TheParliamentarian

Journal of the Parliaments of the Commonwealth 2018 | Volume 99 | Issue One | Price £14

Towards a Common Future: Looking ahead to CHOGM 2018 PAGES 18-47

PLUS The first Commonwealth Civil Society and The modern Tackling the problem Parliamentarians’ Forum Parliamentarians: Commonwealth’s of modern slavery in held in the UK Leaving no one behind Games Wales

PAGE 22 PAGE 31 PAGE 46 PAGE 48 CPA Masterclasses Online video Masterclasses build an informed parliamentary community across the Commonwealth STATEMENT OF PURPOSE The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) exists to connect, develop, and promote peer-to-peer learning promote and support Parliamentarians and their staff to identify benchmarks of good governance, and implement the enduring values of the Commonwealth. CPA Masterclasses are ‘bite sized’ video briefings and analyses of critical policy areas and parliamentary procedural matters by renowned experts that can be accessed by the CPA’s membership of Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff across the Calendar of Forthcoming Events Commonwealth ‘on demand’ to support their work. Confirmed as of 1 March 2018

2018

March

4 to 8 March CPA Post-Election Seminar for the Parliament of Kenya, Mombasa, Kenya

12 March Commonwealth Day 2018 – 2018 theme ‘Towards a Common Future’, All CPA Branches and at CPA Headquarters Secretariat

19 to 23 March CPA Parliamentary Staff Development Programme with McGill University, Centre for Parliamentary Studies and Training, Nairobi, Kenya

April

16 to 20 April 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) - ‘Commonwealth Summit’ 2018, London and Windsor, United Kingdom

June

15 to 23 June 2018 43rd CPA Regional Conference of the Caribbean, Americas and Atlantic Region, Georgetown, Cayman Islands

The publication of a Calendar of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) events is a service intended to foster the exchange of events and activities between Regions and Branches and the encouragement of new ideas The CPA Masterclasses are available online to the CPA membership via the CPA website and participation. Further information may be obtained from the Branches concerned or the CPA Secretariat. Branch and log-in details for the members area are available from your CPA Branch Secretary or Secretaries are requested to send notice of the main CPA events and conferences to [email protected] in advance the CPA Headquarters Secretariat. of the publication deadline to ensure the Calendar is accurate. Further information can also be found at www.cpahq.org or by emailing [email protected]. www.cpahq.org/cpahq/cpamasterclasses

Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Email: [email protected] | Tel: +44 (0)20 7799 1460 | www.cpahq.org Twitter @CPA_Secretariat | Facebook.com/CPAHQ CONTENTS: THE PARLIAMENTARIAN CONTENTS 2018: ISSUE ONE

PAGE 6 PAGE 62 PAGE 76

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The Parliamentarian: VIEWS & NEWS & FEATURE PARLIAMENTARY Journal of the Parliaments Annual subscription of the Commonwealth COMMENT PHOTOS ARTICLES REPORTS (four issues) Volume 99 UK: £44 inc. postage. 2018: Issue One Editor’s Note CPA Photo Gallery ‘Towards a Common Civil Society and The modern Parliamentary Report Worldwide: £46 surface post Page 4 Page 12-13 The Parliamentarian Future’: Commonwealth Parliamentarians: Commonwealth’s Featuring parliamentary £52 airmail ISSN 0031-2282 Heads of Government Leaving no one behind Games and legislative reports from Looking ahead to the How can sport be a factor in View from the CPA CPA News Meeting 2018 Canada, Québec, British Price per issue Reports from 24th CSPOC, CPA Message from the Commonwealth People’s the Commonwealth’s future Issued and published by the Chairperson Columbia, New Zealand, UK: £14 Roadshows in Cameroon; 6th Commonwealth Secretary- Forum development? International Secretariat of the Parliamentary engagement United Kingdom, Sri Lanka, Worldwide: £15 surface post CPA India Regional Conference General Page 31 Page 46 Commonwealth Parliamentary with the Commonwealth Australia and India £16 airmail in Bihar; CPA Post-Election Page 18 Association (CPA), CPA Heads of Government Meeting Pages 63-79 Seminar in St Helena; and Headquarters Secretariat, Page 6 How the Commonwealth Tackling the problem of Disclaimer The Gambia re-joining the Suite 700, Westminster The United Kingdom’s is becoming one of the modern slavery Opinions and comments Commonwealth A case study of how the House, 7 Millbank, London View from the CPA Small role hosting CHOGM 2018 world’s leading global expressed in articles and Page 14-17 & 19 and the Commonwealth business networks authorities in Wales have SW1P 3JA, United Kingdom Branches Chairperson reviews published in The Summit What can we expect from the addressed this global problem CPA Organisational A common future: what’s in it Parliamentarian are those of The UK Minister for the Commonwealth Business Forum Page 48 Structure Tel: +44 (0) 20 7799 1460 for CPA Small Branches? Commonwealth Women the individual contributors and Commonwealth Page 34 CPA Executive Committee Fax: +44 (0) 20 7222 6073 Page 8 Parliamentarians (CWP) should not be attributed to the Page 20 Members, Commonwealth Email: [email protected] News CPA Technical Secretariat of the Association. News from the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians www.cpahq.org View from the CPA The power and potential Assistance Programme Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Steering Committee Twitter @CPA_Secretariat Secretary-General The first Commonwealth of Commonwealth boosts Fijian Contributors (CWP) regional activities Members and CPA Regional Facebook.com/CPAHQ Putting democracy at the heart Parliamentarians’ Forum Scholarships Parliament’s Capacity Thank you to all contributors Page 60-62 The role of university education Secretaries of our common future Commonwealth Parliamentarians and Public Awareness for this issue. in the Commonwealth Page 51 Page 80 Mr Akbar Khan Page 10 meet ahead of the CHOGM 2018 Page 37 Secretary-General Page 22 Printed in: United Kingdom by Climate Change Warners Midlands, PLC; After Paris and the Talanoa Mr Jeffrey Hyland Towards a Common A Journalist’s View of New Delhi, India by Jainco Art Dialogue Editor, The Parliamentarian Future the Commonwealth India; and Singapore by Times What does a journalist think the Page 54 [email protected] A View from a Parliamentarian Printers Private Limited. Page 26 CHOGM 2018 can achieve? Page 40 Main images: CPA Whips in the India Headquarters Secretariat How can the Parliament An examination of the whips editorial team/Shutterstock. Commonwealth be a The Challenge of a Fairer system in India Additional images: beacon for Freedom of Future How can we achieve a fairer Page 57 Commonwealth Secretariat. Religion and Belief The work of CIFoRB Commonwealth for our citizens? Page 28 Page 42

2 | The Parliamentarian | 2018: Issue One The Parliamentarian | 2018: Issue One | 3 EDITOR’S NOTE EDITOR’S NOTE

TOWARDS A COMMON FUTURE: AHEAD OF THE COMMONWEALTH HEADS OF GOVERNMENT MEETING 2018

The Editor’s Note

The Commonwealth is a diverse community of 53 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting nations who work together to promote prosperity, (CHOGM) 2018 and Commonwealth Summit in the democracy and peace. In April, the UK will host the United Kingdom with a wide range of articles from Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting Parliamentarians and Commonwealth organisations. (CHOGM) when leaders from member countries We are delighted to feature a message from the come together in London and Windsor to reaffirm Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon. our shared common values and address the global Patricia Scotland, QC ahead of CHOGM 2018. challenges that we all face. Rt Hon. Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, the UK Jonathan Marland of Odstock (Commonwealth Enterprise and Above: The previous Commonwealth Heads of Government The Commonwealth theme for 2018 is ‘Towards Minister for the Commonwealth looks ahead to the Investment Council) examines how the Commonwealth is becoming Meeting (CHOGM) took place in November 2015 in Malta. a Common Future’ and the CHOGM this year will United Kingdom’s hosting of the Commonwealth one of the world’s leading global business networks. The power and It was attended by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Head focus on delivering a more prosperous, secure, Jeffrey Hyland, Editor Heads of Government Meeting 2018 and the potential of Commonwealth scholarships is explored by Dr Joanna of the Commonwealth and Patron of the Commonwealth sustainable and fairer future for all its citizens, The Parliamentarian, Commonwealth Summit. Newman (Association of Commonwealth Universities) which is of Parliamentary Association (CPA) along with heads of particularly its young people. The future of the Commonwealth Ahead of the CHOGM 2018, the first increasing importance especially as one of the key focuses of this government from the Commonwealth and the host was Hon. Commonwealth depends on its one billion young Parliamentary Association Commonwealth Parliamentarians’ Forum took year’s events is youth. Dr Joseph Muscat, Prime Minister of Malta. people and the CHOGM’s priorities will have a place over four days in February in London with 90 Mahendra Ved (Commonwealth Journalists Association) gives strong youth focus. delegates from 30 Commonwealth countries. The us a journalist’s view of the Commonwealth and academic Dr Eva of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth in Across the Commonwealth, we all face common challenges: global Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Namusoke (Institute of Commonwealth Studies) looks at the Seychelles; the launch of the CPA Roadshows for young people in trade and investment; cross-border security threats; the effects of (CPA) Executive Committee, Hon. Emilia Monjowa Lifaka, challenges of securing a fairer future. Cameroon; the 6th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association India climate change on small and vulnerable countries; pressures on the MP (Cameroon) addressed the Commonwealth Parliamentarians’ Finally, as the Commonwealth Games 2018 takes place on Regional Conference in Bihar; and the CPA’s Post-Election Seminar shared Commonwealth values of democracy, good governance and Forum and her speech is included in this issue for her first View the Gold Coast, Australia ahead of the CHOGM 2018, David in St Helena, one of the remotest legislatures in the Commonwealth. inclusivity. article in which she speaks about the role that Parliamentarians can Grevemberg (Commonwealth Games Federation) looks at the It also features a report of The Gambia re-joining the Commonwealth. Parliamentarians from across the Commonwealth Parliamentary play in the Commonwealth. Hon. James Duddridge, MP (United developmental role that sport can play in the modern Commonwealth. This issue of The Parliamentarian also features reports of Association’s membership will come together with heads of Kingdom), the CPA UK Chairperson also writes about the successful We also feature a number of different topics in this issue Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) recent activities government, global leaders, business executives, civil society groups, Commonwealth Parliamentarians’ Forum which was hosted by the of The Parliamentarian. Joyce Watson, AM (Wales) provides a including the launch of a new exhibition in the United Kingdom international and women’s organisations and young people for a CPA UK Branch. contribution as the Vice-Chairperson of the Commonwealth Women Parliament celebrating a century of women’s voices; the CWP Africa Commonwealth Summit that also includes four Forums. The Forums Hon. Anġelo Farrugia, MP, Chairperson of the CPA Small Parliamentarians (CWP) and also as a new member of the Editorial Region hosting a workshop in KwaZulu-Natal; and the CWP Pacific – Business, People’s, Women’s and Youth - offer an opportunity for Branches (Malta) asks what the CHOGM 2018 events will hold for Advisory Board for The Parliamentarian. Her article examines the Regional Mentoring Programme held in New Zealand. Commonwealth dialogue and provide a platform for a wider debate of CPA Small Branches and that all Branches need to work together to difficult problems of modern slavery and how the authorities in Wales The Parliamentary Report and Third Reading section in this issue some of the key issues and challenges, in advance of and alongside achieve these goals. The CPA Secretary-General, Mr Akbar Khan have been tackling this global issue. includes parliamentary and legislative news from Canada Federal, the discussions by leaders at CHOGM. For the first time, all of the in his View article writes about putting democracy at the heart of our Hon. Dr Jiko Luveni, Speaker of the Parliament of Fiji writes Québec, British Columbia, India, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Commonwealth Forums will come together in the same venue common future. about the CPA Technical Assistance Programme that has benefitted Sri Lanka and Australia Federal. on a single day to discuss shared agendas, forge important new Hon. Njume Peter Ambang, MP (Cameroon) gives us the the Members and parliamentary staff in Fiji and has increased We look forward to hearing your feedback and comments partnerships and celebrate common interests. view of a Parliamentarian looking ahead to CHOGM 2018 while parliamentary capacity and awareness. on this issue of The Parliamentarian, on the issues of concern to The Commonwealth’s wide network of organisations – from the Baroness Elizabeth Berridge (United Kingdom) discusses how the Climate change expert, Kishan Kumarsingh writes about the Parliamentarians across the Commonwealth and to receive your Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and Commonwealth Commonwealth can be a beacon for Freedom of Religion and Belief. Talanoa Dialogue and the next steps for the global community future contributions to this publication. Women Parliamentarians through to the Commonwealth Youth Council Vijay Krishnarayan (Commonwealth Foundation) looks at the following the Paris COP21 and regular contributor, Ravindra and the Royal Commonwealth Society – give the Commonwealth a role of civil society groups and their interaction with Parliamentarians Garimella (Lok Sabha Secretariat, India) gives an interesting insight Jeffrey Hyland unique role in responding to the world’s global challenges. as he looks forward to the Commonwealth People’s Forum. into the whips system in the India Parliament. Editor, The Parliamentarian This issue of The Parliamentarian looks ahead to the Ahead of the Commonwealth Business Forum, Rt Hon. Lord This issue features news reports from the 24th Conference [email protected]

