbold – whom he remarked Lord Mayor of London is one of professional services sector and Singapore. The City’s ‘didn’t look a day over 599’! the world’s oldest continuously has substantial engagement aspirations to enhance The Remembrancer’s work elected civic offices and has further emphasises the Commonwealth relations are keeps him mainly in London in the past been held by non- desirability of enhancing evident, with engagement at but there are occasions when British born citizens of the relations generally. Following the next CHOGM in Rwanda Commonwealth engagement Commonwealth. Indeed, Lord the establishment of an office (whether virtually or in person) a occurs abroad. In April 2019, the Mayor, Sir Leslie Boyce (1951 – in in 2008, India now highlight in the pipeline for 2021. current Remembrancer joined 1952) was born in Taree, New forms an integral part of the As the UK embraces over 130 drafters and guests South Wales, Australia, and Lord Lord Mayor’s Overseas Visits a new global outlook, the from the Commonwealth and Mayor, Peter Gadsden (1979 programme along with those of Remembrancer and his the City’s Chair of Policy. More colleagues at the City of London Above: At Guildhall in October 2014, the President of the Republic recent visits have emphasised Corporation will continue to of Singapore, Tony Tan Keng Yam signs the City of London’s infrastructure development foster the City’s relationship with distinguished visitors’ book, observed by his wife Mary Tan and the and public private partnerships. Commonwealth organisations, Lord Mayor of London, Fiona Woolf. On visits to Australia and New engage with friends, both old Zealand, delegations led by the and new, from across the ffty- Lord Mayor have focused on four nations and carefully follow key industries such as green and feed into Commonwealth fnance, cyber security and asset business raised in the UK management. The establishment Parliament. As with the City of a ‘FinTech Bridge’ between of London itself, one could the UK and Australia to write volumes of books on the Image: City of London Archives. London of City Image: encourage industry partnerships history of the Office of the City followed one such visit. Remembrancer and could also, Between 2014 and 2019, no doubt, be reassured that the Lord Mayor made three there is far more yet to come. visits to Canada, four to both India and South Africa For more information about the and six to Singapore. Other City of London please visit Commonwealth countries that www.cityofondon.gov.uk.

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 337 HANSARD TECHNOLOGY: ALL CHANGE FOR THE OFFICIAL REPORT

HANSARD TECHNOLOGY: ALL CHANGE FOR THE OFFICIAL REPORT

New technology in the UK Parliament brings automated speech software trials to the Hansard Team.

The term ‘Hansard’ has cassette tapes, which were improvements in accuracy long been well known carried around between offices reported in this technology be around the Parliaments of and Committee Rooms at the translated into an effective tool the Commonwealth as the , have to assist with the production verbatim record of what is said been replaced by a digital audio of the record? Previous trials in a national, state or provincial recording and playback system. in the 90s and early 2000s Parliament. Since the 1990s, the number using off-the-shelf products Thomas Curson Hansard of daily Hansard editions had foundered at an early added his name to the UK produced in printed form has stage. Secondly, could we publication in 1829, and in the declined dramatically, falling use a customised audio-to-text Jack Homer is UK House of Commons a full in the House of Commons alignment system to enable the Deputy Editor of report was defned in 1907 as from over 10,000 to fewer Hansard reports to be displayed the Official Report one “which, though not strictly than 500. The entire Hansard as subtitles on video-on- (Hansard) in the verbatim, is substantially the archive has been digitised using demand and bring to our video verbatim report, with repetitions optical character recognition, archive the same searchability United Kingdom and redundancies omitted increasing many times over the that the Hansard text enjoys? In Parliament’s House of and with obvious mistakes volume of content accessible both cases, we didn’t have the Commons. corrected, but which on the online, and there is an capacity to rebuild our existing other hand leaves out nothing ongoing project to improve its systems from the ground up, that adds to the meaning of searchability and accuracy. and therefore wanted the the speech or illustrates the Hansard is now technology to be capable of argument.” predominantly read online by easy integration. When I joined Hansard in a much larger readership, with We had a good starting the UK House of Commons millions of unique page views point. Thousands of hours of in 1997, many aspects of the on debates such as those recordings with accompanying Official Report had changed prompted by public e-petitions, transcripts form a good basis for signifcantly since it came and it is published within three ‘training’ a speech recognition into being, although the 1907 hours of the words having been terms of reference remained spoken. Proceedings in the UK the same. One example of Parliament are also watched “It was against fundamental change is that the online, with a huge increase in verbatim record is now available the amount of live video being this background for free and from a single streamed since fbre connectivity of change that authoritative source; originally was installed in Parliamentary there were multiple competing Committee Rooms. Hansard in the UK accounts, each of which cost It was against this House of Commons money to buy. background of change that embarked on a trial But in the past 25 years the Hansard in the UK House technology used to produce of Commons embarked on of using customised and publish the written record a trial of using customised automated speech has transformed almost beyond automated speech recognition recognition. (ASR) technology to assist with recognition (ASR) The advent of resilient, producing and publishing the technology to assist reliable audio recording has official record. with producing meant our 90-strong staff no We wanted to explore two longer rely on shorthand and things. First, at a very simple and publishing the stenography. Hundreds of level, could the dramatic official record.”

338 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 HANSARD TECHNOLOGY: ALL CHANGE FOR THE OFFICIAL REPORT

system - something Quorate Technology specialises in. The company was formed in 2012 as a spin-out from Edinburgh University, and took time to understand our workfows and appreciated that ASR Parliament UK copyright: Image technology could at best assist, rather than replace, the professional Hansard reporter. We began by deciding the best way of sharing the data for the trial. Although it is all publicly available, we had a large task to do in matching audio recordings with transcripts and allowing them to be processed in a meaningful way. In the end we managed to process several thousand The UK House of Commons public meetings. This allowed the creation of a language system. We called the frst the takes a transcript and uses Knowing when, as well as model - based on the words and ‘live recogniser’, as it listens to the accompanying audio to how, to make best use of the phrases used in parliamentary what is happening on the public populate it with time codes. In technology is fast becoming proceedings - as well as an broadcast and produces text in layman’s terms, we were able to part of the skillset of our acoustic model based on the a near-live fashion. Between prove that transcripts could be reporters. It also seems likely phonic characteristics of our 1 September and 23 October consistently aligned with video to help open up the role to a recordings. 2020, this amounted to 1,202 so as to be used as subtitling much wider group of potential Ideally, speech recognition hours of recordings. or to allow better video search. candidates, as it is clear that systems are trained using The level of accuracy Although sometimes long today’s recruits expect a clean audio recordings and attained is impressive at periods of silence, such as dynamic working environment fully verbatim transcripts. One around 90% on average, during votes, cause problems, to include the types of difficulty for us was that Hansard but crucially our reporters, the trial was an object lesson innovation they use daily in their contains a varying amount of who work with fve-minute in how to deal with them. The personal lives. text that is not spoken, such chunks in order to ensure format in which the aligned At the same time, human as procedural items or voting speedy production, can use transcripts are delivered means intelligence doesn’t look like lists. Some things are left or discard this material as they that they are compatible with being replaced just yet. What out because they are usually like. Sometimes a completely mainstream video players. would Thomas Curson Hansard redundant in the written record, accurate representation of The alignment service opens make of today’s operation? such as Members being called what has been heard is very up the intriguing possibility I don’t think it wouldn’t be to speak, while others, such as useful to a Hansard reporter, of aligning Hansard with the completely unfamiliar. While names, constituencies and party but sometimes it is less so, broadcast audio archive a lot has changed in Hansard affiliations, are added. especially if there are stutters extending back to 1989. over the years, our key aims - Our audio recordings also or false starts, or a lot of Does ASR have a long- an authoritative and accurate contain periods of silence, and background noise. term future for Hansard? report, produced in a speedy sometimes - believe it or not - One good thing about Undoubtedly it does. It can help fashion - remain the same. periods where there’s a lot of building a bespoke language reporters who are processing background noise and even the model is that the ‘house style’ a huge amount of spoken For more information about the work of odd bit of shouting. The volume - the rules on whether words words and need to concentrate Hansard at the UK Parliament please in the Chamber can range from are upper or lower case, on on clearly presenting what visit https://hansard.parliament.uk/. extremely quiet, as it is often is how numbers and dates are has been said, and on during an Adjournment debate, rendered, or on contractions understanding the argument, For more information about Quorate right through to the noise of such as ‘hon. Gentleman’ for rather than on typing. We have Technology, developed as a spin-out Prime Minister’s Questions. ‘honourable Gentleman’ are also started to realise its huge from The University of Edinburgh’s Once the models were built, automatically incorporated potential in terms of aligning world-leading Centre for Speech we ended up with two things: without the need for manual text with video, and we will Technology Research please visit a near-live ASR system and tweaking. be looking to how to advance https://quoratetechnology.com/. an audio-to-text alignment The alignment service these benefts in future.

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 339 PARLIAMENTARY EXPRESSIONS AND PRACTICES

PARLIAMENTARY EXPRESSIONS AND PRACTICES

In the third of a three-part series, this article looks at the origins and history of some of the parliamentary expressions and practices used in many Parliaments and Legislatures in the Commonwealth and beyond.

PART THREE obstruct the measure by States Senate. It is not part of speaking continuously until the US Constitution, becoming ‘Filibustering’1 nightfall. As the Roman Senate theoretically possible with a Another parliamentary had a rule requiring all business change of Senate rules only in expression used in the legislative to conclude by dusk, Cato’s 1806, and wasn’t used until 1837. context is ‘Filibustering’. What purposefully long-winded It was strengthened in 1975 and does ‘Filibustering’ mean in the speeches were an effective in recent decades has come to parliamentary/legislative context? device to forestall a vote. Cato mean that most major legislation The Concise Oxford English attempted to use the flibuster at (apart from budgets) requires Dictionary defnes ‘’ as least twice to frustrate the political a 60% vote to bring a Bill or Ravindra “prolonged speaking or other objectives of Julius Caesar. nomination to the foor for a vote. Garimella is a action which obstructs progress In recent years, the majority had Consultant at the Lok in a Legislative Assembly while Etymology preferred to avoid ‘flibusters’ Sabha Secretariat, not technically contravening The term ‘flibuster’ ultimately by moving to other business the required procedures.” In derives from the Dutch ‘vrijbuiter’ when a ‘flibuster’ is threatened Parliament of India. its historical context, the term (‘freebooter’, a pillaging and and attempts to achieve cloture He has been a regular has been defned as “a person plundering adventurer). The (closure) have failed. Defenders contributor to The engaging in unauthorised Oxford English Dictionary fnds of the tool call the ‘flibuster’ – Parliamentarian warfare against a foreign state.” its only known use in early ‘The soul of the Senate’. and writes the Third ‘Filibustering’ is to modern English in a 1587 book US Senate rules permit a Reading reports deliberately waste time during describing ‘fibutors’ who robbed Senator or Senators to speak a debate by making overlong supply convoys. In the late for as long as they wish and on on behalf of the speeches or raising unnecessary eighteenth century, the term any topic they choose, unless Parliament of India for procedural points. In this way a was re-borrowed into English ‘three-ffths of the Senators duly the Journal. Bill or a motion may be ‘talked from its French form ‘fibustier’, a chosen and sworn’ (usually 60 out’: ie stopped from making form that was used until the mid- out of 100 Senators) bring the progress within the time allowed. nineteenth century. A ‘flibuster’ is a parliamentary The modern form ‘flibuster’ procedure where debate over a was borrowed in the early “‘Filibustering’ is to proposed piece of legislation is 1850s from the Spanish form deliberately waste extended, allowing one or more ‘flibustero’, and was applied to Members to delay or entirely private military adventurers like time during a debate prevent a vote on the proposal. William Walker who were then by making overlong It is sometimes referred to as attacking and pillaging Spanish ‘talking out a Bill’ or ‘talking a colonies in Central America. speeches or raising Bill to death’ and characterized Eventually, over the course unnecessary as a form of obstruction in a of the mid to late nineteenth procedural points. Legislature or other decision- century, the term ‘flibustering’ making body. became common in American In this way a in the sense of or a motion may Ancient Rome ‘obstructing progress in a One of the frst known Legislative Assembly’. be ‘talked out’: practitioners of the ‘flibuster’ ie stopped from was the Roman Senator, Cato Examples of ‘Filibustering’ in making progress the Younger. In debates over the US Congress Legislation, he especially The ‘flibuster’ is a powerful within the time opposed, Cato would often legislative device in the United allowed.”

340 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 PARLIAMENTARY EXPRESSIONS AND PRACTICES

The Congress of the United States of America.

debate to a close by invoking rather than the three-ffths of In many cases, an objection the minority can force another ‘cloture’ (cloture is a US term votes previously required. A to a request for unanimous vote by moving to request or closure according to the Concise three-ffths is still consent will compel a vote. compel the attendance of absent Oxford Dictionary) under Senate required to end ‘flibusters’ on While forcing a single vote may Senators. Finally, Senators can Rule XXII. legislation. On 6 April 2017, the not be an effective delaying force votes by moving to adjourn, The removal or substantial Republican-controlled Senate tool, the cumulative effect of or by raising specious points of limitation of the ‘flibuster’ is voted 52 to 48 to require only a several votes, which take at order and appealing the ruling of called the constitutional option majority vote to end a ‘flibuster’ least 15 minutes apiece, can the Chair. by proponents, and the nuclear of Supreme Court nominees. be substantial. In addition to The most effective methods option by opponents. Under While talking out a measure objecting to routine requests, of delay are those that force current US Senate rules, a is the most common form of Senators can force votes through the majority to invoke cloture rule change itself could be ‘flibuster’ in the Senate there are motions to adjourn and through multiple times on the same ‘flibustered’, with two-thirds of nevertheless though means of calls. Quorum calls are measure. The most common those Senators present and delaying and killing legislation. meant to establish the presence example is to ‘flibuster’ the voting (as opposed to the normal As the Senate routinely conducts or absence of a constitutional motion proceeding a Bill, then three-ffths of those sworn) business by unanimous consent, quorum, but Senators routinely ‘flibuster’ the Bill itself. This needing to vote to break the one Member can create at least use them to waste time while forces the majority to go through ‘flibuster’. Even if a ‘flibuster’ some delay by objecting to the waiting for the next speaker to the entire cloture process attempt is unsuccessful, the request. In some cases, such as come to the foor or for leaders twice in a row. If, as is common, process takes foor time. considering a Bill or resolution to negotiate off the foor. In the majority seeks to pass a On 21 November 2013, the on the day it is introduced or those cases, a Senator asks for substitute amendment to the Bill, Democratic-controlled US brought from the House, the unanimous consent to dispense a further cloture procedure is Senate voted 52 to 48 to require delay can be as long as a day. with the quorum call. If another needed for the amendment. only a majority vote to end a However, because this is a Senator objects, the Clerk The US Senate is particularly ‘flibuster’ of all Executive and legislative day, not a calendar must continue to call the roll of vulnerable to serial cloture judicial nominees, excluding day, the majority can mitigate it Senators, just as they would with votes when it and the House Supreme Court nominees, by briefy adjourning. a vote. If a call shows no quorum, have passed different versions