4 | The Parliamentarian | 2018: Issue One The Parliamentarian | 2018: Issue One | 5 VIEW FROM THE VIEW FROM THE CPA CHAIRPERSON CPA CHAIRPERSON

and the role of each and every nation in building and shaping a PARLIAMENTARY ENGAGEMENT WITH better world and future leaders. From finding new and improved techniques to promoting THE COMMONWEALTH HEADS OF sustainable development to network governance and the role GOVERNMENT MEETING 2018 of the big society. Sharing what works, scaling ideas and initiatives and promoting Sustainable View from the CPA Chairperson Development Over the next three years, my focus as CPA Chairperson will be on: first working to increase the collaboration (at the CPA level) It is with great honour and privilege that I participate Every nation must work to maintain a sustainable within member states through in the Commonwealth Parliamentarians Forum in development that meets our needs of the present constant communication and Images: CPA UK/Ed Telling Photography my capacity as Chairperson of the Commonwealth without compromising the ability of future networking geared towards Parliamentary Association ahead of preparations for generations to meet theirs. Sustainability therefore, sharing our various experiences American industrialist: “Teamwork is the ability to work together toward the meeting of the Heads of State and Governments requires capacity building. It is for this reason and to help improve policy learning and transferability and improve a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments of the Commonwealth, scheduled to take place in many more that the United Nations and many of our Parliamentarians’ insight about ‘what works’ across the CPA through toward organisational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common April this year. member states agreed to design a framework of the use of the CPA Masterclasses to address issues that are common people to attain uncommon results.” Prior to the formation of the Commonwealth, Sustainable Development Goals which addresses a to member states. We are all fingers of the same hand, the Commonwealth. I urge there have always been shared values, some of range of developmental issues that still persist. Secondly, scaling existing ideas and initiatives through capacity each and every one of us to work to strengthen our collective vision and which stem from the fabric of our societies and All over the globe, security has been a constant building methods such as more training conferences and a follow-up never cease in our relentless efforts to keep growing and impacting cultures and others which were learned from our Hon. Emilia Monjowa Lifaka, plaguing factor. From financial security with the on awarded scholarships, encouraging my fellow Parliamentarians to positive change. The road might be rough and the journey long. But I various and continuous interactions across cultures. MP, Chairperson of the CPA economic meltdown in most African countries and work closely with their communities so we can tackle these issues from can guarantee you, as long as we walk that road together, we would Today, those values - Fairness, Prosperity, Unity, Executive Committee and other nations across the globe to terrorism, which the ground up and investing in our youths through diverse workshops push and even surpass our limits. Democracy, Freedom of speech, the Rule of Law and Deputy Speaker of the National have both caused a massive wave of migration and scholarship programmes. Good Governance amongst others - are embodied Assembly of Cameroon and, hence, the refugee crisis. Violent conflicts in Third, collaborating in promoting sustainable development by Strengthening the role of Parliamentarians in addressing by the Commonwealth and remain the driving force some parts of Africa and elsewhere, which include increasing our efforts in making more practical policy decisions, sharing these challenges in its aim to create a better world. Not just in one terrorism and the spread of extremist organisations the stories of our triumphs and failures but most importantly to never Heads of State can involve Parliamentarians in the discussion of key state but across nations where human existence strive. that operate like loose networks and pose a threat to nations around stop performing what our duties are, which is dedicating ourselves to issues before such issues are made into policy or binding instruments As we evolve as an organisation, so do the different challenges we the world. From another perspective, domestic violence against women our shared vision and purpose. For us to have come this far is definitely in particular, like international conventions that require ratification face. So, while we celebrate our achievements, we should recognise and children still persist. indicative that we have been doing a lot of things right. by Parliaments. On issues of safety and security as well as peace- the challenges that we face today as an Association, such as the While all these principles of socio-economic theory may seem to Allow me to quote Andrew Carnegie, the renowned Scottish- building and maintenance, it is important to involve the Legislatures and security threat all over the world, inequality, poverty, hunger, etc. have different definitions, the success of one depends largely on the Parliaments so as to enforce pro-active laws rather than re-active ones. I am confident that, the Commonwealth is a veritable platform for us efficiency and effectiveness of the other. What this tells us is, although To strengthen Parliamentarians work, adequate resources for research to unite in order to efficiently and effectively tackle the issues. Today these principles have different definitions, the interdependence on the and capacity building of Parliamentarians remains key. and during the next three days, our aim here will be to address some of outcome of each goes to demonstrate the urgent need for us to use While thanking my colleagues for placing their confidence on my these issues and map out a path to an attainable future. this organisation to stir the world in the right direction. modest person to lead the CPA, I wish to reiterate my commitment The reminiscence of the journey which began officially in 1949 to work in close collaboration with the CPA Secretary-General and still holds great memories of our accomplishments, as we navigate the Why the Commonwealth? What is its relevance today? his team, the nine regions that make up the Association and all other present, there is bright hope for the future. The Commonwealth to some may seem to mean all member states have strands of the Commonwealth to push forward our agenda. the same bank account or should have similar living standards. The name Finally, I wish to thank the CPA UK Branch for inviting me to this Fairness, prosperity, security and sustainable development Commonwealth however, goes beyond the ordinary. Our diversity is our very important gathering which, judging from the selected themes Fairness to me is the key to prosperity, security and sustainable strength and our shared values our propeller to the future. promises to be very enriching. development. Fairness can be considered an impartial and just treatment Educator and keynote speaker Stephen Covey said: “Strength lies CPA UK Chairperson, fellow panellists, Honourable Members, or behaviour without favouritism or discrimination. Simply put, it’s just in differences, not similarities.” As an organisation, we are 53 nations, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, I wish to thank you all for being reasonable and doing the right thing. There can be no peace 2.4 billion inhabitants and over 2,000 cultures strong. That to me is your kind attention. without fairness, there can be no meaningful development without what continues to make the Commonwealth relevant. It is why we peace, there can be no security without peace, and therefore, no nation are gathered here to today and it’s why, if a definite solution to global This article is taken from a keynote speech given by the CPA Chairperson at can prosper without fairness, peace and security. Therefore, our nations warming, peace and security, fairness and prosperity is ever to be the opening panel session at the Commonwealth Parliamentarians Forum, can only attain their Sustainable Development Goals when all the above found, it should be discussed extensively during this forum and beyond. ahead of the 2018 CHOGM/Commonwealth Summit, which took place in are in place. A just society gives a more secure environment and a well- In an ever changing, growing and challenging world, it is imperative London, United Kingdom from 26 February to 1 March 2018, organised by planned future. All of these begin with the Legislators that we are. not to forget the relevance of this prestigious organisation in general the CPA UK Branch and the UK Government.

6 | The Parliamentarian | 2018: Issue One The Parliamentarian | 2018: Issue One | 7 VIEW FROM THE VIEW FROM THE CPA SMALL BRANCHES CPA SMALL BRANCHES CHAIRPERSON CHAIRPERSON

and currently in its implementing stages. The centre will serve as a reference point and will provide assistance to 31 small states in A COMMON FUTURE: WHAT’S IN IT sectors varying from debt management to assistance in cases of natural disasters. Less than a year since Malta organized the CHOGM summit, the FOR CPA SMALL BRANCHES? centre is one of the initiatives proposed by the Maltese government that will be implemented and was agreed upon between the Commonwealth countries. We should look out for any opportunities that this centre for excellence of small states has to offer so that we make full use of this service. As Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon. Patricia Scotland, View from the CPA QC said, “We have the most wonderful opportunity here together Small Branches Chairperson as a Commonwealth family. We live in troubled and troubling times, and one of the most wonderful opportunities we have is to share our common values, our common future and our common determination Commonwealth are waiting on you to deliver.” to have a world which is worth living, for our children.” Small States To take forward the spirit of this statement, I urge all the CPA which the CPA Small Branches represent are working very hard Branches, large or small, to support one another and create a towards becoming as economically competitive and more accessible common goal so that we can all move on as one, to reach out to so that it can put forward a new light for development. one another in order to build a common future together, enshrined Never has there been a more opportune moment This is one of the main areas which will be tackled I want to conclude my contribution to this very important within the same principles that brought the Commonwealth together to make full use of the slogan of this year’s once the Strategic Plan of the CPA Small Branches publication using former UK Young Ambassador to the in the first place, amongst which democracy, international peace Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting is approved and launched later on this year, following Commonwealth Youth Council Leon Ward’s words - “The and security, tolerance, respect and understanding, freedom of of a ‘Common Future’ and this especially from the CPA Executive Committee meeting in Mauritius. Commonwealth Charter, signed by Her Majesty and endorsed by all expression and good governance, amongst others. the perspective of the Small Branches. The Building resilience among our States and Branches member states recognises the potential of the Commonwealth to act I firmly believe that a ‘Common Future’ is achievable by seizing Commonwealth has so much to celebrate should give us a stronger voice and channel our as a force for good. To protect our Commonwealth, we have to change new opportunities for strengthening existing ties among the this year, and it is also very apt that this year’s strength as a team. it. To make our Commonwealth relevant, states must start pushing Commonwealth countries. May this not only be a slogan or a cliché, CHOGM will be held in London, recalling the Furthermore, during the 36th CPA Small Branches one another to change and to improve. It is in the interests of all but the target which translates our present actions into our future first time the Heads of Government of the Conference held in Dhaka, Bangladesh in November Commonwealth states to do this. The UK is particularly keen on using successes. Commonwealth met in 1971. The Commonwealth 2017, we were in unanimous agreement that CHOGM 2018 to bring the Commonwealth back into relevance. I call seems to be returning to its roots. security in our respective Branches is very high on on all of you across our Commonwealth to be bolder and truly to be Above and below: The last Commonwealth Heads of What started as the Commonwealth of Hon. Anġelo Farrugia, the agenda, where we as legislators are facing an a force for good. Your Commonwealth, my Commonwealth and our Government Meeting was held in 2015 in Malta. Nations has had a lasting impact on the MP, Chairperson of the ongoing battle against terrorism, cybercrime and promotion of peace, democracy and human rights, CPA Small Branches and organised crime, both internally and internationally. for example in helping to bring about the end to Speaker of the House of The promotion of diversity and good governance apartheid in South Africa and the end to violence Representatives of the remain a horizontal challenge amongst our Branches. and emergency rule in Pakistan in 2007. It has Parliament of Malta. With regard to the latter, CPA Branches need to be observed over 140 elections in more than 40 in a position to ascertain that any measures taken countries since 1980. The Commonwealth is home to nearly one by the respective governments are such that they are being taken billion of the world’s young people, half of its top 20 emerging cities, to ensure the greater good and not to advance the cause of some almost half of the UN peacekeeping contributions and consistently instead of others. ranks third in the global ‘Index of Economic Freedom’. Another challenge will be that of supporting the growth of Taken together, the Commonwealth’s common legal systems, intra-Commonwealth trade, especially since the United Kingdom language and administrative systems mean that intra-Commonwealth will possibly be facing new economic challenges in the light of the trade benefits from what some have called a ‘Commonwealth upcoming ‘Brexit’ negotiations. The new situation Britain will find itself Advantage’, with trade and investment flows increased by up to 20% in, should be turned into new opportunities for the Commonwealth to and the cost of doing business reduced by up to 19%. strengthen ties and explore new avenues of trade. Four main goals for the CHOGM biennial meeting were set CHOGM 2018 and its fringe activities including the out: “prosperity by boosting intra-Commonwealth trade; security by Commonwealth Parliamentarians’ Forum and the social fora should greater cooperation to tackle global terrorism, organised crime and be a good occasion to network and share experiences. The CPA cybercrime; fairness through promoting greater diversity and good Small Branches have acknowledged the fact that we have made the governance; and sustainability by building resilience among small, first step towards achieving attainable goals and built upon what was developing and vulnerable states to deal with climate change.” I would carried through in previous years in order to gain as much momentum like to look at these from the CPA Small Branches perspective. as larger and often more developed members of the Commonwealth. The CPA Small Branches have already started working towards I cannot discuss the CPA Small Branches within the framework of some of the above aims. The organisers note that the urgent CHOGM 2018 without referring to what has been achieved during need for action on climate change is “particularly relevant for the past CHOGM 2015 which was held in my home-country, Malta. the Commonwealth as 38 of our 53 members are small or other Among the results of the meeting, a Centre of Excellence for the vulnerable states.” organisation’s Small States, based in Valletta has been launched

8 | The Parliamentarian | 2018: Issue One The Parliamentarian | 2018: Issue One | 9 VIEW FROM THE CPA VIEW FROM THE CPA SECRETARY-GENERAL SECRETARY-GENERAL

PUTTING DEMOCRACY AT THE HEART OF OUR COMMON FUTURE

View from the 7th CPA Secretary-General

The long awaited theme of the 2018 Commonwealth The high watermark of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) ‘Towards proudly standing against the scourge of apartheid in a Common Future’ was announced by the British support of its peoples’ needs to be re-ignited again in Prime Minister, Rt Hon. Theresa May in the margins the 21st century with the Commonwealth positioning of the United Nations General Assembly Meetings in itself strongly and unequivocally beside its citizens in New York. The theme forms the basis for discussions the fight against climate change and the inequities at this year’s Commonwealth Summit, the biennial and inequalities that cause so much poverty and meeting of Commonwealth leaders last hosted by the injustice in our societies, especially in our small and UK in 1997. The timing could not be more auspicious; vulnerable states, which make up over 30 of the coming against a backdrop of Brexit and a UK pivot Commonwealth’s 53 nations. towards a ‘wider world’ foreign policy. At a time when several of our core Commonwealth Expectations are running high for a successful Mr Akbar Khan political values including democracy, rule of law Summit which it is hoped will renew and revitalise the Secretary-General of and the separation of powers are under attack UK’s trading relationship, amongst other areas, with the Commonwealth across many Commonwealth countries, it is vitally the Commonwealth family while raising the bloc’s Parliamentary Association important that the upcoming Summit and resulting globalisation and yet to feel the tangible benefits of belonging to this Above: The future of the Commonwealth depends on its profile in the UK especially, amongst young people outcomes help to galvanise the efforts of civil society, longstanding ‘sleeping beauty’ of a political association, especially if the one billion young people. The Commonwealth Youth Forum who are mostly unaware of the nature and benefits of belonging to the ordinary citizens, the young and old, women and men, academics, Commonwealth is to survive for future generations. 2018 will provide an opportunity for the young people of world’s oldest political Association. Parliamentarians and governments to come together in support of Central to realising the Summit outcomes lies the key role of the Commonwealth to build cross-cultural connections and In a 2015 poll of British school children conducted by the Royal democracy as a central tenet of our common future. A keen focus on Commonwealth Parliaments. Parliaments are unique institutions networks, debate the challenges facing its young people, Commonwealth Society, only 7% could identify a Commonwealth realising the development outcomes of the Summit will be essential sitting at the centre of a network of accountability that reaches into the and agree youth-lead initiatives to influence decision makers flag; only 23% could correctly select three Commonwealth countries; to renewing and revitalising the credibility of the Commonwealth in executive and other branches of government, the political party system and ensure young people have a voice in its future. and, only 50% could correctly identify the Queen as the Head of the the minds of ordinary citizens, many of whom have been left behind by and to the public. No two Parliaments are the same as each will reflect Commonwealth. their own unique historical evolution, but what all Parliaments have in With approximately 60% of the Commonwealth’s 2.4 billion common is a capacity to strengthen democracy by acting as powerful citizens across its 53 countries currently under the age of 30 years, “The high watermark of the agents of change for the improvement of their nations. hosted over 600 Commonwealth Parliamentarians at the CPA’s 63rd the importance of young people identifying with the Commonwealth Commonwealth proudly standing In our Commonwealth, it is the role of Parliaments and our elected annual Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference. This was followed and embracing its values is now urgent and pressing. This is why representatives to forge, develop and implement the Summit outcomes in February this year by the inaugural Commonwealth Parliamentarians the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) has led against the scourge of apartheid in which should align themselves with the 2015 UN Sustainable Forum with 90 Parliamentarians from 30 countries hosted by the CPA the way through its innovative CPA Roadshows for young people support of its peoples’ needs to be Development Goals. These goals underscore the importance of the UK Branch. which visit schools and universities across the Commonwealth with st close relationship between democracy and development. As the former Critical issues affecting every aspect of the lives of our Parliamentarians to discuss the importance of democracy and to give re-ignited again in the 21 century UNDP Administrator, Helen Clark has stated, the principles which Commonwealth citizens were discussed with the ambition of voice to the views of our young people. with the Commonwealth positioning underpin the new development goals go directly to the importance of deepening democracy and reaffirming a collective commitment to According to UK Prime Minister May, the 2018 Commonwealth active, effective, honest and fair governance at all levels and lying at create a fairer Commonwealth that promotes good governance and Summit will pursue an ambitious agenda focused on realising a more itself strongly and unequivocally the core of a flourishing democracy are the values of good governance. protects fundamental freedoms as we move towards realising a prosperous, secure, fair and sustainable future for all Commonwealth beside its citizens in the fight against As a guarantor of democracy itself, Parliament has a duty to represent common future. citizens. Importantly, at a time when trust in government and public the people it serves – and it discharges this responsibility by being an institutions is falling, the challenge for Commonwealth leaders will be climate change and the inequities inclusive, accountable, open and transparent public institution. Mr Akbar Khan to lift the Commonwealth Summit from just another international junket and inequalities that cause so much The run up to the UK Summit in April 2018 will be marked by 7th Secretary-General into a dynamic empowering global force for good that captures the a number of important Commonwealth gatherings showcasing Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) imagination of all citizens, is transformative of Commonwealth values poverty and injustice in our societies, the potential of the bloc as a global force for good by placing for their benefit, and which champions change for the marginalised and especially in our small and vulnerable the importance of citizens at the heart of its mission rather than A version of this article was published in November 2017 in the Bangladesh Daily Star excluded in our societies while celebrating inclusion and diversity in all governments. on the eve of the 63rd Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference. its forms, whether based on gender, race, ethnicity, cultural or sexual states, which make up over 30 of the The first of these important gatherings took place in early November orientation. Commonwealth’s 53 nations.” when the Parliament of Bangladesh and CPA Bangladesh Branch

10 | The Parliamentarian | 2018: Issue One The Parliamentarian | 2018: Issue One | 11 The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association CPA Photo Gallery

Right: The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hon. Darryl Plecas, MLA and the Clerk of the House, Mr Craig James met with the CPA Secretary- General, Mr Akbar Khan in London, United Kingdom.

Above: The first Commonwealth Parliamentarians Forum opened Below: The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Above: The Chairperson of the CPA Executive Committee, Hon. Emilia Above: Members of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Assembly with a panel discussion featuring (left to right) the UK Minister Headquarters Secretariat held its annual Commonwealth breakfast Monjowa Lifaka, MP, who is also the Deputy Speaker of the National in Pakistan visited the CPA Headquarters Secretariat to discuss for the Commonwealth, Rt Hon. Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon; event at the Parliament of the United Kingdom for partners and Assembly of Cameroon, attended the 6th Commonwealth Parliamentary the CPA’s Parliamentary Fundamentals Programme on Practice the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Rt Hon. Patricia supporters with presentations by the CPA Vice-Chairperson, Hon. Association India Regional Conference held in Patna, Bihar from 16 to and Procedure and parliamentary strengthening opportunities. The Scotland, QC; Hon. James Duddridge, MP, CPA UK Chair; the Alexandra Mendes, MP (Canada) and the CPA Secretary-General, 19 February 2018. She is pictured with the CPA Secretary-General, Mr CPA provides programmes for national, sub-national, provincial, Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Mr Akbar Khan to review 2017 activity and to look forward to new Akbar Khan and Hon. Robyn Lambley, MLA from the Northern Territory state and territorial legislatures to network, share good practice Hon. Emilia Lifaka, MP (Cameroon); and the Deputy President of projects in 2018. Legislative Assembly who also attended the CPA India Regional and strengthen the role of Parliament as an institution. the Senate of Nigeria, HE Senator Ike Ekweremadu. Conference. Please see page 16 for full conference report.