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 341 PARLIAMENTARY EXPRESSIONS AND PRACTICES

of the same Bill and want to Filibustering in the UK day’s parliamentary business included an attempt by go to conference (i.e., appoint Parliament on the Labour Prime Minister, Jacob Rees-Mogg, MP a Special Committee of both In the Parliament of the United Rt Hon. ’s 1,000th to amend the Bill to give chambers to merge the Bills). Kingdom, a Bill defeated by a day in office. However, the county of Somerset its Normally, the majority asks for ‘flibustering’ manoeuvre may since this business included own time zone, 15 minutes unanimous consent to: be said to have been ‘talked Prime Minister’s Questions, behind London. • Insist on its amendment(s), out’. The procedures of the UK Rt Hon. , the • In November 2014, or disagree with the House of Commons require Conservative Leader at that MPs Philip Davies and House’s amendments that Members cover only points time, was deprived of the Christopher Chope • Request, or agree to, a germane to the topic under opportunity of a high-profle successfully ‘flibustered’ a conference consideration or the debate confrontation with the Prime Private Member’s Bill that • Authorise the Presiding underway whilst speaking. A Minister. would prohibit retaliatory Officer to appoint Members few instances of ‘flibustering’ • On Friday 20 April 2007, a evictions. Davies’ speech of the Special Committee. manoeuvres in the House of Private Member’s Bill aimed was curtailed by the Deputy Commons and House of Lords at exempting Members Speaker, Dawn Primarolo for If the minority objects, those are outlined below: of Parliament from the disregarding her authority, motions are debatable (and • In 1874, Joseph Gillis Freedom of Information after she ordered the MP to therefore subject to a ‘flibuster’) Biggar started making long Act was ‘talked out’ by wrap up his then hour-long and divisible (meaning the speeches in the House a collection of MPs, led speech. A closure motion minority can force them to be of Commons to delay the by MPs Simon Hughes moved by the government, debated, and ‘flibustered’, passage of Irish coercion and Norman Baker who which was agreed to separately). Additionally, after acts. Charles Stewart Parnell, debated for 5 hours, 60-0, failed due to being the frst two motions pass, but a young Irish nationalist therefore running out of ‘inquorate’ (ie the Assembly before the third does, Senators Member of Parliament, who time for the parliamentary not having a quorum) can offer an unlimited number in 1880 became Leader of day and ‘sending the Bill • In October 2016, of motions to give the Special the Irish Parliamentary Party, to the bottom of the stack’. Government Minister, Sam Committee Members non- joined him in this tactic to However, since there were Gyimah, MP ‘flibustered’ binding instructions, which obstruct the business of no other Private Members’ a Bill sponsored by John are themselves debatable, the House and force the Bills to debate, it was Nicolson, MP that would amendable, and divisible. As Liberals and Conservatives resurrected the following pardon historic convictions a result, a determined minority to negotiate with him and Monday. of homosexuality (which can cause a great deal of delay his party. The tactic was • In January 2011, Members is no longer an offence), before a conference. enormously successful, of the House of Lords, replacing an existing law In the United States House of and Parnell and his MPs including most notably John that requires each pardon to Representatives, the ‘flibuster’ succeeded, for a time, in Prescott, were attempting be applied for separately. (the right to unlimited debate) forcing Parliament to take to delay the passage of was used until 1842, when a the Irish Question of return to the Parliamentary Voting The 21st century record permanent rule limiting the self-government seriously. System and Constituencies for ‘flibustering’ was set on 2 duration of debate was created. • In 1983, John Golding, MP Bill 2010 until after 16 December 2005 by Andrew The disappearing quorum was talked for over 11 hours February, the deadline Dismore, MP for Hendon. He a tactic used by the minority during an all-night sitting at given by the Electoral spoke for three hours and until Speaker Thomas Brackett the Committee Stage of the Commission to allow 17 minutes to block a Private Reed eliminated it in 1890. As the British Telecommunications the referendum on the Member’s Bill, the Criminal Law membership of the House grew Bill. However, as this was at a Alternative Vote to take (Amendment) (Protection of much larger than the Senate, Standing Committee and not place on 5 May. On the Property) Bill, which he claimed the House had acted earlier to in the House of Commons eighth day of debate, staff amounted to ‘vigilante law’. control foor debate and the chamber, he was also able in the House of Lords Interestingly, both Houses of delay and blocking of foor votes. to take breaks to eat. set up camp beds and the Australian Federal Parliament • On 3 July 1998, Michael refreshments to allow have strictly enforced rules on US State Legislatures Foster, MP’s Wild Mammals Members to rest, for the frst how long Members may speak, In only 13 State Legislatures (Hunting with Dogs) Bill was time in eight years. so ‘flibusters’ are generally not in the United States have blocked in Parliament by • In January 2012, MPs used possible. In the Parliaments of ‘flibusters’ been used, namely Opposition ‘flibustering’. ‘flibustering’ to successfully France, New Zealand, Canada, Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, • In January 2000, block the Daylight Savings Ireland, Italy, , Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, ‘flibustering’ directed by Bill 2010-12, a Private South Korea, the Senate of the Idaho, Maine, Nebraska, South Conservative MPs to oppose Member’s Bill that would put Philippines, to name a few there Carolina, Texas, Utah and the Disqualifcations Bill led the UK on Central European are instances of ‘flibustering’. Vermont. to the cancellation of the Time. The ‘flibustering’ In local unitary authorities

342 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 PARLIAMENTARY EXPRESSIONS AND PRACTICES

The Parliament of India.

(local councils) of England, a from governmental to other terms of the budget resolutions.” Budget’) shall be presented to motion may be carried into fnances. the House on such day as the closure by ‘flibustering’. This Erskine May’s Treatise2 on The position in India President may direct…” results in any additional motions the Law, Privileges Proceedings In the , The term ‘budget’ is used in receiving less time for debate and Usages of Parliament, the term ‘budget’ is nowhere all other relevant Rules under by Councillors instead forcing provide: “The consideration of mentioned. In the Constitution, this Chapter in the Rules of a vote by the Council under the fnancial statement for the the term ‘Annual Financial Procedure. closure rules. year made by the Statement’ under article 112, is of the Exchequer,3 is the most used which, inter alia, states that Conclusion ‘Filibustering’ in the important business of Ways the President shall in respect This series of articles has Parliament of India and Means. This statement, of every fnancial year cause to attempted to dwell upon and In the Parliament of India, familiarly known as ‘the budget’, be laid before both the Houses elucidate many of the often ‘flibustering’ in its intrinsic form is made when the Minister of Parliament, a statement of referred to parliamentary does not as such exist. has completed his estimate the estimated receipts and expressions and practices, of the probable income and expenditure of the Government based on a wide range of ‘Budget’ expenditure for the fnancial of India for that year and it has sources available, and to bring The origin of the term ‘budget’ year. In it the Chancellor of been referred to as the Annual together these expressions in can be traced to the late Middle the Exchequer develops his Financial Statement in the said one place for ease of reference. English period from an old French views of the resources of article. The term ‘budget’ has word ‘bougette’, a diminutive of the country, communicates been taken as a synonym for References: ‘bonge’, a ‘leather bag’ from the his calculations of probable ‘Annual Financial Statement’. 1 Based on available sources on Latin ‘bulga’, a leather bag or income and expenditure, However, the term ‘budget’ internet/web knapsack of Gaulish origin. and declares whether the fnds mention in the Rules 2 Erskine May’s Treatise on The Elsewhere origin of the term burdens upon the people are of Procedure and Conduct Law, Privileges Proceedings ‘budget’ has been traced to the to be increased or diminished. of Business in Lok Sabha & Usages of Parliament (12th early ffteenth century to the The economic aspect of the in Chapter XIX – Financial edition) p.831. word ‘bouget’, meaning ‘leather budget is important, and Business – Budget. At the 3 At times the First Lord of the bag, wallet or pouch’. taxes are imposed for their very outset Rule 204(1) of the Treasury, if a Member of the In the mid-eighteenth century, economic effects as well as Rules provide that “The Annual UK House of Commons, as in the Chancellor of the Exchequer, for raising revenue to meet the Financial Statement or the session in session 1908, or the in the UK House of Commons, in expenditure for the year. The Statement of the Estimated Lord Privy Seal as in Session presenting his annual statement annual Financial Statement and Receipts and Expenditure of 1921, Parl. Deb (1908) 188, c445; was said to ‘open the budget’. In Budget Report is made available the Government of India in HC Deb (1921) 141, c67. the late nineteenth century, the immediately at the conclusion of respect of each Financial year use of the term was extended the budget speech, as are the (hereinafter referred to as ‘The

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 343 CWP NEWS AND REGIONAL STRENGTHENING

Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians launches two new guidelines on Gender Sensitising Parliaments and Anti-Harassment Policies for Commonwealth Parliaments

The Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) network has published two new sets of guidelines to assist Commonwealth Parliaments.

CWP Gender Sensitising Parliaments Guidelines

The CWP Gender Sensitising Parliaments Guidelines: Standards and a Checklist for Parliamentary Change has been launched to highlight the importance of gender sensitising across all Parliaments in the Commonwealth.

The Guidelines build on the recommendations proposed in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Gender Sensitising Parliaments Report that was produced in 2001 following analysis by a study group of women Parliamentarians from across the Commonwealth. Now updated to refect the current issues that hinder the process to achieving gender equality, the new CWP Guidelines provide Commonwealth Parliaments with an outline so today, in 2020. COVID-19 has revealed and exacerbates of gender sensitising standards that they can look to achieve. many longstanding gender inequalities and injustices. To redress these, the voices, experience, and expertise of women Produced by Sarah Childs, Professor of Gender and Politics must be central to political decision-making and women must at Royal Holloway, University of London on behalf of the CWP, be present as decision makers in our political institutions. The the newly released guidelines are designed to encourage 2020 Gender Sensitising Parliaments Guidelines are especially Parliaments to look into priority areas that need to be designed to help Commonwealth Parliaments create the strengthened in order to help legislatures to become effective necessary conditions to deliver on their responsibility to reach gender sensitive institutions. the standard of gender sensitivity; to identify the actors and means through which reforms are implemented, and Gender The CWP Chairperson, Hon. Shandana Gulzar Khan, MNA Sensitising Parliaments Standards maintained.” (Pakistan) said: “The Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians recognises the important role it plays in raising and addressing issues relating to gender equality, in particular, Anti-Harassment Policy Guidelines for Commonwealth the representation of women in Parliaments. The network Parliaments will continue to encourage and support Parliamentarians, of all genders, to include a gender perspective in all aspects of The new CWP Anti-Harassment Policy Guidelines are designed their role - legislation, oversight and representation and to help to support Parliaments across the Commonwealth in the effort Parliaments become gender sensitive institutions. Through to both address and remove all traces of harassment across the implementation of this important document, I am confdent parliamentary workplaces. that Parliaments will be empowered to successfully initiate gender sensitive reforms. The CPA and CWP stand ready to The guidelines defne harassment as “unwanted behaviour support any CPA Branch that is interested in adopting gender directed at an individual with the purpose or intent of sensitive practices to ensure they can successfully create and humiliating, disrespecting, intimidation, hurting or offending permanently maintain both a culture and environment that them.” They have been designed to support all Parliaments responds to the needs and interest of persons of all genders.” regardless of their experiences to endorse and uphold a zero- tolerance approach to harassment, which could include, but is Professor Sarah Childs said: “It’s been 20 years since the not limited to, a wide range of unwanted sexual, discriminatory, CPA and CWP published its frst Gender Sensitising Guidelines; physical and psychological behaviours or actions. much has changed in the intervening years. In many Parliaments there are more women elected. But most Commonwealth Drawing from a wide range of anti-harassment policies and Parliaments – indeed most of the world’s Parliaments – fail to procedures from Parliaments in the Commonwealth, these deliver equality of representation for women. And, in too many guidelines provide a detailed step-by-step approach that offers places, women are still fghting for gender equality. insights and case studies on what appropriate methods should be included when developing or updating their respective anti- The CPA and CWP were right to draw attention to the failings harassment policies. of democracy back in 2001 and it is even more important to do

344 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 CWP NEWS AND REGIONAL STRENGTHENING

The CWP Chairperson, Hon. Shandana Gulzar Khan, MNA (Pakistan) said that “At the 6th Triennial CWP Conference, held in the margins of the 64th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Uganda in 2019, the issue of bullying and harassment in the workplace was highlighted as an important issue which needed to be tackled across the Commonwealth and beyond. The devastating consequences of this unacceptable behaviour are far-reaching and as both a visible and representative institution, all Parliaments must show leadership and set an exemplary standard for all by taking a proactive role in having such policies in place.” The CWP Chairperson also said that “both the CPA and the CWP network will continue to work with all 180 Parliaments and Legislatures represented in the CPA’s membership to combat harassment in all its forms.”

*Please note: These toolkits are published by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association for the beneft of its membership and To download a copy of the new CWP Gender Sensitising Parliaments for the wider international community. These toolkits do not supersede existing and CWP Anti-Harassment Policy Guidelines please visit national guidance and plans. Rather, these toolkits should be used to augment www.cpahq.org/cpahq/cwpresources. existing relevant national plans and focus the support of the international community.

Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Chairperson holds virtual CWP Steering Committee to focus on strategic plan and future activities The Chairperson of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians CWP Members attending the meeting which was held in two (CWP), Hon. Shandana Gulzar Khan, MNA (Pakistan) held the parts included: CWP Vice-Chairperson, Hon. Zainab Gimba, MP bi-annual meeting of the CWP Steering Committee online to (Nigeria) representing the CWP Africa Region who was elected discuss the planning of future activities of the network and for a second term as Vice-Chairperson; Hon. Lisa Thompson, proposals for the CWP strategic plan. MPP (Ontario) representing the CWP Canada Region; Hon. CWP Members reviewed and approved a new approach Samantha Sacramento, MP (Gibraltar) representing the CWP to utilising the CWP Regional Strengthening Funds and British Islands and Mediterranean Region; Ms Aisha Ghaus Pasha, budget for 2021 as well as looking ahead to activities to mark MNA (Pakistan) representing the CWP Asia Region; Hon. Michelle ickr.

International Women’s Day in March 2021 on the theme of O’Byrne, MP (Tasmania) representing the CWP Australia Region; f #ChooseToChallenge. as well as the CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg and CPA Deputy Secretary-General, Jarvis Matiya. For more images of CWP activities and events please visit www.cpahq.org/cpahq/ visit please events and activities CWP of images more For

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 345 BARRIERS TO WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION IN ELECTIONS IN THE AFRICA REGION BARRIERS TO WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION IN ELECTIONS IN THE AFRICA REGION: A VIEW FROM TANZANIA

Being a woman is a gift from are still being marginalised God. We are here for a reason. and have minor impacts in The issues of women’s decision making because of the participation in elections, following: women and the media, the 1. Cultural and social barriers economic empowerment of 2. Logistical barriers. women and women’s rights “Over the years, to own land, are all issues Cultural and Social Barriers of women’s empowerment. This area focuses on the lack women have Women’s empowerment in of education for women and faced barriers and Hon. Mboni different sectors promotes girls. In many cultures where roadblocks to their Mohamed Mhita, women’s rights and this will girls’ education is not prioritised, MP is a Member ensure a gender equitable women are often less educated participation in of the National Africa. than men. As a result, women elections, either One would ask, why is may be illiterate and unaware Assembly of Tanzania. women’s participation so of their rights to vote, rights to vote or to be She was first elected crucial? And why the scarcity of to compete in elections or voted for. And with to Parliament in 2015. female candidates and officials? how to fulfll the necessary prominent efforts She has served as a Are women uninterested? requirements of candidacy. District Commissioner Unwilling or uncertain? Is the There are many issues by our foremothers and a Member of the political system unresponsive that contribute to the lack of and sisters, we and impenetrable? In simple education for young girls in the Regional Council of language one can ask, is it the Africa Region, including drop have witnessed Tanga. She was also issue of the driver or the road? out due to pregnancy, early a tremendous the Deputy Secretary- And the answer is ‘both’ the marriages and hygiene and improvement in General of the Pan driver and the road. sanitation. African Youth Union Over the years, women have Patriarchal systems have some parts of the from 2014 to 2017. faced barriers and roadblocks convinced society that politics Africa region. We to their participation in elections, is for men; and as a result either to vote or to be voted for. women fail to participate fully have witnessed And with prominent efforts by in politics by being sidelined women moving our foremothers and sisters, we or by excluding themselves have witnessed a tremendous from participating in electoral from back sitters to improvement in some parts processes and hence a violation decisions makers. of the Africa region. We have of their domestic right to equal Irrespective of witnessed women moving participation in elections. from back sitters to decisions There is a lack of political will these progressive makers. Irrespective of these and commitment due to the lack development progressive development of civic-voter education. women’s contributions still has The responsibility of women’s minor impacts on decision that household responsibilities and contributions still effect society as a whole. domestic chores falls on women A young girl once asked and many women therefore has minor impacts me, why are women still cannot afford to spend time on decision that marginalised in some countries? on other issues due to their effect society as a And I replied to her, my family obligations. Families beloved daughter, women do not grant that opportunity whole.”

346 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 BARRIERS TO WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION IN ELECTIONS IN THE AFRICA REGION

for women and it takes a very There is often a barrier with Above: Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) from the CWP Africa understanding and supportive funding as generally, when Region welcomed Her Excellency , Vice-President husband or partner to grant that money dominates elections, of the United Republic of Tanzania (front row centre); the International opportunity to a wife. women are most likely to lose Chairperson of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP), Hon. out. Women are often faced Shandana Gulzar Khan, MNA of the National Assembly of Pakistan (front row Logistical Barriers with the challenges of a lack left); and the CWP Vice-Chairperson, Hon. Zainab Gimba, MP, Nigeria (front What are the logistical barriers of resources to facilitate their row, third from right) to the CWP Africa Region Gender Sensitization Workshop that women face when wanting participation or campaigns. on the theme of ‘Advancing Women’s Participation in Electoral Processes’ in to participate in elections in the Many women are unemployed Arusha, Tanzania from 25 to 29 October 2019. Africa Region? and have no access to self- Often the political systems employment, and for those long in waiting lines, waiting to CWP Africa Region have and the party systems don’t who have access to funds, they vote and fulfll her rights to equal made progress towards have processes that encourage often have lower incomes for participation in elections. And gender equality and women’s women’s participation. Many many reasons including family same applies to women who empowerment. Through equal party systems have been obligation and occupational have recently given birth. access to democracy, women’s disregarding the discussion on segregation. Threats of violence and empowerment aims to move gender equality and women’s There is also the problem intimidation can discourage women from oppressed empowerment, and hence of corruption and we have women from fulflling their powerlessness to positions of gender equality is implemented witnessed election processes electoral processes, due to power. through the will of a political in some parties and other physical insecurities and worries leader at his or her discretion. elections that have prioritised of leaving their families behind. So what is our role as There is often a lack of people with access to money. In both rural and urban areas, Commonwealth Women internal party democracy and For women in electoral some women lack the legal Parliamentarians? transparency and the absence processes in some areas, they documents and identifcation, I would say, our role is to of gender sensitivity within are being subjected to sexual such as birth certifcates and continue to fnd durable the party structures. There is a exploitation and corruption in national identity cards, that solutions that will give lack of women’s caucuses in order to acquire posts or to prevent them for participation in opportunities to women towards some party systems. Women advance their positions. elections. the realisation of their rights and caucuses in party systems For many women, health enhance women participation in have been at the forefront in provisions can be a barrier to Positive Progress electoral process. advocating on the ‘Women’s election participation. Women Despite these many exhausting We have witnessed the Empowerment Agenda’, who are heavily pregnant barriers and roadblocks that African Union and African especially in enhancing cannot participate fully in hinder women to participate Heads of State taking initiatives women’s engagement in electoral processes due to fully in electoral process, many on advancing women electoral processes. pregnancy complications. Commonwealth Women empowerment. There are national barriers Society is convinced that a Parliamentarians have overcome In Tanzania, the government as some governments have pregnant woman might not be these barriers. There is a story of the United Republic of not dedicated a commitment able to fulfll and dedicate time behind each and every one of us. Tanzania under the leadership to promote women’s in the role. But also, a pregnant It is encouraging to see of H.E President empowerment. woman cannot stand all day how some countries in the has taken a number of initiatives