Left: The CPA Chairperson, Hon. Emilia Monjowa Lifaka, MP, accompanied by the CPA Secretary-General, Mr Akbar Khan visited the United Kingdom Parliament and met with Mr David Natzler, Clerk of the House of Commons.

Above and right: The Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Above and right: CPA Secretary-General Mr Akbar Khan met Association (CPA), Hon. Emilia with the High Commissioner of Kenya to the UK, His Excellency Monjowa Lifaka, MP, Deputy Lazurus O. Amayo to discuss closer collaboration and Speaker of the National parliamentary strengthening opportunities between the Kenya Assembly of Cameroon, Parliament and the CPA. A delegation from the Parliament of visited the CPA Headquarters Kenya also visited the CPA Headquarters Secretariat ahead of the Secretariat on her first official Kenya Post-Election Seminar. visit to the UK since her election to meet with staff and to receive Below right: The Speaker of the Cayman Islands Legislative Below right: The CPA Secretary-General, Mr Akbar Khan met with briefings on current projects. Assembly, Hon. W. McKeeva Bush visited the CPA Headquarters Hon. Barry Sheerman, MP, Chairman of Leadership Council of Secretariat in London to discuss the CPA’s parliamentary the Global Network for Road Safety Legislators and David Ward, Below: CPA Secretary-General Mr Akbar Khan meets with Above left: The CPA Chairperson, Hon. Emilia Monjowa Lifaka, strengthening work in the region and youth engagement in Secretary-General, Professor David Everatt, Head of the Wits School of Governance, MP, gives an interview to Ms Sue Onslow from The Round Table democracy. Global NCAP to University of Witwatersrand in South Africa to discuss the university- and Institute of Commonwealth Studies about the modern The Speaker discuss their work accredited CPA Commonwealth and the role of the CPA. met with CPA in road safety and Parliamentary Director of the Sustainable Fundamentals Right: The CPA Secretary- Operations, Mr Development Goals Flagship General, Mr Akbar Khan met Jarvis Matiya (SDGs) and the role Programme for with Secretary of the Senate and CPA of Commonwealth Commonwealth of Pakistan, Mr Amjed Pervez Headquarters Parliamentarians Parliamentarians. Malik to discuss CPA’s work Secretariat staff in Manifesto www.cpahq. across the CPA Asia Region and members. #4RoadSafety. org/cpahq/ parliamentary strengthening cpafundamentals opportunities.

12 | The Parliamentarian | 2018: Issue One The Parliamentarian | 2018: Issue One | 13 COMMONWEALTH COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY PARLIAMENTARY ASSOCIATION ASSOCIATION NEWS NEWS

Commonwealth Speakers meet in Seychelles for 24th Conference of Speakers Chairperson builds new three year strategy for CPA as she launches CPA and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth Roadshow for young people in Cameroon with CPA Secretary-General

Over 50 Speakers and Presiding Officers from across the The new Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Commonwealth have met in Seychelles for the 24th Conference of Association (CPA) Executive Committee, Hon. Emilia Monjowa Lifaka, MP is building a new three year strategy for her term of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) office as she welcomed the CPA Secretary-General, Mr Akbar which took place from 8 to 13 January 2018 and was officially opened Khan to Cameroon on his first official visit since the Chairperson by the President of the Republic of Seychelles, His Excellency was elected in November 2017. Mr Danny Faure. The CSPOC Conference brought together the During the working visit, the CPA Chairperson, who is also Speakers and Presiding Officers of 22 bicameral Parliaments the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Cameroon and 30 unicameral Parliaments – a total of 74 members from 52 welcomed the Secretary-General to the Parliament of Cameroon. nations. The Speakers from the Parliaments and Legislatures of the The CPA Secretary-General held a number of bilateral meetings Commonwealth participated in working sessions and plenaries, including: His Excellency Philémon Yang, the Prime Minister focusing on different topics of discussions on matters of Parliament; of Cameroon; His Excellency Dr Joseph Dion Ngute, Minister providing a forum for the sharing of parliamentary best practices and Delegate in Charge of Relations with the Commonwealth; fruitful collaborations across the Parliaments of the Commonwealth. Hon. Marcel Niat Njifenji, President of the Senate. Topics varied from discussions on the use of technology to accountability. The sittings are broadcast live on both television and radio. The CPA Secretary- support Members and house business, touching on subjects Through modern technology, citizens are able to directly contact their the society in which they live; and to find out about the work of General also met the CPA through their questions at the session. concerning methods to improve and benefit the Parliaments through respective representatives while the debates are taking place, making use with Members of The CPA Roadshows highlight the importance of encouraging the use of technology; the development of efficient social media of platforms such as WhatsApp and social media. This is permissible by the CPA Cameroon youth engagement in the political process and the sharing of channels and website portals to ensure that parliamentary information our Speaker. As for the Executive Branch, members of my Cabinet make Branch. During his Commonwealth political values, especially with the 60% of the is accessible not only to the parliamentary Members and staff but also themselves available to take Private Members’ questions from the Leader stay in Cameroon, the 2.4 billion population of the Commonwealth who are aged under to the public to promote democracy and transparency. Other topics of the Opposition, and both urgent and 10 days’ notice questions from Secretary-General also 30. The CPA Roadshows held in Cameroon also provided an debated included the role of the Speaker in parliamentary diplomacy Members of the National Assembly,” said the President. met with His Majesty opportunity to raise awareness of the 2018 Commonwealth for both regional and international co-operation, emerging security The Speaker of the National Assembly of Seychelles, Hon. Patrick Chief Tabetando, Summit due to be held in the UK in April 2018 on the theme of issues for Parliamentarians as well as strengthening parliamentary Pillay, welcomed the delegates and encouraged them to experience President of CPDM ‘Towards a Common Future’. research for the effective functioning of legislatures. the Seychelles’ unique local culture. Hon. Patrick Pillay also highlighted Parliamentary Group of The CPA Secretary-General said: “I am delighted to visit the Senate. In his opening address, President Faure welcomed the delegates to the work of the National Assembly of Seychelles that has seen greater Cameroon to launch the CPA Roadshow for Young People here The CPA Chairperson Seychelles and expressed his pride that as a Small Island Developing transparency, openness and accountability. As per the tradition of the with the CPA Chairperson and to engage with local students and the CPA Secretary-General then travelled to Buea, the on the values that unite the Commonwealth. The CPA’s public State, Seychelles was hosting the conference. He highlighted the diversity CSPOC opening ceremony, the assembled Speakers and Presiding capital of the Southwest region of Cameroon and one of the engagement work across the Commonwealth and engaging and fundamental unity of all Commonwealth member states, saying: “We Officers, led by the Speaker of the National Assembly of Seychelles and English-speaking regions of the country. Following their arrival, young people in the democratic process by discussing the are all committed to the values inscribed in the Commonwealth Charter the Sergeant at Arms, participated in the official Speaker’s Procession the CPA delegation met with the Governor of the Southwest importance of the Commonwealth are key objectives of the – democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. We are all dedicated to in their ceremonial robes. region before travelling to the Government Bilingual High School CPA and our visit to Cameroon has emphasised this.” the development of free and democratic societies, and the promotion of The Conference, being held in Seychelles for the first time, brings at Limbe to launch the CPA Roadshows for Young People for Feedback from the audience was very positive with one peace and prosperity to improve the lives of our people.” together the Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Parliaments and the first time in Cameroon. The school is a secondary grammar student remarking “The CPA Roadshow was a wonderful The President also expanded on the successful cohabitation Legislatures of the Commonwealth. CSPOC operates on a two-year school and over 200 students from eight local government experience for me – meeting the Secretary-General and Madam in Seychelles, saying: “The Seychelles National Assembly as an cycle, holding a conference of the full membership every two years. It schools aged 12 to 18 attended the CPA Roadshow. Lifaka was unforgettable. The Secretary-General talked about essential branch of Government has transformed into an exemplary focuses on the sharing of experiences, collaboration, and partnership An engaging CPA Roadshow session was held providing the values of respect, tolerance, love and equity and I have also an opportunity for the young people to learn about the political institution in the region. There are vibrant debates of divergent views, across the Parliaments of the Commonwealth. CSPOC was created heard about democracy, parliament and being a good citizen values of the Commonwealth such as diversity, development and but there is also a new working environment; one where there is in 1969 and is a separate independent organisation, although many of and to be well educated because it’s is our future.” parliamentary democracy; to discuss issues of concern about dialogue and consultation. And most importantly, mutual respect. its participants are also Members of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Under the leadership of Honourable Speaker Patrick Pillay, our Association. The Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary National Assembly has seen greater transparency, openness and Association Executive Committee, Hon. Emilia Monjowa Lifaka, MP, who is also the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Cameroon also attended the Conference and observed the working sessions. The Speakers and Presiding Officers, accompanied by their Clerks and Parliamentary officials, also visited the Parliamentary Museum and the Chamber of the National Assembly of Seychelles. The visit was an educational tour where the Delegates had an insight into the functioning of the Assembly. Delegates also attended a reception by the President at the State House and a reception with the British High Commissioner, HE Caron Roshler. The 25th CSPOC Conference will be held in Canada in 2020. For more information about CSPOC please visit www.cspoc.org. With thanks to Ms Alexandria Faure at the National Assembly of Seychelles for information and images this article.

14 | The Parliamentarian | 2018: Issue One The Parliamentarian | 2018: Issue One | 15 COMMONWEALTH COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY PARLIAMENTARY ASSOCIATION ASSOCIATION NEWS NEWS

Renewed focus on sustainable development goals and re-commitment to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association embeds good governance and independence of the legislature at 6th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association democracy in St Helena, one of the remotest legislatures in the Commonwealth India Regional Conference The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) has helped to share good to strengthen parliamentary practice and procedure for the St practice with Helena Legislature following the recent elections in July 2017 local Members Over 100 Commonwealth Parliamentarians from across India through a CPA Post-Election Seminar for newly elected Members on issues have renewed their focus on Parliament’s role in the sustainable from 20 to 27 January 2018. One of the remotest legislatures in the such as the development agenda and reaffirmed their commitment to the CPA’s membership of over 180 Commonwealth Parliaments and importance separation of powers between the legislature, the judiciary and Legislatures, the St Helena Legislature is in the British Overseas of Codes of the executive at the 6th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Territory located on a small island in the Atlantic Ocean with a Conduct as (CPA) India Regional Conference held in Patna, Bihar from 16 to 19 population of 4,500 people. a tool to help February 2018. On 26 July 2017, St Helena held transparent, free and fair address the The Chairperson of the CPA India Region and Speaker of the elections which demonstrated the Territory’s commitment to the trust deficit in Lok Sabha, India Parliament, Hon. Sumitra Mahajan, MP reaffirmed democratic ideals and standards upon which the Commonwealth Parliaments; the the independence of the legislature and stressed the importance is founded and the ideals enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter. importance of gender equality of good relations with the judiciary by saying: “In a parliamentary The CPA is the only Commonwealth body that works to strengthen territorial assemblies and legislatures such as the St in parliament; democracy, the legislative assembly plays a vital role.... the judiciary Helena Legislative Council as well as working with national, state and the and the executive are equally important. They are the pillars of and provincial legislatures. The CPA provides a key platform to essential role democracy and a balance between them is of high importance. develop good parliamentary practice in St Helena and other self- that an effective Neither can be ignored.” The CPA India Regional Chairperson also governing UK Overseas Territories and to share good practice Committee can announced that four new regional zones would be created in the between similar legislatures across the Commonwealth. play. This peer- India Region to conduct zonal regional seminars and conferences genuine and enduring democracy. As a guarantor of democracy The CPA Post-Election Seminar saw Members of the St to-peer learning for legislators to interact with each regularly across the country in itself, parliament has a duty to represent the people it serves – and Helena Legislature provided with an excellent opportunity to ask and bringing between the biennial CPA India Regional Conference. it can only do this by being an inclusive, accountable, open and questions about parliamentary practice and procedure. It provided together of transparent institution.” To read the Secretary-General’s closing Members with a better understanding of the parliamentary system expertise from across the Commonwealth, goes to the heart of the remarks in full please visit www.cpahq.org/cpahq/sgspeeches. and democratic CPA’s key strength as an Association.” The CPA Regional Conference was hosted by the CPA Bihar processes in other Hon. Eric Benjamin, Speaker of the Legislature said in his Commonwealth closing remarks: “The week-long Seminar has been educational Branch and the Hon. Speaker of the Bihar Legislative Assembly, jurisdictions. The and greatly beneficial as Councillors have engaged in constructive Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, MP and the conference was also seminar was exchanges with the visiting CPA resource team who have shared addressed by the Chief Minister of Bihar, Hon. Nitish Kumar and opened by Hon. with us how different Legislatures across the Commonwealth the Governor of Bihar, Satya Pal Malik. Eric Benjamin, operate. I believe that Councillors will reflect on how some of The CPA India Regional Conference brought together MLC, Speaker of the ideas shared can be implemented here in this House to help Speakers and Members of Parliament from the national Parliament the Legislature improve the way in which we function and better represent the of India (Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha) and thirty one state and of St Helena and people of St Helena.” provincial legislatures across India, one of the most populated Her Excellency Following the CPA Post-Election Seminar, the CPA Roadshow regions of the Commonwealth. Representatives also attended Lisa Phillips, for Young People was launched at Prince Andrews School in St from Uganda, Australia and other Commonwealth countries. Governor of St Helena. Hon. Derek Thomas, MLC, former CPA Helena as part of the CPA Roadshows tour of Commonwealth To see highlights of the closing ceremony please visit: https:// Executive Committee Member, and Ms Meenakshi Dhar, on schools and universities. Over 300 students discussed the behalf of the CPA Headquarters Secretariat made addresses. importance of the Commonwealth and parliamentary democracy The new Chairperson of the CPA Executive Committee, Hon. youtu.be/xda9EjxWfJE (Footage by Rajya Sabha TV). Commitment to improving democratic processes in the legislature with the visiting CPA Emilia Monjowa Lifaka, MP, addressed Members at the opening was demonstrated by the active participation in the seminar of delegation and local ceremony. The CPA Chairperson said that Parliamentarians must Councillors, both new and those returning to the House. Councillors, Derek Thomas, be part of the sustainable development agenda as they can play The five newly elected and seven returning Councillors heard Christine Scipio-O’Dean a vital role in its implementation. She also expressed her delight from experts from across the Commonwealth at the CPA Post- and Cruyff Buckley. The that her first official overseas conference as the new Chairperson Election Seminar including: Hon. Barry House, Former President CPA Roadshows provide since her election was in the CPA India Region. of the Legislative Council of Western Australia; Mr Roger Phillips, an opportunity for young The CPA Secretary-General, Mr Akbar Khan, who also attended Clerk of Tynwald, Secretary of the House of Keys and Counsel to people to learn about the conference during his first official visit to India, addressed the the Speaker, Isle of Man and the Attorney-General from St Helena. the political values of the closing ceremony of the conference and said that the legislatures The CPA Secretary-General, Mr Akbar Khan, in a message Commonwealth such as of the CPA India Region can be a role model for the many delivered on his behalf by Ms Meenakshi Dhar from the CPA diversity, development and Headquarters Secretariat, said: “The CPA Post-Election Seminar parliamentary democracy; democracies in the Commonwealth. He said: “Parliamentarians in St Helena demonstrates the CPA’s commitment to our Small the role of St Helena and therefore Parliaments play a critically important role in Branches and to the territorial legislatures that we represent. The Councillors in representing embedding respect for the separation of powers and creating the CPA Post-Election Seminar is emblematic of the mutuality of learning the issues of concern to the conditions for sustainable development. An effective parliament among CPA members, small and large, which is so much part of people of St Helena and can promote robust, inclusive economic growth and nurture the life blood of the CPA family. I am delighted that the CPA is able the work of the CPA. Images: CPA Bihar Branch. Images: St Helena Government Press Office/CPA Headquarters Secretariat.

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TOWARDS A COMMON FUTURE: The Gambia re-joins the Commonwealth

COMMONWEALTH HEADS OF GOVERNMENT The Gambia re-joined the Commonwealth in February 2018, almost five years after leaving the organisation. The West African nation’s MEETING 2018 return was marked by a flag-raising ceremony at Marlborough House, the London headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat. The Gambia’s ambassador to the UK now becomes its High Commissioner, signifying Commonwealth membership. Both the new High Commissioner and Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon. Patricia Scotland, QC attended the flag-raising ceremony. Speaking about his country’s return to the Commonwealth, The Gambia’s High Commissioner to the UK, His Excellency Francis Blain said: “I am thrilled to represent my country The Commonwealth is about of the world, from Australia on working towards a future as it formally re-joins the Commonwealth after involvement and inclusiveness. to the United Kingdom, for that is fairer, more prosperous, an absence of several years – and to become Rt Hon. Patricia It works, and makes other things the Commonwealth Heads more sustainable, and more High Commissioner rather than Ambassador. Scotland, QC is the work better, because our people of Government Meeting. This secure. Alongside the Heads of The Gambia looks forward to being able both sixth Commonwealth share ideas at every level. We speaks eloquently of the range Government Meeting, there will be to contribute to and benefit from the collective co-operate, provide mutual and reach of the Commonwealth. Commonwealth forums for youth, wisdom of the Commonwealth family of countries, and to playing The country’s application was unanimously supported by the Secretary-General support, and are able to work From the Pacific to Europe, from women, business and civil society. an active role in supporting the work of the Commonwealth previous 52 member states and The Gambia will now be invited to assuming office together easily and rise above Africa and Asia to the Caribbean This range, this connection, Secretariat and the many other organisations and initiatives that attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in April in 2016 as the first difference and division because and the Americas, the people the inclusiveness and vitality, flourish as expressions of Commonwealth connection. 2018 in London. women to hold the shared inheritances have made of the Commonwealth connect attract participation by The Government and people of The Gambia will also draw Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon. Patricia Scotland, our systems of law, government, and work together at multiple Parliamentarians and students, on all that the Commonwealth collectively has to offer, assisting QC said, “When The Gambia left in 2013, the heads of government position. She trained and education very similar, and levels and for many purposes, yet human rights defenders and in practical ways to address a wide range of pressing issues – expressed their regret in its leaving the Commonwealth family. as a lawyer, was the we speak a common language. with shared goals and towards a investors, advocates for social including protecting the environment and tackling climate change, We’ve looked forward to The Gambia’s return and were delighted first black woman Above all, we are committed to common future. and economic change, health and the empowerment of women and young people.” when, after his election victory in December 2016, President to be appointed as a the values of the Commonwealth The summit meeting of the workers and environmental The decision to begin the process of applying for readmission Barrow pledged to return. The Gambia’s application to re-join Charter: democracy, leaders of the 53 independent campaigners - there is room was made in February 2017 by President Adama Barrow, who has been unanimously accepted by all 52 member states, who Queen’s Counsel and development, sustainability, and countries of the Commonwealth for everyone. Wherever we came to power following elections in December 2016. welcome back their brothers and sisters to again play their full part at 35, was also the respect for the rights of all. family shows the cooperation live, learn, work or play in the In December 2017, the Parliament of The Gambia unanimously in the Commonwealth family.” youngest woman QC. April 2018 promises and commitment at its highest Commonwealth, there are affirmed the country’s desire to rejoin the Commonwealth, fulfilling She joined the UK to be one of the most level – including to agree a ways for each of us to become one of the final steps in the organisation’s membership process. With thanks to the Commonwealth Secretariat for news story and images. momentous months in modern Commonwealth Blue Charter to involved and to celebrate our House of Lords in 1997 Commonwealth history and protect our oceans, and to serve Commonwealth identity by going on to serve as a development. First there will be the needs of the marginalised connecting with others and Minister in the Foreign the Commonwealth Games in the and vulnerable by building working towards a common Office, Home Office Gold Coast, Australia, bringing resilience. The focus will be future. together thousands of athletes and Lord Chancellor’s from across Commonwealth Department. She was nations and territories set in appointed as Attorney every continent and ocean. General in 2007 – the Their diversity, and the goodwill of sporting competition at the first women to hold ‘friendly games’ will for the the post since it was millions watching be a showcase created in 1315. of everything the Commonwealth is and does. The focus then shifts immediately to the other side Image: CPA UK/Ed Telling Photography

18 | The Parliamentarian | 2018: Issue One The Parliamentarian | 2018: Issue One | 19 TOWARDS A TOWARDS A COMMON FUTURE: COMMON FUTURE: LOOKING AHEAD TO LOOKING AHEAD TO CHOGM 2018 CHOGM 2018