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 347 BARRIERS TO WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION IN ELECTIONS IN THE AFRICA REGION

“The Parliament of Tanzania, under the leadership of the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Deputy Speaker has 145 female MPs out of 393 MPs in total, which is equivalent to 36.7%, exceeding the Commonwealth target of 30%.”

to ensure that the United for decision making positions Above: The Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Republic of Tanzania is gender and leadership posts; this is (CPA), Hon. Emilia Monjowa Lifaka, MP, Deputy Speaker of the National equitable. The President of the testifed by the decision of Assembly of Cameroon addressed the Parliament of Tanzania in April 2019 United Republic of Tanzania President John Magufuli to and commended the Parliament for its gains in gender equality by achieving has shown his commitment appoint women in various 36.7% women Members of Parliament. The CPA Chairperson was received by to ensure that women are leadership positions including the Speaker of the National Assembly of Tanzania and CPA Tanzania Branch empowered by ensuring that key government posts. President, Rt Hon. Job Yustino Ndugai, MP at the main Parliament building. social protection systems, We have a woman Deputy public services and sustainable Speaker, women Judges, Speaker of the National convinced that we are on infrastructure improves the women Ministers, women Assembly, Hon. Job Ngugai and the right track in enhancing wellbeing of women and Parliamentarians, women the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Tulia women’s empowerment girls. Through implementing Regional Commissioners, Ackson, has 145 female MPs through active participation in the education and training District Commissioners and out of 393 MPs in total, which is electoral processes. policy (2014), this has made a other posts. equivalent to 36.7%, exceeding remarkable achievement in The United Republic of the Commonwealth target of What can be done next? reaching education for both Tanzania has continued to 30%. Women need to actively girls and boys. This includes champion the empowerment The Speaker has solidifed participate in electoral free education from primary of women economically by gender equality norms in the processes – to vote or being to secondary schools. It goes fulflling women’s access to Parliament and the Parliament voted for. As Commonwealth without saying that free access soft loans. By doing so, the functions are based on gender Women Parliamentarians, we to education has contributed local Authority Act has been sensitivity. From the top should use our networks from in promoting gender equality amended which grants a leadership of the Parliament, regional level to local level and and empowerment of girls. contribution of 10% of a local there are quotas in different advocate on gender equality. Enrollment in primary schools authority’s own source revenue representative positions, A key focus should be on: has increased by 7.9% from for facilitating economic such as Committees and • Advocating for women’s 8,639,200 school pupils in activities - with 4% women, deployments. access to education, 2016 to 9,317,791 in 2017. 4% youth, 2% people with The Parliament of Tanzania especially in cultures where The President has also made disabilities accessing the funds. has a very active women’s girls’ education is not remarkable achievement, for the In most constituencies, the caucus – the Tanzania Women’s prioritised. very frst time in Tanzania – we government has empowered Parliamentarian Group (TWPG) • Discouraging girls from have a female Vice-President. women’s groups through the - which is constantly advocating early pregnancies. H.E Samia Suluhu Hassan, we 4% by distributing more than for women’s issues, especially • Discouraging girls on early call her ‘Mama Samia’. 50,000usd equivalent to in capacity building, so as to marriages. The President of Tanzania 120,000,000 Million Tsh over a enhance their ability to engage We need to raise and has continued to take dynamic two to three-year period. in electoral activities. co-ordinate public debates in measures to empower women The Parliament of Tanzania, With such leaders in the schools and local authorities on with a view to make them ft under the leadership of the CWP Africa Region – we are the issues of women’s rights,

348 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 BARRIERS TO WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION IN ELECTIONS IN THE AFRICA REGION women’s empowerment and nation’s growing economy and society as this will help to reduce • Internal democracy in the importance of political this in turn creates a cycle that women being marginalised and parties processes being inclusive of sustainably alleviates poverty, increase access politics through • Establishing women’s women. This will promote civil and this will build women’s the electoral processes. caucuses education and enhance the capacity to access resources Governments and party • Establishing a system of level of women’s participation in that will facilitate them. systems need to promote women holding positions politics; within the party systems We need campaign fnance women’s rights so they could be in governments through and in our communities, village reform by setting overall ‘agents of change’ for sustainable quotas and affirmative action leadership, councils, Parliament campaign expenditure limits. socio-economic development • Workshops for women’s and public offices. Involving men in most and security around the world. empowerment from a As Commonwealth Women women’s empowerment Without women’s village level through to Parliamentarians, we should workshops and seminars empowerment and gender national level. ensure that we champion from a local level – villages equality in electoral processes, legislation and policies that and councils - to a national societies will not be able to Women’s empowerment is support women’s equal level. This will help to alleviate achieve their full development a process, for women to take participation in politics and patriarchal systems in society. potential. Without women, there on decisions with regards to ensure that they are passed. We We should advocate in is no democracy, or I would our lives. It is a process to raise should be inspired by the African our party systems for the rephrase it as ‘No democracy the status of women in the eyes Union Agenda 2063 and other establishment of women’s without women’. of our society. It is a process legal frameworks including the caucuses. These women’s We need to concentrate more to continue establishing declaration on gender equality caucuses must focus on the effort in improving the following: mechanisms for women’s equal in Africa (SDGEA), the Maputo sustainability of women’s • Access to education for participation and equitable Protocol, the Beijing Declaration empowerment and the women and girls representation at all levels of and the United Nations 2030 enhancement of women’s • Availability of civil education the political process. I conclude Sustainable Development Goals participation in elections. • Promoting gender- by reminding ourselves that the in particular, SDG5. Women leaders should balanced legislation greatest need of the hour, is We need to work to develop unite and continue to act on • Pushing for the legal the change of social attitudes capacity building and economic empowering women and frameworks that support towards women. activities for women. This will adequate steps should be taken women’s empowerment enable women to be part of the so as to eliminate inequalities in • Capacity-building for This article is based on a presentation women in leadership given at the Commonwealth Women Below: The International Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the • Economic capacity-building Parliamentarians (CWP) Africa Region Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) are pictured with Hon. Tulia for all women Gender Sensitization Workshop on Ackson, MP, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Tanzania (second • Combating corruption the theme of ‘Advancing Women’s from right) and the CPA Africa Regional Secretary, Mr Steven Kagaigai, Clerk • Engaging men in all gender Participation in Electoral Processes’ of the National Assembly of Tanzania (pictured centre) at the CWP Africa equality workshops and in Arusha, Tanzania from 25 to 29 Region Gender Sensitization Workshop in Arusha, Tanzania in October 2019. seminars October 2019.

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 349 ‘BUILDING FORWARD BETTER’ - WHY WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP MATTERS DURING COVID-19 AND BEYOND ‘BUILDING FORWARD BETTER’ - WHY WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP MATTERS DURING COVID-19 AND BEYOND

“This is how we can emerge Development and Peace underscored the regressive from the pandemic in all of its convened in Beijing.4 As we impact of COVID-19 on gender dimensions: by recognising approach that milestone it’s an equality. For example, while that women are not just victims opportune time to take stock women make up only 39% of a broken world; they can and refect on progress. It is of global employment, they be architects of a better one,” sobering how much the odds account for 54% of overall job Melinda Gates1 are still systemically stacked losses; women’s jobs are almost against women. twice as vulnerable to the crisis As we deal with the The playing feld is still far as men’s and women are both devastating impacts of the from level for women, girls victims of the digital divide and Amanda Ellis is COVID-19 pandemic and its and LGBTQ+. There have at increased risk of domestic Executive Director, disproportionate impact on been noble declarations and violence. In addition, women Global Partnerships women, minorities and the poor, good intentions of gender are the majority of health care for the ASU Global much has been written about the equality since the founding of workers on the front lines of effectiveness of the leadership the United Nations. From the the COVID-19 pandemic. There Futures Laboratory and traits exhibited by women.2 Universal Declaration of Human is also the ‘triple care’ burden Professor of Practice Comprising only some 8% of Rights in 1947, to Millennium many women face at home in at Thunderbird political leaders globally, women Development Goal (MDG) 3 in trying to manage a remote role, School of Global have accounted for an estimated 2000, through to UN Sustainable take care of children engaged Management, USA. 40% of the most successful Development Goal (SDG) 5 to in home schooling as well as She is a former New responses to COVID-19! New promote gender equality and assisting elderly relatives at York Times columnist Nick the empowerment of women heightened risk of COVID-19. Zealand Ambassador Kristoff’s comparative analysis3 and girls, governments have Women’s unpaid contributions and Permanent pointed out that women-led committed and recommitted. to health care alone equate to Representative to countries have a six-times lower But where is the follow 2.35% of global gross domestic the United Nations death rate than those led by male through? Not a single country product, or the equivalent of in Geneva (2013- counterparts in similar countries. has yet achieved full gender nearly $1.5 trillion.6 16). An economist What has been different equality in practice in 2020. The in women’s leadership? World Bank Women Business Why gender equality matters by training, Amanda Emphasis on consultation and and the Law project tracks for everyone held senior roles at collaboration with scientists legal progress as it impacts Research clearly shows the the World Bank, the and experts; compassion for the business world and it is central importance of women’s International Finance putting people’s lives frst – depressing to note that in economic well-being to that Corporation, and which also turns out to be best only eight of 193 UN member of family, community, and Westpac Banking for the economy in the long run; countries is gender equality society. Recent McKinsey transparency, fexibility and a even fully legislated! This has research7 suggests as much Corporation. Amanda willingness to admit mistakes; implications for everything from US$13 trillion could be added is a founding member clear, consistent communication land tenure to business loans, to global GDP in 2030 by of the Financial and encouraging values of creating sub-optimal outcomes taking gender-informed Alliance for Women cooperation and empathy. for people, profts, and planet. action to address COVID-19. and the recipient of Emerging data suggests that the TIAW Lifetime So why, in 2020, are there still The impact of COVID-19 on only 17% of economic and so few women in leadership? women social protection policies Achievement Award September 2020 marked Crises expose underlying implemented by governments for services to the 25th anniversary of the fragilities and exacerbate are gender sensitive. The G7 women’s economic Fourth World Conference on existing inequalities. The UN working group on women’s empowerment. Women: Action for Equality, Secretary-General’s policy brief5 economic empowerment has

350 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 ‘BUILDING FORWARD BETTER’ - WHY WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP MATTERS DURING COVID-19 AND BEYOND

honours women entrepreneurs the transformative leadership we who are modelling sustainable need and shift perspectives to business practices and gender recognise, as Melinda Gates so equality in support of the UN eloquently asserts, “that women SDGs. WE Empower invests are not just victims of a broken in their growth - including an world; they can be architects of ILA leadership coach for each a better one.” of the awardees - and ignites awareness about the positive This article was frst published on the multiplier impact they have International Leadership Association (ILA) as women leaders in their website on 13 August 2020. Amanda communities, thereby aiming Ellis is the Co-Chair for the ILA 2021 to change social norms and Conference in Geneva, Switzerland. Find provide positive examples of out more at www.ila-net.org. the transformative possibilities of innovative women-led References: business models. 1 https://www.globalcitizen.org/ While women have been en/content/melinda-gates-covid- hardest hit by COVID-19, they 19-relief-efforts-women/ are also often leading the way in 2 https://voxeu.org/article/ ‘building forward better’. Many women-leaders-are-better- women entrepreneurs have fghting-pandemic responded to the incredible 3 https://www.nytimes. provided excellent guidance continue to rapidly accelerate challenges with both grit and com/2020/06/13/opinion/ to governments to alert them catastrophic climate change, but innovation, pivoting rapidly to sunday/women-leaders- to the critical importance of to re-invent a future that keeps cope with the impact of the crisis coronavirus.html a gender lens in COVID-19 our planet habitable. IMF Chief, and help create better futures. 4 https://www.un.org/ response and recovery plans. Kristalina Georgieva so well Lina Khalifeh from Jordan took pga/74/2020/06/05/25th- It is past time to dismantle the describes our current imperative: her business training women anniversary-of-the-fourth-world- obstacles to gender equality, for not to build back better, but “to to deal with domestic violence conference-on-women/ everybody’s sake. build forward better.”11 online; Leah Lizarondo from the 5 https://www.unwomen. Systemic gender inequality USA doubled the number of org/en/digital-library/ and fewer women leaders are Why women entrepreneurs are volunteers helping to provide publications/2020/04/policy-brief- linked to slow progress on key to building forward better much needed free food to those the-impact-of-covid-19-on-women sustainability outcomes too. Despite the systemic in need; young water engineer 6 https://www.unwomen. Research from the IFC8 and obstacles, innovative women Christelle Kwizera from Rwanda org/en/digital-library/ Foreign Policy9 reveals women ‘solutionaries’ are architecting used her WE Empower grant publications/2015/12/un-women- are more likely than their male transformative futures not money to ensure local schools policy-brief-series counterparts to put a premium only in government, but also had running water for access to 7 https://www.mckinsey.com/ on sustainability, both in politics in public service, business, in hand washing; Bessie Schwarz featured-insights/future-of-work/ and in business. This is of the climate movement and in from the USA is working in 20 covid-19-and-gender-equality- critical importance given the entrepreneurship. countries with Big Data to inform countering-the-regressive-effects links between COVID-19 and The International Leadership grassroots women’s groups 8 https://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/ the climate crisis. As a recent Association (ILA) is a partner in about food prevention. connect/topics_ext_content/ifc_ report from UNEP10 pointed out, an innovative global business As the UN Secretary General external_corporate_site/ifc+cg/ we need to address not just the competition to showcase points out, “how the world resources/private+sector+opinion/ symptoms but the underlying women entrepreneur recovers from COVID-19 is a women+in+business+leadership+ causes of the pandemic if we are ‘solutionaries’ who are ‘make-or-break moment’ for the boost+esg+performance to prevent further and potentially supporting the UN Sustainable health of our planet...to rebuild a 9 https://www.womenasleversof much more serious outbreaks Development Goals and world that is cleaner, fairer and change.com/ of zoonotic diseases, as well as leading the way to make our safer for all.” To build forward 10 https://www.unenvironment. the forecasts of severe climate- societies more resilient and better, we must live up to our org/news-and-stories/story/ induced damage. Trillions are sustainable. Launched by the own existing promises of gender coronaviruses-are-they-here-stay being borrowed against the UN Secretary General and equality and the empowerment 11 https://www.imf.org/ future to combat the impacts of the Council of Women World of women and girls, to truly level en/News/Seminars/ COVID-19. That money needs Leaders at the UN General the playing feld for the beneft Conferences/2020/07/28/The- to be spent not to return to Assembly in 2018, the WE of all. We must not waste the Exchange some fctional ‘normal’ that will Empower UN SDG Challenge COVID-19 crisis. Let’s embrace

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 351 LEVERAGING WOMEN AND YOUTH FOR A SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE FUTURE

LEVERAGING WOMEN AND YOUTH FOR A SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE FUTURE The Global Parliamentary Unit at the World Bank examines how stronger youth and female political representation can transfer knowledge and best practices to those who aspire to become more democratically representative.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic from nearly as many households Productive Safety Net Project, open a bank account for all men struck, the world was healthier were working under LIPW. As we know specifc measures are and women to be fnancially and more educated than ever, the government closed schools needed to continue promoting viable to receive this aid. As a with countries making signifcant to help slow the spread of the education, reducing gender result, nearly 60 million more gains in human capital outcomes, virus, LIPW reduced work hours inequality and creating job women and girls now have bank particularly for girls.1 Sierra Leone to allow mothers and caregivers opportunities for youth, both accounts simply because they was one such country thanks to attend to their children while men and women, boys and girls. completed these checks and to efforts like the government’s continuing to pay full daily wages. While the pandemic has allowed have an ID card. fagship program for Free Quality As we approach the end governments to see the glaring Female and young lawmakers School Education launched in of this incredibly tumultuous gaps in gender inequality and like Hon. Shandana Gulzar Khan 2018. The programme is being year, governments and opportunities for youth, it also are valuable in bringing the voice supported in part by the Free policymakers have been gives them the occasion to move of their demographics into policy Education Project, which takes forced to acknowledge the into action to close those gaps. discussions. There is no doubt an inclusive approach to quality gaps in critical services such about it – the more diverse an education by increasing the as healthcare systems, social “The one thing that the pandemic elected representative body, retention of girls, especially in welfare mechanisms and has taught us and brought us the more it allows for policies secondary school, and improving education. Two demographics together on is, in terms of women’s that refect the interests of the learning environment for impacted the most are women issues, there’s no better time than all people it is supposed to children with disabilities. In and youth. As many as one now to stop calling them women’s represent, including minority response to COVID-19, the billion children in the developing issues and to start calling them groups. For instance, countries project is also supporting world alone are missing school, national issues” - Hon. Shandana with more women in Parliament provision of distance learning some due to lack of digital Gulzar Khan, MP (Pakistan), are more likely to have gender- and communication campaigns means to pursue distance Chairperson of the Commonwealth equal inheritance and property on prevention. learning.2 Girls are especially Women Parliamentarians (CWP). ownership laws, by challenging Further East on the Atlantic vulnerable to the effects of patrilineal inheritance.3 There is coast of Africa, Ghana’s COVID-19 with the convergence During the Annual Meetings also evidence to suggest that government is enhancing its of school lockdowns and loss of of the World Bank and IMF legislation on sexual harassment social protection system and the family livelihoods. The majority in the week of 12-15 October in employment is more prevalent implementation of its main social of healthcare workers on the 2020, the Chairperson of in countries where more women safety net programmes through frontlines of the emergency the Commonwealth Women are in legislative office. Both the Ghana Productive Safety pandemic response are women, Parliamentarians (CWP) network, policies have the ability to Net Project. One of its programs, and many more work in sectors Hon. Shandana Gulzar Khan, protect and empower women’s Labour Intensive Public Works hardest hit by the pandemic, MP from Pakistan, spoke about economic rights.4 And yet the (LIPW) provides up to 180 days such as hospitality, retail and an initiative that she and other number of female and young of work over two consecutive restaurants, putting them as Parliamentarians in Pakistan Parliamentarians globally is agricultural off-seasons through risk of falling into or remaining implemented to bring specifc still unsuitably low. While the work such as maintenance in poverty. Beyond school fnancial and other essential percentage of women Members and rehabilitation of rural roads lockdowns, youth are already services to women and the of Parliament worldwide has and small earth dams and preparing to face years of vulnerable. She explained that it more than doubled since 1995 dugouts, soil conservation, and hardship on the job market and is incredibly difficult in Pakistan for to nearly 25% today5, 25% of tree planting. The programme expecting to struggle to sustain young girls to access the internet legislators is not sufficient to ensures that at least three-ffths livelihoods. or shops, and many do not have a represent the 50% of society of the benefciaries are women. bank account. That is why, when that women comprise. And with And provides daycare at all Real change often starts at rolling out a programme to help currently 1.8 billion people aged project sites to enable women the policy level 140 million families receive three 10 – 24, only 2.2% of MPs are to care for their babies whilst Just like programs such as the months’ worth of food aid, the under 30, 15.5% are under 40, working. When COVID-19 hit Free Quality School Education government included the same and still only 28% of MPs are Ghana, about 14,000 individuals programme or the Ghana mandatory checks needed to under 45.6

352 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 LEVERAGING WOMEN AND YOUTH FOR A SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE FUTURE

Right: A special session on Women Leading Politics and Development was held at the Virtual Global Parliamentary Forum during the Annual Meetings of the World Bank and IMF, 13 October 2020.