The official theme of LOOKING AHEAD TO THE UNITED the summit has also been agreed – Towards a Common Future – reflecting our shared desire to put the interests, KINGDOM HOSTING CHOGM 2018 AND values and ambitions of the Commonwealth’s young people at the heart of all we do across COMMONWEALTH SUMMIT the 53 nations. Indeed, it is important to remember that this summit will involve the entire Commonwealth family, not only those who have the great privilege of leading its member states, but also civil society, communities and faith groups. The four Commonwealth Images: CPA UK/Ed Telling Photography Forums that will start the week – on Business, People, Youth member states and a secretariat. experiences, your efforts Above: Lord Ahmad of and Women – demonstrate The third element of the strengthen and enhance Wimbledon, UK Minister this well. Taking place over Commonwealth is the network standards of governance around for the Commonwealth three days, these will offer an of links between its people. the world and, as a result, help to addresses delegates at Rt Hon. Lord As the UK’s Minister for the people from every corner of the roots and profound strengths. opportunity for people from Indeed, we in the UK believe improve standards of living for all the first Commonwealth Tariq Ahmad of Commonwealth, it gives me Commonwealth to our country Over seven decades, it has across the Commonwealth to that one of the Commonwealth’s Commonwealth citizens. Parliamentarians Forum, which is the great pleasure to contribute for the summit. helped newly-independent come together and debate some great strengths lies in the many I was delighted to see this took place in London, UK ahead Wimbledon to this special issue of The We are particularly delighted countries develop their national of the key issues and challenges institutions and people who work important work first-hand during of the CHOGM 2018. UK Minister for the Parliamentarian, in advance of to also be welcoming our friends institutions, make economic facing us all. For the first time, all together across our borders. the recent Commonwealth Commonwealth and the forthcoming Commonwealth from The Gambia to London, progress and share common four forums will convene in the These connections are often Parliamentarians’ Forum hosted the forum in London, I was UN and the UK Prime Heads of Government Meeting following their return to the experiences, through the same venue for one of the days, organised by the more than 80 by the CPA UK Branch in London. reminded of the power of the st Minister’s Special (CHOGM) here in London in Commonwealth in February. I had networks across a range of areas allowing cross over between organisations that are officially The meeting gave ninety Commonwealth in the 21 April. the great privilege of visiting The and disciplines. the delegates, speakers and accredited to the Commonwealth delegates from over thirty century: as a global network of Representative on It promises to be a month Gambia a week after the country Home to one third of the discussions. and the vibrant diaspora Commonwealth Parliaments the people and countries united by Preventing Sexual of wonderful celebration of officially re-joined this wonderful world’s population, some of its The UK appreciates the communities that exist across it. opportunity to discuss a range their shared values and common Violence in Conflict. the modern Commonwealth. association, where I was delighted fastest growing economies and excellent work that is being done The Commonwealth of issues around the four areas hopes for the future. He has previously It will start with two weeks of to present His Excellency accounting for one-fifth of global by the Commonwealth Enterprise Parliamentary Association (CPA) that leaders will focus on in April. This April will be a moment for Commonwealth Games on President Adama Barrow with trade, the Commonwealth is an and Investment Council, the is an outstanding example of Importantly, it has also provided all of us, from every corner of the been the Minister for Australia’s Gold Coast, where a formal invitation to the summit exceptional 21st century network. Commonwealth Foundation and the power of this third pillar. those Parliamentarians with a Commonwealth, to demonstrate Aviation and Trade, athletes from 70 nations and from our Prime Minister, Rt Hon. It has a tremendously diverse the Commonwealth Secretariat One of the Commonwealth’s chance to raise awareness of the positive role this network for Skills and Aviation territories will gather for a festival Theresa May, MP. membership which shares a to organise and prepare for these fundamental values is a the summit and influence their must play in bringing about a Security, for Countering of elite international sport. The We are proud to see The belief in being a united force important events. commitment to representative national debates ahead of it. more peaceful, progressive and Games will be followed by the Gambian flag flying, once again, for good in a turbulent world. The forums will be followed democracy, as outlined in While the voices of today prosperous world. Extremism, and Local week of the Commonwealth outside Marlborough House. With two thirds of its population by meetings of Commonwealth Article 1 of the Commonwealth were busy in London, the It was Eleanor Roosevelt Government and Heads of Government Meeting Their delegation will be welcome under the age of 30, it also has Foreign Ministers and the Charter. For more than a century, voices of tomorrow were who famously said: “The future Communities. He was here in the UK, concluding guests in London and I know extraordinary potential for global official Heads of Government CPA Branches have upheld making themselves heard in the belongs to those who believe in a Government Whip with celebrations across the you will join me in congratulating influence. Meeting. These will take place in this commitment, acting as a ninth Commonwealth Youth the beauty of their dreams.” Commonwealth to mark the 92nd them on their successful return We want April’s summit to Lancaster House, Buckingham powerful voice and advocate Parliament in Jersey. This The beauty of the and Lord in Waiting to birthday of Her Majesty Queen to the Commonwealth. drive progress towards realising Palace and Windsor Castle, for Parliaments across the annual programme has firmly Commonwealth is clear for all to HM the Queen. He was Elizabeth II on Saturday 21 April, The summit provides the 53 this incredible potential. We in the which Her Majesty The Queen Commonwealth. established itself in the CPA see. I hope we can work together previously a Councillor and her incredible service to the members of the Commonwealth UK have been working closely has graciously offered as the The fact that CPA now works calendar as an opportunity for to help turn this ambition into and Cabinet Member Commonwealth family over more with the opportunity to build upon with our fellow member states location for the Leaders’ Retreat with over 180 Parliaments and young people from across the a reality. We look forward to than 60 years the important work started in and with the Commonwealth on the Friday of summit week. legislatures and its 17,000 Commonwealth to network with welcoming the Commonwealth in the London Borough As host country, we in the UK Malta in 2015 of rejuvenating Secretariat on the formal agenda This will be one of the largest members is a testament to how like-minded peers and get a family of nations to London! of Merton and had a 20 have the privilege of welcoming this unique organisation for for the summit. Together we gatherings of national leaders successful you have been in sense of what it feels like to sit in year career in the City national leaders, foreign the 21st century, to make it have agreed that its broad focus that the UK has ever hosted. pursuing this mission. a democratic Parliament. For more information about the of London working in ministers, business people, civil relevant to the citizens of the will be on four policy areas: However, as we all know, the By enabling the As I saw such an CHOGM 2018 and Commonwealth society representatives, and, Commonwealth prosperity, security, sustainability Commonwealth is much more Commonwealth’s political impressive and diverse mix of Summit in the UK please visit banking and finance. perhaps most importantly, young The Commonwealth has deep and fairness. than simply a collection of leaders to share their varied Parliamentarians gather for www.chogm2018.org.uk.

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“It was the FIRST COMMONWEALTH first time that Parliamentarians PARLIAMENTARIANS’ FORUM HELD were given the space to explore AHEAD OF CHOGM 2018 and discuss the themes and issues ahead of an upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which will take place in April this Hon. James During a cold and snowy week in can be revitalised to maintain the UK Opposition, Rt Hon. Jeremy year. Set in three Duddridge, MP the United Kingdom, nearly 100 its relevance with four sub- Corbyn, MP and Amb. Amina different venues - is the Chair of the Commonwealth Parliamentarians themes: sustainability, fairness, Mohammed, Deputy Secretary- Images: CPA UK/Ed Telling Photography and youth delegates arrived security, and prosperity. It is General of the United Nations. Church House, the Commonwealth in London for the first ever vital to involve Parliamentarians The Forum not only brought Parliament of the thoughts and ideas on how to to generate and share these technology revolution means Parliamentary Commonwealth Parliamentarians’ in these discussions, so that together Parliamentarians, but improve the Commonwealth in parliamentary strengthening ideas. that data is more accessible Association UK Branch Forum, hosted by the Commonwealth democracies also 11 bright and ambitious United Kingdom practice. Insightful suggestions Transparency emerged as a than ever before. Transparency (CPA UK). Since 2005, Commonwealth Parliamentary can also feed into CHOGM 2018 youth delegates, highlighting the and the City of were made about reforming the recurring theme, and for good is a key theme, therefore, not Association UK (CPA UK). via their governments. Set in significance of a future-oriented language of the Charter in order reason. Our relationships with only for purposes of engaging he has been the MP for It was the first time that three different venues - Church and renewed Commonwealth. London’s Guildhall to integrate gender equality as a our constituents define our our constituents and building Rochford & Southend Parliamentarians were given the House, the Parliament of the Hearing their perspectives - delegates key principle. roles. It is essential that we relay relationships with those who we East. Before politics, he space to explore and discuss United Kingdom and the City of on pressing issues was both As one of the three cross- information to our constituents represent. It is also crucial to the the themes and issues ahead of London’s Guildhall - delegates refreshing and energising; it were immersed cutting themes, gender equality with transparency in order to way we measure and monitor our pursued a successful an upcoming Commonwealth were immersed in CHOGM 2018 kept the youth focus of the in CHOGM 2018 was cleverly weaved in throughout build that foundation of trust. UK work and that of the government: business career in the Heads of Government Meeting themes, which shaped the Forum Commonwealth at the heart of the Forum. It wasn’t discussed as Parliamentarian, Rt Hon. Maria evidence-based findings have private sector and was (CHOGM), which will take place in programme. discussions and sessions, and held themes, which an isolated subject but rather an Miller, MP, Chairperson of the become the gold standard for a banker with Barclays April this year. Using varied techniques, Parliamentarians accountable. shaped the Forum area that should be represented Women and Equalities Select information. both in the City of The UK-hosted CHOGM 2018 the Forum brought out and I chaired the opening panel throughout, as with the other two Committee, made an important By the start of the third day, will see leaders from member shared best practice among session of the Forum and there programme.” cross-cutting themes of inclusivity point about how our engagement specific topics were given well- London and in Africa, countries of the Commonwealth Commonwealth Parliamentarians was a clear message from and youth. should extend beyond our voter deserved focus: climate change, working in the Ivory convene in Windsor and London in a way that has not happened the guest speakers: that the As Parliamentarians, we have base into schools and among global health, conflict prevention, Coast and Botswana. to reaffirm our common values, before. There were opportunities Commonwealth holds significant Ike Ekweremadu, and the newly- a mandate to represent citizens young people who are beginning modern slavery, and more. The He was also a founding address the global challenges to collaborate, to apply new value, whether historical or future- elected Chairperson of the from all walks of life and to to learn about how Parliament split sessions enabled delegates we face, and agree how to work learning, and to grow networks. oriented, for all Parliamentarians Commonwealth Parliamentary ensure they get the best possible functions. Our roles should not to delve deeper into subjects member of the highly to create a better future for all of The Speaker of the UK House and all citizens within its 53 nations. Association (CPA), Hon. Emilia standard of living. We do this by be on a pedestal but understood of their choice ranging from successful national our citizens. With 53 independent of Commons, Rt Hon. John The guest panellists Lifaka, MP (Cameroon), who holding the government of the widely amongst our communities global health, peace and security, polling firm YouGov. countries and 2.4 billion people, Bercow, MP hosted an evening had unique roles within the reminded delegates of our shared day to account on matters such and particularly those groups who inclusivity and freedom of religion. He has held positions of which 60% are below the age reception enabling delegates to Commonwealth, including: the UK principles and allegiance to the as the implementation of the are underserved by their current On another day these subjects of 30, it is no surprise that this network and hear from the UK Minister for the Commonwealth, Commonwealth Charter. Sustainable Development Goals government. included: youth engagement, in government as a CHOGM will have a strong focus Foreign Secretary, Rt Hon. Boris Rt Hon. Lord Ahmad of The Charter was the subject (SDGs). Whether it means forming During a session on legislative change and smarter Government Whip and on youth. Johnson, MP, in a speech on the Wimbledon, the Secretary- of a mock chamber debate. Implementation Committees government transparency and more inclusive cities. was Foreign Office The theme for the future of the Commonwealth. General of the Commonwealth, Its relevance and challenges or involving Parliamentarians and evidence, Emily Hayter, It was clear that climate Minister between 2014 Commonwealth this year Later that week, delegates also Rt Hon. Patricia Scotland, QC, were discussed allowing both in the scrutiny and reviews of Programme Manager at INSAP, change was at the top of the - Towards a Common Future - heard from other high-profile the Deputy President of the Parliamentarians and youth international conventions, the detailed the many ways in which agenda for many of the island and 2016. explores how the Commonwealth speakers including the Leader of Senate of Nigeria, HE Senator delegates to air constructive Forum enabled Parliamentarians evidence informs policy, and the nations, as they bear the brunt of

22 | The Parliamentarian | 2018: Issue One The Parliamentarian | 2018: Issue One | 23 TOWARDS A TOWARDS A COMMON FUTURE: COMMON FUTURE: LOOKING AHEAD TO LOOKING AHEAD TO CHOGM 2018 CHOGM 2018 its damage yet receive minimal ensure their governments are well- funding to support their green equipped with the views of their initiatives. When delegates had democratic institutions in order to the chance to witness each effectively represent their citizens. other’s pitches and pleas on the The next two years will be final day, it became clear that an opportunity for us in the UK a concrete take-away of the to remind everyone that the Forum would be an initiative to Commonwealth is alive and take action on climate change kicking with a secure, sustainable, proposed by a youth delegate and fair and prosperous future for sponsored by a Parliamentarian generations to come. from the Cayman Islands. A letter Now that the first is being sent to the UK Prime Commonwealth Parliamentarians’ Minister, Rt Hon. Theresa May, Forum has been a success, we MP, as the current Chair of the (as well as many of the delegates) Commonwealth, which has been hope there will a Forum ahead signed by over 50 Commonwealth of the next CHOGM in Kuala delegates calling for a Climate Lumpur, Malaysia in 2020. Change Committee to be formed. Images: CPA UK/Ed Telling Photography A session dedicated to young people explored representation and whether youth should be considered as a demographic or and Leadership Consultant, who Commonwealth Body’ and visual cross-referenced these with the DECLARATION OF THE FIRST COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARIANS’ FORUM generation. Seeing the readiness challenged everyone on their minutes throughout the Forum. four CHOGM 2018 themes. This of youth delegates to take action views of leadership. After watching She illustrated thoughts and ideas exercise allowed everyone in CPA UK BRANCH, WESTMINSTER, LONDON, 26 FEBRUARY – 1 MARCH 2018 in areas where Parliamentarians a short clip of an orchestra playing, which were then presented to the room, Parliamentarians and may be hesitant made me there were conflicting views on delegates for their continual use. youth delegates alike, to better The UK Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Latimer Principles remain an excellent basis for ensuring question: are we cautious because who the leader was: the singer or The Forum’s varied techniques understand their relationships Association (CPA UK) hosted the first ever Commonwealth accountability and transparency. of our parliamentary experience, or the conductor. This sparked a lively for engaging Parliamentarians to these themes. Rarely do Parliamentarians’ Forum in London, from 26 February to in spite of it? debate. The thought-provoking didn’t stop there. Director of the facilitators manage so effectively 1 March 2018. 90 delegates from 30 Commonwealth • Parliamentarians can be the hands of the Commonwealth Having a vocal youth delegation exercise concluded that leadership Thought Collective, Tong Yee, to get Parliamentarians to let their countries met 50 days ahead of the Commonwealth Heads body, to make things happen. Delegates committed immediately made us more should be a shared enterprise led a self-reflective session guards down! of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2018, also taking place to return to their countries ready to do all they could to accountable – we were speaking where we rely on one another’s that not only set the tone for Throughout the Forum, in London, from 16 April. The following Declaration reflects positively shape their country’s approach to CHOGM about our plans for their futures. strengths. the rest of the Forum, but using Parliamentarians were inspired their discussions and decisions over four stimulating days. 2018 and its four, inter-dependent themes. They One of my highlights of the Anna Geyer from New his personality analogies of a to take an active role in the committed to continuing that campaigning work beyond Forum was the lively session led Possibilities spent the week ‘Lover, Jester, Warrior and King/ delivery and implementation of • The Commonwealth and its nations are like a body. CHOGM 2018, in particular for the period of the UK’s by Martin Kalungu-Banda, author building a mural of ‘The Queen’, he also impressively the CHOGM 2018 outcomes, Parliaments and Parliamentarians are essential to the period as Chair-in-Office until 2020. They will press for and to ensure that actions are not future health and success of that body. the proper resourcing of this work. only proposed, but also concretely followed up on. • The Commonwealth Charter is the essential skeleton for • Parliamentarians can act as the intelligent head of the Fellow Parliamentarians from the Commonwealth body. It has as its first core value Commonwealth body. Delegates committed to seeking across the Commonwealth have and principle Democracy; its second Human Rights. The and sharing the knowledge and information which their now returned to their countries, Charter asserts that Parliaments are essential elements people need. They supported the holding of a second better informed to influence in the exercise of democratic governance. Delegates Forum, early enough to influence CHOGM 2020. and encourage their respective committed to playing the roles assigned to them by the • Delegates committed to playing their particular role to governments. Charter, including upholding and promoting democratic support and scrutinise progress by the Commonwealth CHOGM 2018 will take cultures and practices, and being accountable to the and its members towards the Sustainable Development place in April in London and public in this regard. They represent the people, and Goals. Parliamentarians must now must reflect the people’s priorities. • Delegates drew inspiration from the presence of youth • The values and principles of the Charter are the heart delegates from a variety of Commonwealth countries. of the Commonwealth body. Parliamentarians must They committed to promoting greater engagement with Left: UK Leader of the help ensure that Commonwealth Governments live and by young people in pursuit of the Commonwealth’s Opposition, Rt Hon. up to those values and principles, including the Rule values and principles. This should be one example of Jeremy Corbyn, MP of Law, backed by an independent, impartial, honest the Commonwealth’s strength through diversity and addresses delegates at and competent judiciary; and Freedom of Expression, inclusivity, as well as through its unity in action. the first Commonwealth including through a free and responsible media. The Parliamentarians Forum.

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Commonwealth. This is TOWARDS A COMMON FUTURE: A VIEW one major contributing factor to the poor economic advancement of these countries. Quality education, FROM A PARLIAMENTARIAN which is usually measured in terms of cognitive skills, has a very high correlation to economic growth. In fact, a recent study by Hanushek titled ‘The Long Run Importance of School Quality’ shows large economic gains associated with improvements in education quality. It becomes therefore imperative and compelling for developing Commonwealth countries to start designing policies to improve educational outcomes. Co-operation in this area is very necessary. with very poor infrastructure, will require fiscal discipline. Above and below: The 60th Hon. Njume A more prosperous future for In the words of Her Excellency the evolution of the global In fact, developing countries and schools providing Corruption, bad governance and Commonwealth Parliamentary Peter Ambang, its citizens has always remained Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of economy, the creation of a need good schools with pupils and students with a the lack of accountability are the Conference was held in Yaoundé, was elected a constant challenge for the the Government of the People’s multilateral free trade era good curricula that will curriculum that does not ills commonly responsible for the Cameroon in October 2014 with MP leaders and governments of the Republic of Bangladesh “the should be given serious provide an enabling enhance the development dismal economic growth in most Parliamentarians from across the as a Member of the world today. To achieve this goal, strength of our Commonwealth consideration as an environment for students of critical and creative skills. sub-Saharan Commonwealth nine regions of the CPA. National Assembly of several strategies are being put lies in its unity of vision of appropriate response to to study and acquire Such a schooling system countries. Cameroon in 2013. He in place which include promoting pluralism, liberalism, democracy improving on the economies the necessary skills and does not produce a strong Fighting these ugly forces will was a CPA Cameroon trade and investment as a means and political institutions amid the of member states of the capacities that will enable work force. Consequently, greatly contribute to improving to design new models for to drive economic growth which diversity in race, ethnicity and Commonwealth of Nations. them obtain good jobs. The we find many young people economic growth and thus investment. What is therefore Branch Member will lead to job creation and better religion.” Recent statistics show that prevalent situation in most who are unemployed but provide more jobs for our growing needed is the transfer of who welcomed living conditions for its citizens. A more prosperous the 53 Commonwealth developing Commonwealth have high school and and young population. Sharing innovative technologies within Parliamentarians This is the common vision of future for our citizens in the members combined exports countries especially in university certificates that do success stories and experiences the Commonwealth member for the 60th all the member states of the Commonwealth can be made of goods and services Africa is that where one not make them qualified for in these domains among states that will lead to structural Commonwealth of Nations. possible but will depend greatly are valued at around finds many schools with few the job market. Commonwealth member states transformation in the agricultural Commonwealth The Commonwealth is home on our will to sincerely work US $3.4 trillion (£2.7 and sometimes unqualified is necessary and will encourage sector. This will make agriculture Parliamentary to over 2.4 billion people, making together in various domains of trillion), which is about teachers, several schools Sustaining economic growth the commitment in using the more profitable and will Conference in Yaoundé up nearly one third of the world’s policy which will include: 15% of the world’s total resources of the encourage many young people to in 2014. He was population. Of this population, exports. If Commonwealth countries for the be engaged in this sector. 60% are under the age of 30. • Creating a multilateral governments should seek general interest In conclusion, Commonwealth previously a teacher These young people need to be free trade area: During the and engage in strengthening of the citizens. member states should have trainer and held guaranteed of a better future. colonial era, there existed dialogue, networking and The the dream of making this several positions in The Commonwealth can provide the preferential trade regime collaboration on trade and agricultural family a model of cooperation mostly rural areas of this assurance to its growing within the British Empire economic issues between sector offers in development in the world. young population and make itself among Commonwealth member states, a more the greatest Through a strong spirit of Cameroon including a model of a union of a diverse nations under the Imperial prosperous future for the potential commitment of working together Inspector of Primary prosperous people in the world. Preference System. This citizens of this great family for poverty in trade and investment, and Nursery Education The prosperity of this diverse system and the great spirit can be a reality. reduction and education, fight against of eight sub-divisions great Commonwealth family behind it was dismantled • Genuine cooperation in job creation corruption and the transfer can be guaranteed through the after World War Two due to the fields of education, in most sub- of innovative technologies, and Coordinating putting into practice of effective changes in geopolitics and fight against corruption Saharan Commonwealth governments Inspector for Primary, and realistic mechanisms that the pattern of global trade, and innovative technology: Commonwealth can guarantee a more Nursery and Teacher will enable member countries and the United Kingdom’s Low-quality education is countries. prosperous future for their Education for the South work together as a people with entry into the European an endemic problem in Innovation citizens. After all, these aspects a common future, a common Economic Community. most developing countries is however are inherent in the vision and West Region. destiny and a common vision. Today, however, due to including those in the necessary mission of the Commonwealth.