Many developing economies have the demographic advantage of being young, and this youth will need to be adequately represented in parliament on issues that disproportionately affect them such as education, digitalisation, job creation and the pressing issue of climate change. whilst at the same time being employing more than 60% of the To fnd out more about the Global “Women have to demand their disproportionately affected by population. The immensity of our Parliamentary Unit at the World Bank space. It is for us now as Members increasing automation that is challenges is therefore a set of visit www.worldbank.org/en/about/ of Parliament to actually help set to pose a challenge to low- opportunities for young people who parliamentarians. Malawian women to get this space. skill jobs of the future. Policy are motivated by the desire to build Education, education, education measures will need to pay the present and the future of the References: for me is key for girls” – Hon. special attention to the effects of country at the same time,” - Hon. 1 2020 Human Capital Index Catherine Gotani Hara, Speaker of the pandemic on youth, as this Muyaya, a young MP from https://www.worldbank.org/en/ the Parliament of . generation of students could the Democratic Republic of Congo. publication/human-capital#data already lose an estimated $10 2 ‘Simulating the Potential Furthermore, adequate trillion in earnings over their Making sure that we are Impacts of the COVID-19 School representation in the Legislature lifetime due to school closings building a sustainable and Closures on Schooling and is not only about rights, it if no active effort is made to inclusive future is not a sprint – it is Learning Outcomes: A set of makes economic sense. For encourage students back into a marathon. With the converging Global Estimates’, World Bank example, bridging the gender school.9 crises of climate change, COVID- Group, June 2020. gap promotes economic growth As the world refects on ways 19, and confict that threaten 3 Exploring links between and poverty reduction. And in to build a more sustainable progress made in development, democracy and women’s terms of human capital – the future, young MPs should the best way to reach the fnish economic empowerment, Jennifer contribution of health and be at the forefront of this line will be by making sure no Solotaroff, Data Blog, World Bank education to the productivity of transformation and participate in one is left behind with the right Group, 15 Sept 2020. the next generation of workers – calls for a greener, smarter post- measures and adequate political 4 Ibid the loss of human capital wealth COVID society. This is why the representation needed to secure 5 & 6 Inter-Parliamentary Union due to gender inequality was at World Bank recently launched this future. Political representation Parline Data twice the value of global GDP in The Global Young MP Initiative10 in Parliament will need to align 7 ‘Unrealized Potential: The 2018, at US $160.2 trillion.7 On in 2018 as a global platform for itself with real demographics, High Cost of Gender Inequality the fip side, global wealth could Parliamentarians to share best to include women and youth to in Earnings’, Quentin Wodon, increase by $172 trillion if women practices and explore innovative best tend to the needs of these Benedicte de la Biere, May 2018, had the same lifetime earnings policy solutions to challenges sections of society. World Bank Group Publication. as men, and human capital affecting young generations. The And for this, global 8 https://www.worldbank.org/en/ wealth could increase by about aim of this platform is to create cooperation will be important topic/gender/overview one ffth globally.8 a network where an action plan – international institutions, 9 COVID-19 Could Lead to Similarly, young MPs are for next steps can serve as a governments and civil society Permanent Loss in Learning best placed to understand the blueprint for policy solutions to can lift each other up in tackling and Trillions of Dollars in Lost challenges disproportionately challenges faced by youth today minority inequality, where Earnings, World Bank Group affecting young generations. and in future. countries with stronger youth and Press Release, 18 June 2020. As technology becomes more female political representation 10 World Bank: Global Young pervasive in everyday life “The most important challenges can transfer knowledge and best MP Initiative - https://www. and in the workplace, youth remain the construction of schools, practices to those who aspire to worldbank.org/en/about/ are best placed to harness hospitals, housing and above become more democratically parliamentarians/brief/global- it for growth and innovation, all employment, which involves representative. young-mp-initiative-program

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 353 Parliamentary Report NEWS AND LEGISLATION FROM COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTS

THIRD READING REPORTS

British Columbia Page 358

India Union Page 362

Australia Federal Page 368

New Zealand Page 372

With thanks to our Parliamentary Report and Third Reading Commonwealth Parliaments’ resume contributors: Paras Ramoutar (Parliament of Trinidad and parliamentary sittings following elections Tobago); Fleur Hall (Federal Parliament of Australia); TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO CANADA AUSTRALIA Gabrielle de Billy Brown (Federal President opens new session of Parliament’s Prorogation and Remote Participation in Parliament of Canada); Lizzie Hendy (Parliament of New Parliament following election Australian Federal Parliament Zealand); Ravindra Garimella Page 355 Page 360 Page 365 (Parliament of India); Neil Iddawala (Parliament of Sri UNITED KINGDOM SRI LANKA Lanka); Jesse Gordon (Legislative UK Parliament debates Brexit President opens the 9th Assembly of British Columbia); and Michael Berry (Parliament of and COVID-19 the United Kingdom). Page 370 Page 374

354 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO PARLIAMENTARY REPORTS FROM TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Trinidad’s President calls the serious business of good manner of people without fear, will be reviewed on an ongoing for action on issues facing governance for the people of favour, affection or ill-will. “This basis. As Prime Minister, I the nation as Trinidad and Trinidad and Tobago,” adding is your touchstone and you assume full responsibility, and Tobago’s new Cabinet is that a change of government is a will be judged unsparingly. A I want to thank the national sworn-in serious juncture in any country’s democracy functions best when community for giving me The President of Trinidad and development. its standards bearers are true another opportunity to continue Tobago, Her Excellency Paula The President noted that to their oaths of office, fulflling in public service.” Mae Weekes declared that the the PNM has been given, “a their duties and upholding the There had been a 10-day nation, which celebrated its 58th fresh mandate to continue, expectations of the high offices delay following the general anniversary of independence on complete and correct plans and to which they have been elected election on 10 August 2020 31 August 2020, cannot be said policies”, and she highlighted or appointed. Failure is not an due to several recounts, to be a ‘place of peace’. The among several other issues, option,” she added. before the 23 Member Cabinet President made the statement that Tobago’s self-government, President Mae-Weekes was formally sworn-in on 20 following the swearing-in constitutional reform and racism hailed those who faced the August 2020 at the President’s ceremony of the country’s new need to be addressed, adding polls, especially a number of House. In addition, the Prime Cabinet, which came after the that she will speak to the issue young people who participated Minister, now in his second General Elections held on 10 of racism in the near future. in the vote. She noted that it consecutive term, appointed August 2020. “Let us not ignore that whilst was heartening to witness a several Ministers of State in The People’s National some exercised their franchise signifcant number of young different Ministries to assist the Movement (PNM) won 22 enthusiastically, many did so people putting themselves respective Cabinet Members. seats, one less than before out of a sense of duty, unhappy forward in parties, old and new, the election, while the United with the alternatives on offer, ready to receive the baton. Trinidad and Tobago Election National Congress (UNC) won perhaps feeling the pressure The Prime Minister of Results 19 seats, one more than before of Hobson’s choice. Yet others Trinidad and Tobago, Hon. The People’s National Movement the election. declined to vote. I do not want Dr , MP, in (PNM) won the popular vote The President said: “Now us to forget, even for a moment addressing the newly sworn- in the elections. According to I have to confess, somehow that at this time Trinidad and in Cabinet, pointed out that the Elections and Boundaries when I am in this company, Tobago cannot be said to be a his Government’s tenure will Commission (EBC), the PNM had auntie-tantie jumps out. And country at peace with itself,” the be over 60 months and it is gained 322,250 votes, while the so I say to you, Prime Minister, President recalled. not counted in years. “This is United National Congress (UNC) Cabinet Ministers, on behalf She reminded those a 60-month journey and rest won 309,188 votes. of us all, I urge you to roll up Ministers sworn-in that they assured, that nobody will be The UNC Leader, Hon. Kamla your sleeves, put your hand have taken a solemn oath to do allowed to fall asleep because Persad-Bissessar, MP had to the plough and get down to their duties and to do right to all their conduct and performance claimed that the election was fraught with irregularities in many constituencies, and the party had called for recounts in the marginal seats of San Fernando West, St Joseph, Tunapuna, Toco-Sangre Grande and La Horquetta/Talparo. Many political pundits had suggested that these fve marginal seats would defne the outcome of the elections, however the PNM won these marginal seats following recounts. The UNC Leader refused to concede defeat on election night, but following the recount, she stated that after some days of refection and monitoring of the progress of the election recount process that she was satisfed that the people had spoken and

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 355 PARLIAMENTARY REPORT TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO the PNM party would form “That is the only way you will General, Faris Al-Rawi who said keep the economy stimulated the new Government before be able to keep the promises that the regulations will now and keep as many people as congratulating them. inherent in your oath. Can we prescribe by way of publications possible employed. trust you to measure up to the that the failure to wear a mask “The Budget refects Trinidad and Tobago’s standards required of high in public will attract a fne of our understanding of the President calls on MPs to office?” she asked. TT$1,000; a second offence requirements of our country become more trustworthy and “You have heard no doubt TT$2,000, and TT$5,000 for for the medium term to ensure fulfl their duties that with great power come the third offence. The Attorney that our economic recovery At the opening of the First Session great responsibility. Apart General stated there will be is as strong as possible. The of the 12th Parliament of Trinidad from your legislative function, exceptions, such as the age of a Government has been working and Tobago, on 28 August 2020, there are other requirements person, their medical condition, assiduously to produce the the President, Her Excellency and expectations of you. I see any physical disability, “or in required Valuation Rolls Paula-Mae Weekes called on many new Parliamentarians public circumstances advised notwithstanding the numerous all Members of Parliament to among your number. You by the Chief Medical Officer challenges,” he said. become more trustworthy in the will have to mature into your to guidelines providing for The Finance Minister outlined eyes of the people. role very quickly. Make no exceptions.” a range of different measures Stating that she was asking mistake, your grace period, if In his maiden contribution, including the introduction of on behalf of the 658,000 indeed, there was one, was Saddam Hosein, MP a property tax. Taxation of citizens who had done their between the election or your denounced the measure as the commercial, industrial and civic duty in voting in the appointment and the convening Public Health Regulations were agricultural properties will also recent elections, the President of Parliament today, and from made without parliamentary be introduced. The National said: “You all took an oath this today you are expected to get oversight, however the Bill was Petroleum Marketing Company morning to conscientiously down to managing the affairs approved by the both Houses of (NP) gas stations will be put and impartiality discharge your of the public. The novelty of Parliament unanimously. up for sale with the frst option responsibilities to the people of being a Parliamentarian is not to existing dealers, and at the this nation. The essence of the an acceptable excuse for any Trinidad Budget 2021 projects same time, he announced that relationship between Members shortcomings”, she said. TT$8.2 billion defcit there will be no price hike on of Parliament and the public This country’s frst The 2020-21 Budget was gasoline as he confrmed a is one of trust, confdence and female President continued: presented in the Trinidad and liberalization of the fuel markets fdelity. Notwithstanding some “Parliamentary debates can Tobago Parliament on 5 October from January 2021, when retail signifcant milestones over the sometimes be long and tedious, 2020, with a projected TT$8.2 margins will be removed, adding years, the strength of that bond but that does not give you carte billion defcit, which has now that petroleum retailers and has been eroded by the failure of blanche as Members to become become the norm over the past dealers will be allowed to fx successive Parliaments to deliver disengaged from the process. fve years. This is the frst Budget their own margins. consistently on the reasonable How many times has the public in the new Parliament following The Finance Minister also expectations of the populace. been witness to Members who general elections and it was said that there will be a 12.5% Your core function is law- were nodding off, engrossed presented under the theme tax applied to luxury imported making, an essential service in in their phones or otherwise of ‘Resetting the Economy for foods from January 2021 our democracy, one in which showing no interest in the Growth and Innovation’. including lobsters, escargot, gives you the power to transform ongoing debate? However, The Finance Minister, Colm smoked salmon, pate, calms, the lives of our citizens and challenging the process, Imbert, MP presented his sixth strawberries, champagne, our nation. Each of you seated Members of the public expect budget which contained a apples and grapes. in these chambers has the you to remain alert in order to ‘mixed bag of items’, and he The Finance Minister stated primary purpose of conducting actively defend their interests.” highlighted that the budget aims that he planned to curb the the people’s business. Your to kickstart the Trinidad and demand for the purchase of being here today suggests Trinidad and Tobago Tobago economy following the new and used cars, which your willingness to discharge Parliament First Sitting passes COVID-19 pandemic and energy costs the government around your duties in a thorough and ‘COVID-19 mask’ Bill price shocks. TT$2.5 billion annually in responsible manner and to treat At the frst sitting of the new The Finance Minister outlined foreign exchange. “To correct all persons equally.” Parliament of Trinidad and that the 2021 expenditure is this unsustainable situation and The President said to the 41 Tobago, the Public Health set at TT$49.73 billion, and suppress demand, as opposed MPs and 31 Senators present (Amendment) Bill was passed. projected revenue is TT$41.364 to an outright prohibition, we that whether they arrived via The Bill provides for mandatory billion, both less that the propose to remove all tax the ballot box or by virtue of wearing of face masks to prevent 2020 Budget levels, and he concessions of private motor selection, it is vital at this time the spread of COVID -19, and announced that there will be a cars. All private motor cars will that they have full grasp of their failure to wear face masks citizens TT$8.2 billion defcit. He also now attract customs duty, motor remit and their limitations and could be fned up to TT$5,000. pointed out that 2021 will be vehicle tax and Value Added that they are totally committed The Bill was piloted by the another challenging year, but Tax, with the lowest rates of to the task at hand. newly-appointed Attorney that the Government hopes to duty and tax being imposed on

356 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO hybrid cars, electric cars, CNG clampdown on cigarette usage, currently facing a pandemic collaboration with the Ministry of cars, and small engine cars adding that Government spends where thousands of people Agriculture, Lands and Fisheries, below 1500 cc, to encourage TT$500,000 a year to treat have lost their jobs, incomes while 1,399 families received their use. Further, in January one lung cancer patient. “We and livelihoods.” emergency food hampers. 2021, the permissible age of are introducing disincentives to Opposition Member for The Minister also outlined imported foreign used cars constrain smoking habits and Cumuto/Manzanilla, Dr Rai that the Ministry has distributed will be reduced to three years that Excise Duty on tobacco Ragbir, MP, disapproved of the TT$47,278,912 in subventions and the quota of used cars products will be increased from Government’s administration to 22 Non-Governmental will be reduced by 30%, and October 20. All penalties for of health care in Trinidad and Organisations, including three that a quota system for the selling alcohol and tobacco to Tobago, adding that health care statutory boards, to support importation of new cars will minors will be increased from would further deteriorate in their work and facilitate the come in effect in January 2021.” January 1, 2021.” 2021 and beyond. delivery of specialised services The Finance Minister also The Leader of the The Minister of Social for persons with disabilities spoke about the need to extend Opposition, Hon. Kamla Persad- Development and Family in their care. The Ministry of the retirement age to 65 years, Bissessar, MP heavily criticised Services, Ms Donna Cox replied Social Development and Family and called for Opposition the Government Budget, that over 173,020 citizens were Services estimated that they had support for legislation for the suggesting that it was outdated recipients of government grants reached more than 700,000 regulation and reductions in ‘before the ink dried after it was during the COVID-19 pandemic citizens. The Minister added: spending on the Revenue printed’. The introduction of a at a cost of TT$329,600. Some “The provision of these grants Authority, the Gaming sector, property tax was also criticized 25,101 families were assisted and services, which include the National Statistical Institute, as it places pressure on the with top-ups to existing food senior citizens pension, public procurement and Public poorest communities. “I have support, from the School assistance, disability grants, Administration operations. called on the Government Feeding Programme and food food card services, cost the The Finance Minister repeatedly to hold their hands vouchers and market boxes taxpayer approximately TT$5.13 announced a further on the property tax. We are were given to 24,999 families in billion.”

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 357 PARLIAMENTARY REPORT CANADA

THIRD READING: BRITISH COLUMBIA

Economic Stabilization (COVID-19) Act, 2020 recovery from the pandemic will take time, government programs need to be adaptable Bill 18, Economic Stabilization (COVID-19) and government’s response will result in to ensure that people and businesses Act, 2020, was introduced on 24 June 2020. budgetary defcits to deliver health and have the necessary fnancial supports to The Bill provides fnancial relief measures economic recovery programs and supports. endure the pandemic. At the same time, to address the effects of the pandemic. It The Official Opposition Finance Co-critics, she expressed concerns that a delay in the extends the fling and payment deadlines for Shirley Bond, MLA and Stephanie Cadieux, scheduled increase to the carbon tax would numerous business taxes, delays commercial MLA, supported the Bill’s objectives, but have an adverse impact on BC’s efforts to property tax late-payment penalties, and expressed concern about the projected $12.5 fght climate change. extends the time period for municipalities billion defcit resulting from the government’s During Committee of the Whole to remit other taxes. The Bill also amends response to the pandemic. They cited proceedings, Minister James introduced the Income Tax Act to facilitate a tax-free forecasts indicating that 20% of small an amendment to Bill 18. The amendment emergency beneft of $1,000 to eligible businesses were expected to disappear reduced the time frame for the issuance of individuals who were fnancially impacted in the coming year. While agreeing that special warrants after a state of emergency by COVID-19. The Bill amends the Balanced tax deferrals provided for in the Bill would from six months to three months; however, Budget and Ministerial Accountability beneft small businesses, they advocated Opposition Members queried what Act to authorise defcit budgets for the for a longer-term extension of deadlines and type of situation would justify issuing a next three fscal years, and the Budget graduated repayments to assist businesses special warrant but not declaring a state Transparency and Accountability Act to allow affected by the pandemic. They also stressed of emergency. The Third Party House the government, over the next three fscal the importance of mechanisms to ensure Leader introduced a sub-amendment which years, to present supplementary estimates oversight and accountability for the use of removed the use of special warrants in the even when there is a forecast of a budgetary special warrants during a state of emergency. context of emergency expenditure after defcit. The Bill also clarifes the use of special Further, they urged the government to the end of a state of emergency. The sub- warrants when the Legislative Assembly consider reducing the time frame for the amendment and amendment were carried is not sitting during a provincial state of extension of the use of special warrants after and Bill 18, Economic Stabilization (COVID-19) emergency. a state of emergency has ended. Act, passed the Third Reading stage on 29 During the Second Reading debate, The Third Party House Leader, Sonia July 2020. Hon. Carole James, MLA, Deputy Premier Furstenau, MLA, shared the Official and Minister of Finance, described the Opposition’s concern about the need for COVID-19 Related Measures Act, 2020 unprecedented economic impact of COVID- a longer-term approach to tax deferrals, Introduced on 22 June 2020, Bill 19, the 19 and the Bill’s provision of substantial warning that a second wave of COVID-19 COVID-19 Related Measures Act, amends economic relief to British Columbia’s citizens cases in the fall may leave many unable the Emergency Program Act, expanding and businesses. She noted that economic to pay their taxes. She remarked that government’s powers during and after a

358 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 CANADA

state of emergency. The amendments were Assembly to hold the government’s use of provision of temporary authorities to the made to support government’s response to these powers to account. Hon. David Eby, government to adjust emergency regulations, the COVID-19 pandemic. The Bill authorises QC, MLA, Attorney General, explained that and emphasised the need for checks and the -Governor-in-Council to several Ministerial Orders pursuant to the balances on the use of these powers. She implement regulations to adjust the expiry Emergency Program Act were set to expire stated that consideration of the Bill also dates of Ministerial Orders by 45 or 90 at the end of the state of emergency. The provided an opportunity for Members days, to facilitate the transition out of a state Bill would ensure that the government has to examine the broader context for the of emergency. The Bill also allows for the the fexibility and continuity for regulations government’s responsibilities and statutory adoption of regulations that protect essential and programs that may be required after the powers for responding to an emergency. service providers, such as childcare operators end of the official state of emergency. He She indicated that climate change will and amateur sports organisations, from civil noted that in view of the Bill’s exceptional result in increasing numbers of emergency liability for COVID-19 related damages. This authorities, the government had provided situations, and it will be important to ensure protection only extends to providers if they an advance copy of the legislation to the that legislative provisions support a robust followed public health orders. To provide Opposition parties. response to such situations. safeguards against overreach, the Bill Michael Lee, MLA, Official Opposition During the Committee of the Whole includes a sunset clause repealing the Act Critic for the Attorney General, agreed proceedings, the Official Opposition and the one year after it is brought into force, creates that the COVID-19 pandemic was an Third Party questioned how the Bill would authority for the courts to oversee actions unprecedented challenge which justifed provide oversight of the government’s taken by the Lieutenant-Governor-in-Council, the Bill’s overall objectives. He encouraged powers. In response, the government and limits Ministerial Orders by standards of the government to examine the approaches introduced an amendment which requires proportionality to determine if the beneft of taken by other jurisdictions in order to ensure any order or regulation made related to the Ministerial Order is proportionate to the appropriate limitations on regulation-making the COVID-19 pandemic to be reported to emergency. authorities as well as accountability and the Speaker within fve days. Upon receipt, During the Second Reading debate, oversight for the use of the exceptional the Speaker must lay the report before the many Members focused on the exceptional powers in the Bill. Legislative Assembly as soon as possible. powers that the Bill proposed to provide The Third Party House Leader, Sonia The amendment was adopted and Bill 19, to government during and after a state of Furstenau, MLA, shared the view that the the COVID-19 Related Measures Act, passed emergency, and the need for the Legislative COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the the Third Reading stage on 8 July 2020.

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 359 PARLIAMENTARY REPORT CANADA

PARLIAMENT OF CANADA’S PROROGATION AND SPEECH FROM THE THRONE

Prorogation and Speech from • Focusing on core values spaces of the House of Committee meetings may the Throne such as reconciliation, Commons precinct. Certain be held either in a hybrid or On 18 August 2020, the addressing systemic exceptions have been virtual format. Recorded votes Canadian Prime Minister, Rt discrimination, gender allowed for Members in follow the same process as Hon. , MP equality and linguistic certain situations, including in the Chamber. The motion asked the Governor-General, diversity. during sittings and Committee of 23 September 2020 also Her Excellency Rt Hon. Julie This was a unique event as meetings, press conferences re-establishes the Special Payette, to proceed with the it was the frst Speech from the and in their private office Committee on Canada-China prorogation of Parliament, Throne to occur both in the space. On the same day, it relations, originally created ending the frst session of the temporary Senate chamber was also announced that during the frst session. 42nd Parliament. and during a pandemic. previous protective and On 23 September 2020, Traditions had to be adapted to sanitary measures, such as the Changes in the House of the Governor-General opened follow public health protocols, suspension of non-essential Commons and in Cabinet the second session of the 42nd such as Parliamentarians parliamentary activities as well On 4 August 2020, Michael Parliament with the reading of wearing masks and sitting two as public tours, would remain in Levitt, MP, announced that he the Speech from the Throne. metres apart in the Senate effect until further notice. would step down as a Member Titled ‘A Stronger and More Chamber as well as a limited On 19 October 2020, it was of Parliament. Resilient Canada’, the Speech number of Parliamentarians announced that plexiglass On 17 August 2020, Hon. focused on the response to being allowed to attend the panels would be installed Bill Morneau, MP, a Minister the COVID-19 pandemic and ceremony in person. outside the House of Commons of Finance, announced his indicated the four foundations Chamber to enhance protection resignation both as a Member of the government’s plan: Continued Response to the for Parliamentarians and of Parliament and from • The fght against the COVID-19 Pandemic employees. Cabinet. The following day, pandemic and to protect In order to prepare for the Rt Hon. Justin Trudeau, MP lives; beginning of the second Parliamentary Work announced changes to Cabinet: • Supporting people and session, Hon. Anthony Rota, On 23 September 2020, the the responsibility for fnance businesses through the MP, Speaker of the House House of Commons adopted was given to Hon. Chrystia crisis and beyond; of Commons, announced by unanimous consent Freeland, MP, who also • Building a stronger, more that mask-wearing would be a motion governing the retains the position of Deputy resilient Canada; and mandatory in all common proceedings of the House Prime Minister. Her former until 11 December 2020. The cabinet position, Minister of motion elaborates on the Intergovernmental Affairs, was hybrid system that will be used given to Hon. Dominic Leblanc, to conduct Parliamentary and MP who also remains President Committee business over of the Queen’s Privy Council for the next months. Temporary Canada. rules permit Members who As a result of these participate remotely to be announcements, two counted for the purpose of by-elections have been called quorum and allow documents in the ridings of Toronto to be tabled electronically with Centre and York Centre for 26 the Clerk. October 2020. In addition, the motion includes a rule for recorded Changes in the Senate divisions in this hybrid On 24 April 2020, Hon. Grant setting, which are in place Mitchell retired, after having until the launch of the served in the Senate since 2005. House of Commons’ remote On 23 August 2020, Hon. voting application. This new Lillian Eva Dyck retired, after procedure includes a digital having served in the Senate bell to call Members to a vote since 2005. and a roll call in alphabetical As of 26 October 2020, the order of all Members attending standings in the Senate were: virtually. Independent Senators Group

360 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 CANADA

44, Conservative Party 21, Toronto-Centre by-election of was defeated in a 146–180 the House of Commons to 13, 26 October 2020. vote. hold an emergency debate 11, which lasted fve hours. On non-affiliated 6 and vacant 10. Ethics Workplace Harassment 21 October, the House of As indicated in the previous In July 2020, allegations Commons Standing Committee Changes in Party Leadership issue of The Parliamentarian, were made in the media on Fisheries and Oceans began Two leadership races recently ethical questions were regarding potential issues of a study titled ‘Implementation came to an end. Both parties raised regarding the federal harassment and abuse in the of Mi’Kmaq Treaty Fishing used a ranked ballot to government’s announcement office of Governor-General Rights to Support a Moderate determine the winner. Members and subsequent cancellation Her Excellency Rt Hon. Julie Livelihood’. of the Conservative Party of of the Canada Student Service Payette. Following these Canada had until 21 August Grant. Two House of Commons claims, the Privy Council In Memoriam 2020 to mail their ballots and Standing Committees held Office (PCO) launched an On 18 August 2020, Rt Hon. the results were announced on meetings related to investigation on John Turner, Prime Minister 23 August 2020. With almost situation. However, those 23 July 2020. On 1 September, of Canada from 30 June to 175,000 votes cast, Hon. Erin studies ended with prorogation PCO announced that it 17 September 1984, passed O’Toole, MP, won on the third on 18 August 2020. mandated the services of a away at the age of 91. Mr ballot. He replaced Hon. Andrew The subject was brought private frm, with a fnal report Turner was frst elected as Scheer, MP, who remains a forward at the beginning of expected in the autumn. The a Member of Parliament in Member of Parliament. the second session: Hon. Office of the Governor-General 1962 and remained in office The Erin O’Toole, MP, Leader of has retained the services until 1976. He returned to the used both online voting as the Opposition, sponsored of former Supreme Court House of Commons in 1984 well as paper ballots to select a motion to create a special of Canada Justice, Michel and remained an MP until 1993. who would replace Elizabeth Committee on anti-corruption Bastarache, as a constitutional He occupied various positions May, MP as leader. The results to further study the question. advisor. in Cabinet during his career, were announced online on 3 The including Minister of Justice, October 2020. Annamie Paul, announced that it would Emergency Debate Attorney General of Canada an activist and lawyer, was consider it to be a matter of On 19 October 2020, an and Minister of Finance. Mr elected leader of the party. Not confdence and as such would ongoing lobster fshing Turner was also Leader of the currently sitting as an MP, Ms request the dissolution of dispute in Nova Scotia Opposition between 1984 and Paul has announced that she Parliament if it came to pass. On between Indigenous and 1990. will run as a candidate in the 21 October 2020, the motion non-Indigenous groups led

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 361 PARLIAMENTARY REPORT INDIA

or technical lapses under the provisions of THIRD READING: INDIA the said Act, into civil wrong: and considering the overall pendency of the courts, a principle based approach was adopted to further remove criminality in case of defaults, which can be determined objectively and which otherwise lack any element of fraud or do not involve larger public interest. In addition, the Government also proposed to provide greater ease of living to corporates through certain other amendments to the Act. Accordingly, the Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2020 was introduced in Lok Sabha by the Minister of Corporate Affairs on 17 March 2020, seeking to amend the Companies Act, 2013 to achieve the above objectives.

Key Features of the Bill (i) To decriminalise offences under the Act in case of defants which can be determined objectively, and which otherwise lack any element of fraud or do not involve larger public interest. (ii) To empower the Central Government to exclude, in consultation with the Securities and Exchange Board, certain class of companies from the defnition of ‘listed company’, mainly for listing of debt securities. (iii) To clarify the jurisdiction of the trial court on the basis of place of the commission of the offence under section 452 of the Act for wrongful withholding of property or of a company by its officers or employees, as the case may be. (iv) To incorporate a new Chapter XXIA in the Act relating to Producer Companies, which was earlier part of the Companies Act, 1956. (v) To set up Benches of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal. (vi) To make provisions for allowing The Companies (Amendment) Bill 2020 Company Law Committee (CLC) consisting payment of adequate remuneration to The Companies Act, 2013 was enacted to of representatives from Ministry, industry non-executive directors in the case of consolidate and amend the law relating chambers, professional institutes and inadequacy of profts, by aligning the to companies in India. The Act introduced legal fraternity was constituted on the 18th same with the provisions for remuneration signifcant changes relating to disclosures September 2019, to decriminalise some more to executive directors in such cases. to stakeholders, accountability of Directors, provisions of the Act, based on their gravity (vii) To relax provisions relating to charging Auditors and key managerial personnel, and to take other concomitant measures to higher additional fees for default on two investor protection, personnel, corporate provide further ease of living for corporates or more occasions in submitting, fling, governance and in-house adjudication in the country. After careful consideration the registering or recording any document, fact mechanism to adjudicate civil lapses, without CLC submitted its report in November 2019. or information as provided in section 403. involving criminal courts. Based on the recommendations of the (viii) To extend applicability of section In view of constant endeavor of the CLC and internal review by the Government, 446B, relating to lesser penalties for small India Government to facilitate greater it was proposed to amend various provisions companies and one person companies, ease of living to law abiding corporates, a of the Act to decriminalise minor procedural to all provisions of the Act which attract

362 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 INDIA

monetary penalties and also extend the Debate of the imposition of margins for non- same beneft to Producer Companies and During the discussion on the Bill in Parliament, centrally cleared OTC derivatives, it had start-ups. the Minister in charge while replying to the become necessary for India to implement (ix) To empower the Central Government debate inter alia stated that not only big an exchange of margin system for OTC to allow certain classes of Public companies, but also micro, small and medium derivatives to improve stability and the companies to list classes of securities (as enterprises and small companies are also resilience of India’s fnancial system. Such may be prescribed) in foreign jurisdictions. registered under the Companies Act. Small a margin on a gross basis would make the (x) To empower Central Government companies will also get the benefts of the OTC derivative market very costly and may to exempt any class of persons from provisions of decriminalisation being made seriously disrupt the OTC derivatives market, complying with requirements pertaining to through the Amending legislation. The as such derivatives account for a signifcant benefcent shareholding. Minister also stated that a new chapter is part of the total derivatives market. The law (xi) To empower exclusion from listed being added in the Companies Act, which will on bilateral netting would be a signifcant companies. The central government, be benefcial for the producers’ organisations. enabler for efficient margining. The capital in consultation with the Securities and Incentives are proposed to be given to saving would enable banks to provide price Exchange Board of India, to exclude farmers and producers’ organisations and efficiency in offering hedging instruments companies issuing specifed classes of these provisions would include seed capital, to businesses in India, and catalyse the securities from the defnition of a ‘listed funds and direct market access. The Bill corporate bond market through developing company’. was passed by Lok Sabha on 19 September the credit default swap market. It is expected (xii) The requires 2020 and by Rajya Sabha on 22 September that a law on bilateral netting of fnancial companies to fle certain resolutions 2020. The Bill, as passed by both Houses of transactions would further develop the with the registrar of companies who are Parliament, was assented to by the President fnancial market in India. exempt from fling resolutions passed to of India on 28 September 2020. The Government accordingly brought grant loans or to provide guarantees or forward the Bilateral Netting of Qualifed security for a loan. This exemption has The Bilateral Netting of Qualifed Financial Financial Contracts Bill, 2020, which was been extended to registered non-banking Contracts Bill 2020 introduced in Lok Sabha by the Minister of fnancial companies and housing fnance The Bill would ensure fnancial stability and Finance on 14 September 2020. companies. promote competitiveness in Indian fnancial markets by providing enforceability of Salient features of the Bill Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) bilateral netting of qualifed fnancial contracts (a) Provision has been made for the Under the Companies Act, companies and for matters connected therewith or designation of any bilateral agreement with net worth, turnover or profts above a incidental thereto. or contract or transaction, or type of specifed amount are required to constitute contract, as qualifed fnancial contract CSR Committees and spend 2% of their Background by the Central Government or any of the average net profts in the last three fnancial Netting enables two counterparties in a regulatory authorities as specifed in the years, towards its CSR policy. The amending bilateral fnancial contract to offset claims First Schedule; Bill exempts companies with a CSR liability against each other to determine a single (b) Enforceability of netting of a qualifed of up to Rs. 50 lakh a year from setting up net payment obligation due from one fnancial contract has been provided for; CSR Committees. Further, companies which counterparty to other in the event of default. (c) Provisions have been laid down for spend any amount in excess of their CSR In the absence of a legal framework for invocation of close-out netting which obligation in a fnancial year can set off the bilateral netting, banks are forced to measure may be commenced by a notice given by excess amount towards their CSR obligations credit exposure to a counterparty for over the one party to the other party of a qualifed in subsequent fnancial years. counter (OTC) derivative contracts based on fnancial contract upon the occurrence gross basis and not net basis. This situation of an event of default with respect to the Periodic fnancial results for unlisted signifcantly increases credit risk exposure other party or a termination event that companies: The Amending Bill empowers and systemic risk in the fnancial markets may, in certain circumstances, occur the central government to require classes of in the event of default of a counterparty, automatically as specifed in the netting unlisted companies (as may be prescribed) besides trapping signifcant amount of capital agreement; to prepare and fle periodical fnancial results, unproductively by banks. An unambiguous (d) It has also been provided that and to complete the audit or review of such legal framework for enforceability of close-out determination of the net amount payable results. netting would reduce the credit exposure under the close-out netting in accordance of banks and other fnancial institutions with the terms of the netting agreement Benches of NCLT: The Bill also seeks to from gross to net exposure, resulting in entered into by the parties and in the establish benches of the National Company substantial capital saving on such exposure absence of the netting agreement, where Law Appellate Tribunal. These shall ordinarily and reducing the overall systemic risks, thus the parties to a qualifed fnancial contract sit in New Delhi or such other place as may contributing to the fnancial stability. fail to agree on the sum with regard to be notifed. Owing to the emerging global consensus the net amount payable under the close-

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 363 PARLIAMENTARY REPORT INDIA

THIRD READING: INDIA (continued) out netting, determination of such sum and a tripartite meeting comprising of the The Industrial Relations Code, 2020: through arbitration; Government, employers’ and employees’ Following the recommendation of the (e) Certain limitations on powers of representatives, the India Government Second National Commission on Labour, administration practitioner have been decided to bring a comprehensive the India Government decided to bring imposed. legislation forward to amalgamate, simplify in legislation to amalgamate, simplify and and rationalise the relevant provisions of rationalise the relevant provisions of the The Bill was passed by Lok Sabha on 20 nine central labour enactments relating to following three central labour enactments September 2020 and by Rajya Sabha on 23 social security. This amalgamation would relating to industrial relations, namely: The September 2020. The Bill as passed by both facilitate the implementation and remove Trade Unions Act, 1926; The Industrial Houses of Parliament was assented to by the the multiplicity of defnitions without Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946; and on 28 September 2020. compromising the basic concepts of welfare The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. and benefts to workers. The Industrial Relations Code would bring Labour Law Codes The Code on Social Security would the use of technology in its enforcement. All On 19 September 2020, the following three facilitate the use of technology ensuring these measures would bring transparency labour law codes were introduced by the transparency and accountability leading to and accountability which would lead to Minister of Labour in the Lok Sabha: effective enforcement of the provisions of the more effective enforcement. The facilitation i) The Code on Social Security 2020 proposed legislation. Widening the scope for ease of compliance of labour laws will ii) The Industrial Relations Code 2020 of the benefts to fxed-term employees and promote in setting up of more enterprises iii) The Occupational Safety Health and facilitating the ease of compliance of labour thus catalysing the creation of employment Working Conditions Code 2020 laws would be a big step towards equity and opportunities. promote the setting up of more enterprises, Since all three Codes were dealing with thus catalysing the creation of employment The Occupational Safety, Health and labour welfare initiatives then they were listed opportunities. Working Conditions Code 2020: Following together for 22 September 2020. The Code would bring in a wide range the recommendation of the Second of features including the extension of the National Commission on Labour, the Code on Social Security 2020: The Second coverage of Employees’ State Insurance to India Government decided to enact the National Commission on Labour, which all establishments employing ten or more Occupational Safety, Health and Working submitted its report in June 2002 had employees; the extension of employees’ Conditions Code which would amalgamate, recommended that the existing set of labour pension and insurance schemes to all simplify and rationalise the relevant laws should be broadly amalgamated into the industries or establishments employing provisions of thirteen central labour Acts following groups, namely: industrial relations; twenty or more employees; and new relating to the occupation, safety, health and wages; social security; safety; and welfare penalties for employers who fail to enact this working conditions of workers. The Code was and working conditions. new code. introduced in Lok Sabha on 23 July 2019 and Following these recommendations the same was referred to the department- related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour. The Committee recommended several substantive modifcations to the Code and in addition, the India Government also proposed certain changes to the Code in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic. This Code would introduce a number of measures relating to health, safety, welfare and working conditions of workers.

Discussion on Codes in Parliament After a combined discussion in the House on all three Codes on 22 September 2020, these were passed by the Lok Sabha on the same day. The three Codes were passed by Rajya Sabha on 23 September 2020. The Codes as passed by both Houses of Parliament were assented to by the President of India on 28 September 2020.

364 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 AUSTRALIA

REMOTE PARTICIPATION A FIRST IN AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL PARLIAMENT CHAMBER PROCEEDINGS

The Australian Federal individuals could jeopardise to the evolving situation in • Restrictions on numbers of Parliament has continued the health situation in the , and also in the State non-Members (limit of fve to adapt, during the course Australian Capital Territory and of New South Wales, which photographers in the Press of 2020, to the Coronavirus place residents at unnecessary was experiencing outbreaks Gallery; advisers to leave pandemic and its impact on risk of infection.” But the Prime in localised ‘hotspots’. during divisions; reduced Parliamentarians’ ability to Minister also emphasised to Preparations for the sitting service from attendants; meet in Canberra for sittings. his colleagues his view that it fortnight due to commence Hansard recorders to work One notable outcome has would be undesirable to hold on 24 August 2020 began in externally). been the opportunity afforded a sitting that would effectively earnest; these contemplated • Doors to remain open, to Members and Senators exclude Parliamentarians a continuation of physical except during divisions, to to participate remotely from a single State, when “our measures to reduce the risk of reduce contact with door in particular Chamber Commonwealth Parliament transmission in the building and handles. proceedings. This innovation should have representatives especially within the chambers. has been functioning well in from all members of our The measures included: On 17 August 2020, the both the Australian House and it is the duty • Reduced numbers of President and the Speaker of Representatives and the of Parliamentarians to attend Members and increased issued a joint statement, since its Parliament, if it is scheduled.” spacing between seats. following consultation with the introduction in August. In the weeks following, • Closure of public galleries. Acting Chief Medical Officer The effect that the pandemic close attention was paid and ACT Health, containing would have on Parliament even planning to meet became apparent as early as 23 March 2020, from which point the sitting calendar underwent a number of revisions. Parliament was able to meet for three weeks in the (southern hemisphere) Winter sittings, albeit with signifcantly reduced attendance. However, an alarming increase in community transmission of COVID-19 in the State of Victoria during July affected the start of the planned Spring sittings. At the request of the Prime Minister, Hon. , MP, the frst sitting fortnight in August was cancelled. Seeking the agreement of the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. , MP; the Speaker of the House, Hon. Tony Smith, MP; and the President of the Senate, Senator Hon. Scott Ryan to the cancellation, the Prime Minister conveyed advice he had received from the acting Australian Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly. This advice was that the “entry of a high-risk group of

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 365 PARLIAMENTARY REPORT AUSTRALIA arrangements that had been made for the sitting fortnight. The statement noted that Parliament House would be closed to the public and that Members’ and Senators’ staff should not travel to Canberra unless it was considered absolutely essential. The statement acknowledged that while the wearing of face masks is not mandatory in the Australian Capital Territory, the practice “is encouraged where physical distancing is not possible”; a later joint statement, issued on 15 October 2020, added that the wearing of face masks is also “strongly recommended in those areas of the building where people circulate.” Focus was also given to how procedural rules could accommodate a degree of remote participation. Having foreseen a potential inability to attain the normal requirements for meetings, the House had on 23 March 2020 agreed to a signifcant resolution. It provided for the House to meet in a manner and form not otherwise provided in the Standing Orders, with the agreement of the Leader of the Senate have been able to resolution, defned the level of Act 1987, as they would be the House and the Manager achieve quorate meetings in permitted contributions that considered to be participating of Opposition Business Canberra. But since 24 August could be made by Members in “proceedings in Parliament.” (who could also agree on 2020, the meetings have unable to attend Parliament This confrmed to the well- necessary changes to rules also featured and officially because of the pandemic. established acceptance and orders). The resolution recorded contributions of some The House resolved that that privilege is engaged gave the Speaker the power to Members not physically present Members participating through in relation to Parliamentary determine the manner in which in the Chamber (and marked the official video facility would Committee proceedings where Members may be present, absent for the purposes of have their contributions Members have participated including for the purposes of attendance). In the House, this “published and broadcast in and witnesses have appeared achieving a quorum. On the was made possible through a accordance with the usual remotely. Finally, the motion same day, the Senate had resolution, also on 24 August processes and rules, as if the provided that participation by passed a similar resolution but 2020, authorising the use of contribution had been made video link would be recorded gave authority for determining an official video facility for that by a Member attending in in the House’s official record, the rules and orders for purpose; further, an Agreement the Chamber of the House.” the Votes and Proceedings Senate meetings to the Senate for Members to Contribute This ensured that all remarks (and so, where applicable, this Procedure Committee. Remotely to Parliamentary made by video link were was recorded in addition to the These are extraordinary Proceedings made between incorporated into Hansard. relevant Member’s absence). resolutions for an extraordinary the Leader of the House, Hon. The Speaker also stated that The Agreement stipulated time. However, exactly what Christian Porter, MP and Members making remarks that Members participating manner and form such a the Manager for Opposition this way would be protected remotely could receive meeting would take to some Business, Hon. , by absolute privilege under the call for the purposes of extent remains speculative, MP, pursuant to the 23 March the Parliamentary Privileges participating in Question Time as to date both the House and

366 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 AUSTRALIA or contributing to debate Senators must attend the will say that the Standing Legislative Assembly. A total of (this was changed to ‘making Senate to vote in and call for Orders apply and, if it persists, 141,225 electors were enrolled a speech’ in a second and divisions. not only will I enforce the to vote. The election was very similar Agreement that was Confrming that it was Standing Orders, but you might close: counting continued for presented on 6 October 2020 indeed open to the Senate fnd yourself disconnected.” two weeks until fnal results for the period commencing to authorise participation by A year ago, it would have were announced. Ultimately that day until the conclusion of video link, the Committee been difficult to imagine Territory Labor, under the parliamentary sittings in 2020). recommended that its use by a context in which such a leadership of , Both Agreements provided absent Senators extend to any statement would be made Hon. Michael Gunner, was that ‘remote’ Members could matter before the Chair, but during chamber proceedings. returned for a second term of not vote or be counted for with certain limitations. These But the Parliament has , having quorum; move or second any included that participants be demonstrated resilience and secured 14 seats. The Country motion; move or second any limited to moving amendments fexibility despite ongoing and Liberal Party, led by Ms Lia amendment to a motion or and requests for House unforeseen challenges. This Finocchiaro, won eight seats a Bill; propose or support a amendments to legislation has allowed Parliamentarians, (up from just two in the 2016 proposal to discuss a Matter only in the Committee of the at time when it is more crucial election). In a speech at party of Public Importance; call for Whole stage. Importantly, than ever, to continue to speak headquarters on election night, a division or call for a quorum the Committee noted that it on behalf of the Australian the Chief Minister pledged to be counted. Consequently, had developed rules based people they have been elected to “rebuild the Territory’s as the Manager of Opposition on an overarching principle to represent. economy and save lives” in Business observed, “The that the proceedings of the the wake of the Coronavirus Parliament is here, and it is Senate are to be managed New and Retiring Members pandemic. meeting here…the Parliament is in the Senate itself which, in the Australian Federal not a virtual Parliament.” the Committee said, “refect Parliament Australian Capital Territory Finally, pairing arrangements a view about the primacy of Following the retirement of Election 2020 for divisions have been used attendance in the Parliament Hon. Dr Michael Kelly, AM, Residents of the fve extensively in the House since as the key means for Senators MP (), a electorates in the Australian the pandemic began. Since 12 to engage in and determine by-election in the seat of Eden- Capital Territory voted in the May 2020, pairs (normally an its work.” On 24 August 2020, Monaro in New South Wales ACT election on 17 October informal arrangement) have also the Senate resolved that the held on 4 July 2020 was won 2020. Chief Minister, Andrew been recorded in the Votes and rules for remote participation by Ms Kristy McBain (Australian Barr, MLA, was able to claim Proceedings. This has meant recommended by the Labor Party). Ms McBain was victory for the incumbent ACT that some Members appear as Committee in its report have sworn in as a Member of the Labor Party for a record sixth both absent for entire sittings effect for the following sitting House of Representatives on consecutive term, with the and yet paired for divisions. fortnight; on 6 October 2020, 24 August 2020 and made support of the ACT Greens led The Speaker observed that the it resolved the same for the her frst speech on 31 August by Mr Shane Rattenbury, MLA. recording of pairs appropriately sittings from 6 to 8 October. 2020. On 18 September 2020, Final results took over acknowledges that the voting On the fnal sitting day of Dr John McVeigh (Liberal a week to come in, but the intentions of absent Members the frst fortnight during which National Party of ) outcome was that 10 Members can be recorded and, by remote participation was resigned his seat as the from ACT Labor, nine Members enabling a reduced number available, the Speaker had Member for Groom in the State from the Canberra Liberals of Members in the Chamber, cause to remind Members of Queensland. On 8 October and unprecedented six pairing has allowed legislation to in the House that those 2020, the Speaker of the Members from the ACT Greens pass which otherwise would not participating remotely are House of Representatives, Hon. (up from two in 2016) have have been possible this year. bound by the same formality Tony Smith, MP, announced been elected to the 25-seat Over in the Senate, the as applies in the Chamber that the date of the by-election Legislative Assembly. Leader Manager of Opposition (including the regard to be had for Groom would be 28 of the ACT Liberals, Alistair Business in the Senate, Senator to, and authority of, the Chair): November 2020. Coe, MLA, conceding defeat, , had on 7 “Just before I call the member acknowledged that he was August 2020 referred to the for Indi, I say to those Members PARLIAMENTARY REPORTS ‘disappointed’ in the result. Senate Procedure Committee who are remoting in today for FROM THE AUSTRALIA The Chief Minister said the development of rules to question time - I see none on REGION that he would negotiate a allow Senators to participate in the government side; I see parliamentary agreement with Senate proceedings by video them on the opposition side Northern Territory Election Mr Rattenbury for Labor and the link. The proposal had asked - that obviously interjections 2020 Greens to govern together, and the Committee to consider remotely are equally disorderly. On 22 August 2020, the spoke of his ‘humbling year’ of rules on the basis that remote It’s hard to identify who they Northern Territory headed government leading Canberra participants may not count are from, although one Member to the polls to elect 25 new through bushfres and the towards the quorum and that looks particularly guilty. I just Members of the unicameral global pandemic.

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 367 PARLIAMENTARY REPORT AUSTRALIA

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Amendment the EMC for 2020 in its entirety. These sentiments were echoed by the (Coronavirus Economic Response Package) The Minister for the Environment, Hon. Member for Warringah, Ms , Act, 2020 , MP (Liberal Party) told the MP (Independent) who told the House she This Act, which was assented to on 19 June Australian House of Representatives that supported the Bill but that “we must act 2020, makes amendments to the Great “the government values the signifcant collectively on climate change and balance Barrier Reef Park Act, 1975 in order to waive contribution of the tourism industry” for our carbon budget.” the requirement for Great Barrier Reef whom the Bill “will provide much-needed Similarly, the Member for Dunkley, Ms Marine Park ‘permission holders’ to remit the relief.” Ms Ley also assured Members that Peta Murphy, MP (Australian Labor Party) environmental management charge (EMC) to “the government will ensure that there is agreed that it was “appropriate to take short- the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority for no reduction in revenue that goes to the term measures to support small businesses the quarter 1 January to 31 March 2020. EMC is management of the Great Barrier Reef like tourism on the Reef” but called for further a charge imposed on permission holders (such Marine Park as a result of this amendment.” legislation to provide the Reef with better as tourist operators) and the bulk is collected Advising the House that Labor supported environmental protection. through a ‘standard tourist program charge’ the Bill and welcomed the fnancial relief for The Member for Dawson, Mr George which is paid by visitors taking part in tourist tourism operators, the Member for Lilley, Ms Christensen, MP (Liberal National Party programs in the Marine Park. Anika Wells, MP (Australian Labor Party), noted of Queensland), emphasising the plight of The Act is intended to provide fnancial that the Great Barrier Reef, comprising 3,000 tourism operators in the area as a result of relief to the Great Barrier Reef tourism individual reef systems is “of unparalleled the pandemic, stated that the Bill “really is industry which has been impacted by the ecological importance” and she spoke about needed” because in the Whitsundays area Coronavirus pandemic. The Coronavirus the cultural and economic value of the Reef, of Queensland, where the Great Barrier Reef Economic Response Package Omnibus including the 64,000 local jobs it supports. Ms is located, “100% of businesses are directly Act, 2020 (assented to on 24 March 2020) Wells, describing the effects of three major impacted by the...Coronavirus pandemic waived the EMC from 1 April 2020 – 31 bleaching events in the past fve years, also [and] over 3,000 jobs have been lost.” December 2020, so combined the measures urged the federal government to “commit to a The Member for Leichhardt, Hon. in both Acts have resulted in the waiving of serious plan to tackle climate change.” , MP (Liberal National Party of

368 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 AUSTRALIA

Queensland) noted that “7,000 businesses have directly benefted from the initiative” THIRD READING: AUSTRALIA and that the measures in the Bill, combined with the Government’s Coronavirus-related person who is a national or citizen of a country provisions with a Ministerial decision-making JobKeeper program, have “ensured the other than Australia ceases to be an Australian model, cited INSLM’s concerns that the tourism business and operators have been citizen if the person acts inconsistently with former “operated in an uncontrolled and able to retain staff until things are able to their allegiance to Australia by: uncertain manner” and stated that while the return to normal.” • engaging in specifed terrorism-related latter is “far from perfect, the model would In the Australian Senate, Senator Patrick conduct. at least provide the government with the Dodson (Australian Labor Party) reiterated • fghting for, or being in the service of, a fexibility to manage the risk of potential Labor’s support for the Bill but added that the declared terrorist organisation outside adverse security outcomes.” Emphasising Reef “brings in $6.4 billion a year and is worth Australia. that “the power to cancel a person’s $56 billion” and he urged the government • engaging in conduct that results in a citizenship is an extraordinary power [that] to support tourism by working “towards the conviction for a specifed terrorism must be subject to stringent safeguards” Mr overall health of the Reef” by committing “to offence and a sentence of three years’ Dreyfus expressed some concerns with the serious action on climate change.” imprisonment, or periods of imprisonment Bill, which included that some of INSLM’s key In her contribution, Senator Larissa totalling at least three years. recommendations, including a proposal in Waters () told the Senate relation to the availability of merits review, that “the greatest relief that the government The Act provides for a period in which had not been implemented. Mr Dreyfus fnally could provide for the Reef and the 64,000 individuals subject to a citizenship cessation remarked that passing legislation does not people who rely on it is to take strong action determination may apply to the Minister guarantee better security outcomes and that on climate change.” for Home Affairs to have the determination “it will be up to the Minister to exercise the Senator Gerard Rennick (Liberal Party) revoked. It also amends the Intelligence extraordinary powers in this Bill responsibly.” said that the while the Bill will “alleviate some Services Act, 2011 to enable the INSLM Opposing the Bill, Senator Nicholas fnancial pressure on tourism” and “provide a and the PJCIS to review the operation and McKim (Australian Greens) said that the very welcome relief to…small businesses…it effectiveness of the new provisions. repeal of the automatic cessation provisions is ultimately a short term solution” and, noting The Minister for Home Affairs, Hon. “would normally be...something we would that international travel is still a long way off, , MP (Liberal National Party welcome and support” but was concerned called on Queensland Premier Annastacia of Queensland) told the House that the that the Bill’s new provisions “will increase Palaszczuk to open Queensland’s borders to terrorism-related citizenship cessation the danger that people will be rendered interstate travellers. provisions were frst introduced in 2015 in stateless” because, Senator McKim said, the Finally, Senator (Liberal response to the threat of terrorist fghters “safeguards in place to ensure that a person Party) thanked the other Senators who had returning to Australia from Syria and Iraq and is a dual citizen before their citizenship is contributed to the debate and noted that that the amendments, recommended by revoked are weakened by this legislation.” “everyone has touched on the importance INSLM, “build on, adapt and modernise the... Senator McKim also expressed concern of the tourism industry” and that the Bill “is a provisions [and] strengthen the operation of about the lack of merits review in the Bill. massive win for that sector.” the measures in response to the increasingly Senator (Independent) complex challenges facing the national confrmed he would be supporting the Bill Australian Citizenship Amendment security, defence and international relations but conveyed concerns that “the provision (Citizenship Cessation) Act, 2020 of Australia.” The Minister advised the in this Bill for a one-off PJCIS review of the This Bill was introduced to the House of House that in considering whether to cease administration of these new ministerial Representatives on 19 September 2019, and it a person’s citizenship, “the Minister must powers is no substitute for ongoing review was on that day referred to the Parliamentary have regard to certain public interest criteria of operational matters.” Senator Patrick said Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security [which] includes the degree of threat the that the PJCIS should be able to review the (PJCIS) for an advisory report. It was fnally person poses to the Australian community, operational activities of the “not infallible” assented to on 17 September 2020. Australia’s international relations and the intelligence community, upon whose advice, The Act implements a recommendation of person’s connection with the other country of Senator Patrick asserted, the Minister for the Independent National Security Legislation citizenship” and “as an additional safeguard, Home Affairs would rely in making a decision Monitor (INSLM) to amend the terrorism- the Bill retains provisions that no persons about ceasing a person’s citizenship. related citizenship loss provisions for dual- will have their citizenship ceased unless the Summing up, Senator Hon. Michaelia nationals in the Australian Citizenship Act, Minister is satisfed that they are a citizen or Cash (Liberal Party) thanked the PJCIS 2007 from an ‘operation of law’ model (where national of another country.” for its work on the Bill, and noted that certain conduct results in automatic cessation) The Member for Isaacs, Hon. Mark the government had accepted the three to a ministerial decision-making model. Dreyfus, MP (Australian Labor Party), advising substantive recommendations it had made in The Act’s amendments provide that, at the the House of Labor’s support for the Bill’s its advisory report. discretion of the Minister for Home Affairs, a replacement of the automatic cessation

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 369 PARLIAMENTARY REPORT UNITED KINGDOM

UNITED KINGDOM PARLIAMENT DEBATES BREXIT AND COVID-19

United Kingdom Internal An Urgent Question in the needing to consider their , MP (Con) and Market Bill House of Commons on the UKIM international obligations as former Attorney General, Rt The UK Government introduced Bill was granted on 8 September circumstances change.” Hon. Geoffrey Cox, MP (Con). the United Kingdom Internal 2020, before the Bill was This response was used by Before the Bill reached Market (UKIM) Bill to the House introduced to the House. The opponents, including Andrew the UK House of Lords, it of Commons on 9 September for Northern Gwynne, MP (Lab) who, had already been touted in 2020. The Bill seeks to ensure Ireland, Rt Hon. Brandon Lewis, following the Minister during the press that the Bill could the UK internal market (trade MP when answering the Urgent the Urgent Question, said “I am face stiff opposition. During a within Great Britain and Question told the House: “Our astounded that the Secretary Private Notice Question on 10 between Great Britain and approach guarantees that of State has just conceded September 2020, the former ) functions we will be able to deliver the that he is proposing to break leader of the Conservative smoothly following the end objectives that we set out for international law.” Party and supporter of Brexit, of the Brexit transition period implementing the protocol in a At Committee stage in Rt Hon. Lord Michael Howard which ends on 31 December way that protects the interests of the House of Commons, an of Lympne, asked Rt Hon. Lord 2020. The transition period is the people and the economy of amendment to the Bill was Keen of Elie, QC, Advocate the 12-month period in which Northern Ireland.” tabled by Sir Robert Neill General for Scotland, “How can the UK and EU may negotiate Sir Robert (Bob) Neill, MP and signed by a number of we reproach Russia, China or a future framework of their (Con) asked the Minister “will Conservative backbenchers, Iran when their conduct falls relationship before the UK he assure us that nothing that which would have required the below internationally accepted ceases to be a member of the is proposed in this legislation House of Commons to approve standards, when we are single market and the customs does, or potentially might, a resolution before a Minister showing such scant regard for union. However, the Bill proved breach international legal could lay regulations that modify our treaty obligations?” contentious as it contains obligations or international the Northern Ireland protocol. Lord Keen responded by provisions for Ministers to make legal arrangements that we Following discussions with telling the House “we are not regulations to determine how have entered into?” backbenchers, the Government showing scant regard for our EU state aid law is applied, The Secretary of State tabled an amendment similar to treaty obligations. We are including in a way that could responded by saying “yes, that of Sir Robert Neill’s which endeavouring to allow for a modify the Northern Ireland this does break international was agreed by the House at contingency that may arise protocol. The protocol is law in a very specifc and Committee stage. At the Third very soon, which will require an agreed part of the UK’s limited way…There are clear Reading division, there were us to ensure that we can Withdrawal Agreement with of this for the UK notable abstentions, including discharge our obligations to the EU. and, indeed, other countries former Prime Minister, Rt Hon. Northern Ireland.”

The Secretary of State responded by saying “yes, this does break international law in a very specific and limited way…There are clear precedents of this for the UK and, indeed, other countries needing to consider their international obligations as circumstances change.”

370 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 UNITED KINGDOM

affirmative’ procedure, meaning began by telling the House: “The the statutory instrument comes way in which the Government into effect before Parliament have exercised their powers has considered it, although to make secondary legislation it cannot remain law unless during this crisis has been totally it is approved by Parliament unsatisfactory. All too often, within a certain time period. important statutory instruments Secondary legislation had have been published a matter been used to make provision of hours before they come into for local lockdowns (which may force.” He explained that under include measures such as the Standing Order No.16 the motion prohibition of indoor socialising “is only [permitted] a 90-minute and curfews for hospitality debate as [it is] a proceeding businesses to stem local under an Act…I have therefore outbreaks of the Coronavirus), decided not to select any of the the use of face coverings in amendments to the motion.” specifed public areas and The Secretary of State fnes for breaching regulations. for Health and Social Care, Many of these regulations were following discussions with Sir made under the Public Health Graham Brady and supporters (Control of Diseases) Act, 1984 of his amendment, made the and the Coronavirus Act, 2020. undertaking when moving the Rt Hon. Matt Hancock, MP motion “for signifcant national (Con), the Secretary of State measures with effect in the whole for Health and Social Care, of England or UK-wide, we will tabled a motion under section consult Parliament; wherever 98 of the Coronavirus Act to possible, we will hold votes before be debated on 30 September such regulations come into 2020. Section 98 provides force. But of course, responding that the motion, moved by a to the virus means that the Minister of the Crown, must Government must act with speed be approved if the temporary when required.” The motion was provisions of the Act which agreed by 330 votes to 24. received in March were to remain in force for Brexit bills and ping-pong another six months. Several signifcant Government B On 16 September 2020, Kingdom.” Lord Judge’s Eight amendments were ills relating to Brexit continue Lord Keen resigned from motion was agreed to with tabled to the motion, with their passage through the UK the UK Government. In his 395 votes to 169. This was the an amendment by Rt Hon. Parliament as the end of the resignation to the UK Prime biggest Government defeat in Sir Graham Brady, MP transition period approaches. Minister, he stated: “I have the House of Lords since the (Con) receiving over 80 The Agriculture Bill passed the found it increasingly difficult to reform of the House in 1999. At cross-party signatories. The House of Lords and returned reconcile what I consider to be the time of writing, the House amendment would insert to the House of Commons with my obligations as a Law Officer of Lords were considering the words “provided that… 46 amendments, including six with your policy intentions with over 180 amendments tabled Parliament has an opportunity Government defeats. The UK respect to the UKIM Bill.” for Committee stage whilst to debate and to vote upon Government was defeated A regret motion was tabled negotiations between the United any secondary legislation seven times at Report stage with effect in the whole of of the Immigration and Social by Rt Hon. Lord Judge, a Kingdom and the EU continued. Crossbench peer and former England or the whole United Security Co-ordination (EU Kingdom before it comes into Withdrawal) Bill in the House Lord Chief Justice of England COVID-19 response and the effect.” The amendment also of Lords. At the time of writing, and Wales, to the Second use of secondary legislation Reading motion. The regret A number of MPs raised made reference to regulations both Bills continue to ‘ping- made under the Public Health motion inserted “but that this concerns over the use of pong’ between the Houses. (Control of Diseases) Act. House regrets that Part 5 of the secondary legislation by the The House of Commons The Speaker of the House Bill contains provisions which, UK Government in response returned the Fisheries Bill to of Commons, if enacted, would undermine to the COVID-19 pandemic. Rt Hon. Sir the House of Lords with 101 , delivered a the rule of law and damage Secondary legislation had often Lindsay Hoyle, MP amendments and the Trade Bill statement to the House before the reputation of the United been made under the ‘made awaits its Report stage in the the motion was debated. He House of Lords.

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 371 PARLIAMENTARY REPORT NEW ZEALAND

with support from the Green Party, ditched the previous Bill and consulted widely with union and business interests, then introduced the Equal Pay Amendment Bill in the House on the 125th anniversary of women’s suffrage in New Zealand. Although Opposition Member, Ms Nicola Willis, MP (National) reiterated the Nationals’ support for the Bill, she took issue with the Government’s decision to replace the former Bill with a new one: “What that meant was we then waited and waited for a Bill to be introduced, and, of course, the Bill was symbolically introduced at the anniversary of women’s suffrage, which … actually, just amounted to delay.” The Third Reading speeches were uncharacteristically short, and few calls were taken, refecting the unanimity amongst all parties and the lateness of the hour, the Third Reading having begun at 11.37 pm. On 24 July 2020, the Support Workers (Pay Equity) Settlements Amendment Bill passed its Third Reading with the unanimous support of the House as part of the same marathon sitting. Speaking at the Third Reading, Hon. , MP (Labour) explained: “This Bill implements the new pay equity settlements for mental health and addiction workers, and vocational disability workers who are employed by Oranga Tamariki [Ministry of Children] and the Ministry of Social Equal Pay Amendment Bill their male co-workers. However, jobs that are Development.” The Bill would bring the pay The Equal Pay Amendment Bill is one of many dominated by women remained underpaid rates of those workers into line with workers Bills whose passage had been delayed due and the gender pay gap had not closed. in the aged care, disability, and home and to reduced House sitting hours during the At the Bill’s First Reading, Hon. Ian Lees- community support sectors, all of whom had COVID-19 lockdown. Galloway, MP (Labour) acknowledged the benefted from settlement of the claim raised With the Parliament of New Zealand important role of Kristine Bartlett, an aged-care by Kristine Bartlett. scheduled to rise ahead of the 2020 general worker who complained to the Employment Hon. , MP (National), election, the Court that her employer did not provide equal the Minister for Seniors in the previous progressed a raft of legislation under urgency pay: “The courage and perseverance of Government, said: “Those of us in this in marathon sittings from 21 to 24 July 2020. Kristine and her union resulted in a settlement House who have had experience with being All parties supported legislation to amend to address gender-based undervaluation involved with aged care and with mental New Zealand’s law on equal pay for women. in the aged-care sector. They made legal health and addiction care … will be well aware The Minister for Women, Hon. Julie Anne history and breathed new life into a statute of … the work that these people do.” Genter, MP (Green), described the Equal Pay that was thought moribund.” Speaking for the Green Party, Ms Jan Amendment Bill as: “an important step in the Bartlett brought her case in 2013 but Logie, MP said: “What a great couple of days journey towards workplace gender equality, it was only in 2017, following a protracted for women and for justice in this country, building on the Equal Pay Act to make it negotiation process, that the claim was settled where last night, just on the mark of midnight, easier for women to ensure they are paid and given effect to by special legislation. The we passed the pay equity legislation … This is fairly for their work.” previous National Government proposed a really momentous time for us as a country in In earlier readings, several Members an amendment to the Equal Pay Act 1972, terms of righting longstanding wrongs.” referenced the Equal Pay Act 1972, which which did not pass before the change of Both Bills received the Royal Assent on 6 achieved a long-fought for right for in 2017. August 2020. New Zealand to share the same pay rates as The Labour - coalition,

372 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 NEW ZEALAND

Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Vaping) Amendment Bill THIRD READING: NEW ZEALAND The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Vaping) Amendment Bill passed But I think there has been a reasonably that landlords would simply leave the market its Third Reading under urgency on 5 June constructive process along the way.” as a consequence of the legislation. “In order 2020, with support from all parties across Ms Jenny Marcroft, MP (New Zealand First) to address the issues of a few, this Bill is going the House. This Bill amends the Smoke- praised the Minister in charge of the Bill: “This to cause problems for all … That will ultimately free Environments Act 1990 to bring the is an amazing tool, and congratulations to the see rents increase … purely limiting the provisions of the Act up to date and to Minister, the Hon. , for bringing landlords’ [rent] increase to every 12 months ensure that all regulated products (tobacco this to the House. You have made a wonderful won’t cut it; they will simply double, or take it smoking products, herbal smoking products, contribution to society, to the health of our even steeper.” smokeless tobacco products, and vaping young people, and for that I commend you.” He also criticised the process employed products) are adequately covered. Dr , MP (National) discussed by the Government, stating that National Hon. Jenny Salesa, MP (Labour) said: the effectiveness of vaping: “It’s a pleasure was “disappointed that, less than two hours “The Bill will prohibit children under the age to see this Bill fnally to the House, because, ago, the Supplementary Order Paper was of 18 being sold a regulated product and will on net balance, we do believe that the tabled.” Hon. , MP (National) restrict access to a wide range of favours vaping products are effective - that vaping agreed: “I rephrased and reframed the Bill to specialist R18 vape stores. The Bill also as a mechanism is effective - in smoking the ‘Residential Tenancies (I Hate Landlords) reduces the normalisation of vaping and reduction.” Bill’, and that’s really clear. Now, some may using heated tobacco devices, prohibits Ms , MP (Green) said say that that’s a bit harsh, but when you look their use in legislated smoke-free areas, and the Green Party are “pleased, after the careful at the comments that have been made from prohibits the advertising and promotion of consideration and work that happened at the a number of landlords, when you look at the these products, including on TV and social Select Committee stage … that this absolutely comments in submissions - we had 1,436 media. The Bill will also ensure that smokers is about public health and safety and a submissions - a number were opposed to this have access to vaping and heated tobacco positive journey to becoming smoke-free, Bill.” devices that meet safety standards. We’re rather than vaping itself being an activity that The Minister of Defence, New Zealand here because, on average, every year stands on its own, and rather than people First Party MP, Hon. , confrmed around 5,000 New Zealanders - or 13 lives going towards vaping.” that his party would continue to support a day - die because of smoking or second- The Smokefree Environments and the legislation, stating: “New Zealand First hand smoking exposure. This is more than Regulated Products (Vaping) Amendment Bill has noted in its speeches the concerns of the number of people that we collectively received Royal Assent on 11 August 2020. landlords around the removal of the 90-day lose from road crashes, alcohol, other ‘no cause’ eviction notice. We are mindful, drugs, suicide, murders, drownings, and The Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill though, that it’s only really been used on 3% earthquakes combined. … We’re also here The Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill of occasions.” because we recognise that vaping products passed its Third Reading under urgency on Green Party of New Zealand are not harmless and should not be attractive 4 August 2020. The Bill, in the name of the co-leader and Government support partner, or easily accessible to our tamariki and our Associate Minister of Housing, Hon. Kris Ms Marama Davidson, MP explained, young people.” Faafoi, MP (Labour) was frst introduced to however, that Māori and Pasifka communities Hon. , MP (National) the House on 17 February 2020 and was in New Zealand are overrepresented in the expressed the Opposition’s support for the considered by the Social Services and rental sector: “Almost half of our population Bill: “there’s actually broad support for this, not Community Committee. Mr Faafoi explained in this country are renting a home and do only across the House but across society. I do that since the original Residential Tenancies not own their own home. For Māori, that is note, however, that the amount of harm that Act came into force some thirty years ago, well over 60%, and for Pacifc Islanders, it is is understood to be caused by the products the proportion of New Zealand households in well over that again.” She stressed the need that we are now regulating is so low that the the rental market had increased signifcantly: to correct what she perceives as a power Attorney-General gave a New Zealand Bill “Home ownership is now at a 60-year low, imbalance between renters and landlords: of Rights Act fail on the prohibition on the and nearly a third of all households, or “Yes, we will see some complaints from marketing of these products, because there approximately 600,000, now live in a rented those who are wanting to protect that power wasn’t sufficient evidence that they were property.” He explained that the Bill aligns imbalance … If people using housing as a harmful. … I did appreciate as the health New Zealand’s rental laws with “the present- business are not able to run a business in a spokesperson at that time, the manner in day realities of renting”, improving tenants’ way that is ft for human decency, then that is which the Associate Minister was prepared security and stability whilst continuing to up to them to choose some other way to run to engage once she had fnally done her bit protect landlords’ interests. a business.” to bring the Bill into shovel-ready shape for Opposition spokesperson for Housing and The Bill was passed with 63 votes to 55 First Reading, that she did engage me. I was Urban Development, Mr Simon O’Connor, and received the Royal Assent on 11 August wishing that we could have done that sooner. MP (National) disagreed. Mr O’Connor stated 2020.

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 373 PARLIAMENTARY REPORT SRI LANKA

PRESIDENT OPENS THE 9TH PARLIAMENT OF SRI LANKA

“The Government will take all start on 20 August 2020 with promote, fnance, encourage of Sri Lanka, His Excellency measures to eradicate terrorism, the election of a new Speaker or advocate the establishment Gotabaya extremism, underworld and the swearing-in of newly of a separate State within the commenced. activities, and drug trafficking elected Members of Parliament, territory of Sri Lanka.” Arrangements were made in the country” - President followed by the election of a After MPs were sworn in, under the instructions of the Gotabaya Rajapaksha Deputy Speaker and a Deputy the name of Kegalle district MP, President to hold his arrival Chairman of Committees. was at the Parliament buildings in The Parliament of the All three appointments were proposed for the post of Deputy a very simple and charming Democratic Socialist Republic made unanimously. Matara Speaker by Minister Mahinda manner and so accordingly, of Sri Lanka is the supreme district SLPP MP, and seconded there were no gun salutes or legislative body of Sri Lanka. Yapa Abeywardena was by State Minister vehicle parades. It alone possesses legislative elected as the Speaker of the while SLFP district The invited dignitaries supremacy and thereby 9th Parliament in accordance Parliamentarian, Angajan arrived from 2.15pm and ultimate power over all with Standing Order No. 1 of Ramanathan’s name was Members of Parliament were the other political bodies in the Parliament. He was escorted proposed for the post of Deputy frst to arrive at the Parliament island. The Parliament of Sri to the Speaker’s Chair by the Chairman of Committees by buildings. Following the Lanka is modeled after the two MPs who proposed and Minister arrival of the new Speaker of Westminster parliamentary seconded him following which and seconded by State Minister Parliament, the Prime Minister system. It consists of 225 Abeywardena took his oaths . of Sri Lanka, Hon. Mahinda Members known as Members before the Secretary-General The Speaker recognised Rajapaksa arrived, followed by of Parliament (MPs). Members of Parliament, Dhammika as the arrival of the President. are elected by proportional Dasanayake. the Leader of the House and The new Speaker of representation for fve-year This was followed by all MPs Minister Parliament and the Secretary terms, with . taking their oaths before the as the Chief Government Whip. General of Parliament received To fulfl the above for the 9th Speaker. The MPs read out the The Leader of Samagi Jana the Parliament, the general election oath, made available in all three Balawegaya, Colombo District at the main entrance of the was held on 5 August 2020 languages, pledging to uphold MP, was parliamentary complex. to elect 196 Members, with 29 and defend the Constitution recognised as the Leader of the The President of Sri Members selected from the of the Democratic Socialist Opposition. Lanka ceremonially declared National list to complete the Republic of Sri Lanka. The Thereafter, sittings were open the frst session of the count of 225 Members overall. new MPs also pledged to “not, suspended till 3pm, when the Ninth Parliament and the The Ninth Parliament of directly or indirectly, in or outside ceremonial sitting of the House, Government’s Policy Statement Sri Lanka got off to a smooth Sri Lanka, support, espouse, presided over by the President as provided by Article 33(2) of the Constitution was presented to the House on the same day at 3pm. Presenting the policy statement of the Government, President emphasised that a constitutional change must be made for a powerful Executive, Legislature and independent Judiciary that Images copyright: Sri Lanka Parliament. Lanka Sri copyright: Images ensures the people’s mandate. The move will strengthen the President’s role and powers because the country will return to its previous constitutional status, in which the President could head Ministries, appoint and dismiss Ministers, appoint officials for the police, judiciary and public service and dissolve Parliament any time after one year. The President noted: “The basis of the success

374 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 SRI LANKA

As I have pledged, the launch political culture, most of the of the methodical mechanism people’s representatives, to protect the people against after they get elected, neglect social evils such as the activities the prime duty of going to of the underworld and the the people. When I travelled drug menace that have been round the country in the recent a hindrance to the day-to-day past, this was confrmed by lives of the people has also the people who voiced their

Images copyright: Sri Lanka Parliament. Lanka Sri copyright: Images increased the confdence of the grievance on this matter. public.” Henceforth, Ministers, State Tabling his policy manifesto Ministers as well as Members in Parliament, President of Parliament will fulfll this Rajapaksa presented his views expectation of the people on eliminating the corruption by visiting them often to of a democratic state is its stability of the Parliament and and waste in the Government understand their issues and Constitution. Our Constitution, people’s direct representation.” Ministries and institutions fnd solutions to their issues.” which has been amended President Rajapaksa stated as well as the derelictions of President Rajapaksa 19 times, from its inception in that his Government will politicians in the future. emphasised that he will 1978, has many ambiguities take all measures required “In the National Policy take the country towards and uncertainties, presently to exterminate terrorism, Framework ‘Vistas of prosperity while safeguarding resulting in confusion. As the extremism, underworld Prosperity and Splendor’, the people and protecting the people have given us the activities and drug trafficking in we promised the people that sovereignty of the country mandate we wanted for a the country. we would eradicate waste without succumbing to any constitutional amendment, The President further and corruption. This is a core force. The introduction of a our frst task will be to remove stated: “When we took responsibility of all of us. We new system to identify the th the 19 Amendment to the over the Government, the will take steps to completely welfare and happiness of Constitution. After that, all of us confdence of the people in eradicate waste and corruption the general public, taking will get together to formulate the security of the country in all the Ministries and forward the projects planned a new Constitution suitable for had been severely dented institutions. In future I will not during the Government of the country. In this, the priority due to the Easter Sunday hesitate to enforce the law , promoting will be given to the concept of attacks that occurred in 2019. against those who are involved investments of businesses that one country, one law for all the Establishing frmly that the in fraud and corrupt actions, provide products and services people. prime policy of our Government irrespective of the status of to regional nations, developing An unstable Parliament is national security, we have any such perpetrators,” the the road network in the that cannot take frm decisions restructured the security President stated. “Constantly country, creating the provision and succumbs to extremist apparatus and intelligence I will review the progress of of jobs to thousands of youth infuences very often is not services, eliminating the the achievement of the goals belonging to low-income suitable for a country. While fears of the people, thereby of the Government that are families, developing technology introducing a new Constitution, restoring the security of the implemented through Ministries in the agriculture, plantation it is essential to make changes country. We have re-created an and the public sector. If I fnd and fsheries industries are to the current . environment where any citizen any Ministry failing to achieve some of the objectives of the While retaining the salutary can live freely without any fear its set targets, I will not hesitate President’s policy statement aspects of the proportional for the safety of themselves to effect necessary changes towards establishing Sri Lanka representation system, these and their families. to implement policies of the as the hub and commercial changes will be made to ensure Government. In the current center of Asia.

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 375 Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA)

CPA Patron, Officers, Executive Committee, Regional Representatives, Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) and CPA Small Branches Steering Committees and CPA Regional Secretaries CARIBBEAN, AMERICAS PATRON: VICE-PATRON: AND THE ATLANTIC Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Vacant (Canada Region) Hon. Bridgid Annisette-George, MP, Speaker of the House, CPA Executive Committee Trinidad & Tobago, (2017-2021)* Executive Committee Members’ dates of membership are indictated below each name.

Portrait of The Queen © John Swannell/Camera Press Swannell/Camera John © Queen The of Portrait Correct at time of printing. *Terms extended as no CPA General Assembly held in 2018 and 2020. Hon. Andy Glenn Daniel, MP Speaker of the House of Officers Regional Assembly, St Lucia, (2019-2022) Representatives AUSTRALIA PRESIDENT: (2019-2021)*: Hon. Dwayne Taylor, MHA Hon. John Ajaka, MLC, President Hon. Anthony Rota, MP Speaker of the House of AFRICA of the Legislative Council, New Speaker of the House of Assembly, Turks & Caicos South Wales, (2016-2021)*, Also Commons (Canada Federal) (2019-2022) Hon. Bernard Songa Sibalatani, CPA Vice-Chairperson. MP, Vice-Chairperson of the VICE-PRESIDENT: (2019-2021)*: INDIA National Council, Namibia Hon. Bruce Atkinson, MLC Rt Hon. Aaron Mike Oquaye, MP, (2016-2021)* Victoria, (2017-2021)* Speaker of Parliament (Ghana) Shri Premchand Aggarwal, MLA Speaker of Legislative Assembly, Hon. Lazarous Chungu Bwalya, Senator Hon. Scott Ryan CHAIRPERSON OF THE , (2016-2021)* MP, Zambia President of the Senate EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Completing term started by other Member. (2016-2021)* Australia Federal, (2019-2022) (2017-2021)*: Shri Hitendra Goswami, MLA Hon. Emilia Monjowa Lifaka, MP Hon. Dr Makali Mulu, MP BRITISH ISLANDS AND Speaker of the Legislative Deputy Speaker (Cameroon) Kenya MEDITERRANEAN Assembly, Assam, (2017-2021)* (2017-2021)* VICE-CHAIRPERSON Hon. Stuart McMillan, MSP Shri Anurag Sharma, MP, Lok (2019-2021)*: Rt Hon. Sephiri Enoch Scotland (stand-by Branch for Sabha, India Union, (2019-2022) Hon. John Ajaka, MLC Motanyane, MP, Speaker of the Northern Ireland), (2016-2021)* President of the Legislative National Assembly, Lesotho PACIFIC Council (New South Wales) (2017-2021)* Hon. Leona Roberts, MLA Regional Representative, , (2017-2021)* Vacant Australia Region (2016-2021)* Hon. Mensah Bonsu, MP New Zealand, (2016-2021)* Ghana, (2019-2022) Hon. Ian Liddell-Grainger, MP TREASURER (2019-2022): United Kingdom, (2019-2022) Hon. Therese Kaetavara, MHR Hon. Datuk Shamsul Iskander Rt Hon. Dr Abass Bundu, MP Deputy Speaker, Bougainville, Md. Akin, MP (Malaysia) Speaker of the Parliament of CANADA (2017-2021)* Sierra Leone, (2019-2022) COMMONWEALTH WOMEN Hon. François Paradis, MNA Hon. Sir Ratu Epeli Nailatikau PARLIAMENTARIANS (CWP) Speaker of ASIA Québec, (2016-2021)* To complete CHAIRPERSON (2019-2022): term started by other Member. (2019-2022) Hon. Shandana Gulzar Khan, Hon. Dr Fehmida Mirza, MP MNA (Pakistan) SOUTH-EAST ASIA Pakistan, (2016-2021)* Hon. Kevin Murphy, MLA Speaker of the House of CPA SMALL BRANCHES Hon. Suhaizan Kayat, MLA Hon. Dr Lal Chand Ukrani, MPA Assembly, Nova Scotia CHAIRPERSON Speaker of Johor State Legislative Sindh, (2017-2021)* (2017-2021)* (2019-2022): Assembly, (2016-2021)* Hon. Niki Rattle, Speaker of Hon. Mahinda Yapa Hon. Yasmin Ratansi, MP Parliament (Cook Islands) Hon. Mr Lim Biow Chuan, MP Abeywardana, MP Canada Federal Deputy Speaker, Singapore, Speaker of Parliament The CPA Coordinating Committee (2019-2022) (2017-2021)* comprises the CPA Chairperson, Sri Lanka, (2019-2022) Vice-Chairperson, Treasurer, CPA Small Branches Chairperson Hon. Datuk Wira Dr Mohd Hatta and Commonwealth Women *Executive Committee Members’ terms extended as no CPA General Md Ramli, MP, Malaysia (2019- Parliamentarians (CWP) Chairperson. Assembly held in 2018 and 2020. 2022)

376 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA)

CPA Small Branches Steering Committee CPA Regional CANADA CPA SMALL BRANCHES CANADA Secretaries Mr Michel Patrice CHAIRPERSON Hon. Nils Clarke, MLA Parliament of Canada Hon. Niki Rattle, Speaker of the Speaker of the Legislative AFRICA Parliament of the Cook Islands Assembly, Yukon Mr Steven Kagaigai CARIBBEAN, AMERICAS & (2019-2022) (2019-2022) Parliament of Tanzania ATLANTIC Mr Pedro E. Eastmond AFRICA CARIBBEAN, AMERICAS ASIA Hon. Gervais Henrie, MNA AND THE ATLANTIC Mr Syed Shamoon Hashmi Deputy Speaker, Seychelles Vacant Parliament of Pakistan INDIA (2019-2021) (2020-2023) Smt Snehlata Shrivastava AUSTRALIA Parliament of India AUSTRALIA PACIFIC Ms Alex Cullum Hon. Joy Burch, MLA Hon.Tofa Nafoitoa Talaimanu Parliament of Australia PACIFIC Speaker of the Legislative Keti, MP, Samoa Ms Wendy Hart Assembly, Australian Capital (2019-2022) BRITISH ISLANDS & Parliament of New Zealand Territory (2019-2021) MEDITERRANEAN Also: Vice-Chairperson of the SOUTH-EAST ASIA Mr Jon Davies SOUTH-EAST ASIA CPA Small Branches 2020- Vacant Parliament of the United Mr Nizam Mydin bin Bacha Mydin 2021. (2019-2020) Kingdom

BRITISH ISLANDS AND The CPA Small Branches Steering Committee comprises the CPA Small CPA Headquarters Secretariat MEDITERRANEAN Branches Chairperson and seven Hon. Juan Watterson, SHK Members who represent the seven out Stephen Twigg Speaker of the House of of the nine Regions of the CPA with CPA Secretary-General Small Branches. Keys, Isle of Man (2020-2023) Commonwealth Parliamentary Tel: +44 (0)20 7799 1460 Association, CPA Headquarters Email: [email protected] Secretariat, Richmond House, www.cpahq.org Houses of Parliament, London Twitter @CPA_Secretariat SW1A 0AA, United Kingdom. Facebook.com/CPAHQ

A full listing of all CPA Branches can be found at: www.cpahq.org/cpahq/directory

Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Steering Committee

CWP PRESIDENT ASIA CANADA PACIFIC Vacant Hon. Munaza Hassan, MNA Hon. Lisa Thompson, MPP Hon. Anahila Kanongata’a- Canada Federal Pakistan Ontario Suisuiki, MP (2019-2021) (2018-2021) (2020-2023) New Zealand Parliament (2017-2020) CWP CHAIRPERSON AUSTRALIA CARIBBEAN, AMERICAS Hon. Shandana Gulzar Khan, Hon. Michelle O’Byrne, MP AND THE ATLANTIC SOUTH-EAST ASIA MNA, Pakistan Tasmania Hon. Jeannine Giraudy- Hon. Alice Lau Kiong Yieng, MP (2019-2022) Acting CWP Rep (2019-2022) McIntyre, MP Malaysia President of the Senate, St (2019-2022) AFRICA BRITISH ISLANDS AND Lucia Hon. Zainab Gimba, MP MEDITERRANEAN (2018-2021) Nigeria Hon. Samantha Sacramento, MP (2019-2022) Gibraltar INDIA Also CWP Vice-Chairperson (2019-2022) Smt. , MP (2019-2020 and 2020-2021) Lok Sabha, India (2017-2020) SUBSCRIBE TODAY THE PARLIAMENTARIAN

To subscribe to The Parliamentarian, please email [email protected] Members of Parliament: Please contact your CPA Branch Secretary for print and digital copies. Individual subscriptions also available.