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is a multiplier right and denial of HOW CAN THE COMMONWEALTH BE A education perpetuates cycles of exclusion and marginalisation. According to Minority Rights Group International, the majority BEACON FOR FREEDOM OF RELIGION AND of children who are out of school worldwide belong to minority and indigenous groups. Many BELIEF? minority religious groups face barriers to education. For example, according to the Movement for Solidarity and Peace, the Hindu America Foundation and the Aurat Foundation, around 1,000 young Christian and Hindu girls are kidnapped, raped and forcibly converted every year in Pakistan. This has led to many Christian and Hindu families being too afraid to send their young girls to school, as they fear that they will be kidnapped. In Punjab on 27 August 2017, with his to share best practice across communities and legislators. Above: During the 62nd Baroness The Commonwealth is a unique countries where there are high or well as damaging the autonomy teacher looking on, a Christian borders to harness the role of It is heartening to see that Commonwealth Parliamentary Elizabeth Berridge family of nations bonded by very high levels of social hostility of the individual to explore their boy, Sharoon Masih, was beaten governments, civil society and Parliamentarians from across the Conference in December 2016 is a Member of the history, a stated commitment towards and between religious spiritual development, restrictions to death by his classmates on his individuals. The Faith in the Commonwealth are taking this in London, the Commonwealth to free, open and democratic groups. This is a problem that on FoRB can cause immense third day of school. He had initially Commonwealth Initiative is an duty seriously. Initiative for Freedom of UK Parliament’s societies, and an extensive affects members of all faiths, and damage to society. Research by been bullied for being a Christian, excellent example of how the In Pakistan, Religious Freedom Religion and Belief (CIFoRB) Upper House, the network of relationships. The it is an area where most faiths Finke and Martin show that denial and told not to drink out of the institution of the Commonwealth Caucuses were established in held a workshop on ‘Engaging House of Lords and Commonwealth covers more than are also guilty of persecution. of FoRB and targeting individuals same glasses as Muslims. This can bring together young, the National and two Provincial Effectively with Freedom of Project Director of 2.4 billion people in 53 countries This is an area where every based on their religion or belief story is a tragic example of how grassroots leaders who can help Assemblies (Punjab and Sindh) Religion and Belief’ attended by spanning six continents. As the country should engage in careful is closely correlated to high religious minorities can be brutally build respect for cultural and in 2015. These Caucuses aim around 35 Parliamentarians from the Commonwealth balance of world power shifts reflection of their conduct and levels of social conflict. Eleven barred from accessing education. religious diversity. to promote interfaith harmony five different continents. Initiative for Freedom away from Europe, the member laws, the UK itself has high levels of the Pew Research Centre’s The 2018 Commonwealth To be a member of and highlights issues afflicting of Religion or Belief. states of the Commonwealth of social hostility towards some top sixteen countries with ‘very Summit is an unparalleled the Commonwealth, minorities. These Caucuses freedom of religion or belief. The In the UK Parliament, are growing in importance, religious people, shown especially high’ government restrictions on opportunity for the UK to take governments have to commit helped the passing of the inquiry is also concerned with the consequently so is the opportunity in high levels of Islamophobia and FORB rank within the bottom the lead in bringing the value and to the Commonwealth Hindu Marriage Act (2017) and status of FoRB within Australia. she Co-Chairs the All- for the Commonwealth to act as anti-Semitism. 18% of countries in the Global significance of FoRB to the top Charter. Commitment to the supported the Sindh Criminal The Commonwealth Initiative Party Parliamentary a force for human rights on the The Commonwealth Summit Peace Index. Ten out of eleven of of the Commonwealth agenda. Commonwealth Charter includes Law (Protection of Minorities Bill), for Freedom of Religion and Group for International world stage. theme for 2018 is ‘Towards a Pew’s ‘very high’ social hostilities In her Christmas 2017 message, the pledge to promote human which was later rejected by the Belief (CIFoRB) facilitates Freedom of Religion A vital, but sadly often Common Future’, highlighting the countries rank within the top 25% the UK Prime Minister called for a rights, including the right to Governor after opposition from Parliamentarians in this crucial neglected, human right is importance of young people to the of the Global Terrorism index. “reaffirmation of our determination Freedom of Religion and Belief. Islamist parties. role of promoting Freedom of or Belief and sits on freedom of religion, thought and Commonwealth. More than 60% Conversely, the Association of to stand up for freedom of people Parliamentarians have a key role The All Party Parliamentary Religion and Belief. CIFoRB does the Select Committee conscience as enshrined in Article of the Commonwealth is under Religious Data Archives found of all religions to speak about and to play in holding their respective Group for Freedom of Religion this by providing Parliamentarians for Social Mobility 18 of the Universal Declaration of 30 years old and the UK Prime that none of the countries with practice their beliefs in peace and executives to fulfil their pledges and Belief in the UK has with the best academic and the Ecclesiastical Human Rights (UDHR) and the Minister, Rt Hon. Theresa May low government restrictions had safety.” to protect the human right of their empowered Parliamentarians to knowledge and analysis about International Covenant of Civil and said on 19 September 2017 “we widespread violence related As outlined above, the citizens to freedom of religion and consistently advocate for FoRB. the state of FoRB and how best Committee. Political Rights. This neglect is will put young people at the heart to religion, whereas 45% of Commonwealth has many belief. For example, UK Parliamentarians to promote it, both domestically Additionally, she is within the Commonwealth where of our Commonwealth.” However, countries with high government problems in FoRB but there are Parliamentarians are the succeeded in changing the and internationally. Key to this a member of the according to Pew Research it seems that too many young restrictions had widespread also shining examples within voice of the people that they Syrian Vulnerable Person has been providing research International Panel of Centre around 70% of the people people across the Commonwealth religious-related violence across the Commonwealth from every represent and therefore should Resettlement Schemes to allow to Parliamentarians across the living in the Commonwealth are currently growing up without the country. corner of the globe. Jamaica, speak on behalf of the diverse non-Syrian nationals, including the Commonwealth showing what Parliamentarians for currently experience high or their Article 18 rights and thinking Violations of Article 18 can Mozambique, Malta and New range of religions within the persecuted Yazidis, to be resettled rights are guaranteed under Freedom of Religion or very high levels of government of those who hold no faith or have also be a barrier to education Zealand all have extremely low Commonwealth. As leaders in the UK. Currently, the Australian Article 18 of the UDHR and how Belief and sits on the restrictions on freedom of religion a different faith as ‘other.’ (Sustainable Development Goal levels of government restrictions within their communities, they Joint Standing Committee on vital FoRB is in promoting stable London Policing Ethics and belief (FoRB). What is even This could be a serious 4), which is of course key to and social hostility towards have an opportunity and a duty to Foreign Affairs, Defence and and successful societies. more concerning is that 88% impediment to the future that providing a prosperous future for religions. The strength of the promote religious tolerance and Trade is inquiring and reporting on For example, during the 62nd Panel. of the Commonwealth live in we hope to build together. As the Commonwealth. Education Commonwealth lies in its ability freedom within their respective The Status of the human right to Commonwealth Parliamentary

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“Shared networks Conference in December 2016 network through sharing best hopes that a wide cross-section in London, CIFoRB held a practice by highlighting the of Commonwealth countries will CIVIL SOCIETY AND PARLIAMENTARIANS: and cultural ties are workshop attended by around 35 benefits of Parliamentary Groups become champions of FoRB the arteries of the Parliamentarians from 5 different for Freedom of Religion and Belief. throughout the Commonwealth. continents. Parliamentarians In January 2018, CIFoRB hosted The Commonwealth is a Commonwealth who took part in the session a delegation of South African remarkable institution. Shared LEAVING NO ONE BEHIND keeping it alive highlighted how they wanted a Parliamentary Whips to highlight networks and cultural ties are the greater understanding of FoRB and discuss the benefits and arteries of the Commonwealth and full of purpose. and further training about how it important of promoting FoRB. keeping it alive and full of purpose. This networked could be implemented. CIFoRB CIFoRB provided a position This networked nature is vital also conducted a workshop at the paper analysing Legislative for dealing with an international nature is vital Commonwealth Parliamentarians Member Organisations around the network like religion. CIFoRB for dealing with Forum in February 2018 to explain world and how they can be utilised firmly believes that the shared the rights granted under Article 18 to promote FoRB. values and democratic nature an international and the importance of preserving To further the spread of best of the Commonwealth provides network like FoRB. practice, CIFoRB will be holding a the perfect platform on which CIFoRB has also provided seminar on FoRB in Ghana in May a true respect for FoRB can religion. CIFoRB research and analysis about some 2018. West Africa has significant be built. The diversity of the firmly believes that of the most pressing FoRB issues issues with FoRB and Nigeria Commonwealth provides the across the Commonwealth. For suffers from extensive violence ability to learn and share best the shared values example, CIFoRB has conducted related to religion. More than practice. Parliamentarians have and democratic research into the problem of 32,000 people have died during a crucial role in strengthening forced conversions of religious the conflict with Boko Haram, and these ties and learning from each nature of the minorities in Pakistan suggesting according to the Global Terrorism other to hold their governments to Vijay Krishnarayan The Commonwealth calendar what has become the largest They will be making the Commonwealth ways the problem can be Index, 60,000 people have account and creating tolerant and is the Director of is defined by the regular rhythm Commonwealth gathering of civil connection between inclusion alleviated and how both Pakistani been killed in clashes between diverse societies that will enable the Commonwealth of the biennial Commonwealth society. Now they come to learn and Commonwealth renewal - a provides the perfect and UK Parliamentarians predominantly Muslim Fulani all to prosper. Through academic Heads of Government Meetings from each other as much as to response to the perennial debate platform on which can help. CIFoRB has also tribesmen and largely Christian research and advice CIFoRB Foundation. He has (CHOGM). While attention engage with Commonwealth on the continuing relevance of the contributed to UK parliamentary farmers in West Africa since stands ready to assist in turning supported civil society focusses on the gathering of leaders on global development institution. a true respect for business by providing speeches 2001. However, Ghana is a good the Commonwealth into a beacon organisations in the Heads, it’s what happens in issues at the Commonwealth One can see why the FoRB can be built. and parliamentary questions example of how low government for Freedom of Religion and Belief. UK, Caribbean and the the wings that tells us as much People’s Forum (CPF). Commonwealth Foundation has concerned with FoRB, highlighting restrictions on FoRB can lead to about Commonwealth concerns The CPF convenes in London a direct interest in the CPF. Every The diversity of the problems as they occur across the low social hostility and conflict To find out more about CIFoRB wider Commonwealth and provides insights on the on the eve of CHOGM and builds country that hosts a CHOGM Commonwealth Commonwealth. between religions and acceptance please visit www.ciforb.org. over the last 25 years. challenges ahead. The Forums on the discussions that took asks the Foundation to organise CIFoRB has also facilitated the in diverse societies. By basing the A land-use planner that take place in the days place in Malta at the last People’s a People’s Forum as part of provides the ability utilisation of the Commonwealth conference in Ghana, CIFoRB leading up to CHOGM provide Forum. At CHOGM 2015 in Malta, the Summit programme. They by training, he has a to learn and share an opportunity for women, Heads noted the consonance of recognise the Commonwealth special interest in the young people, businesses and the Commonwealth Foundation’s Foundation’s intergovernmental best practice. relationship between civil society organisations to mission and Sustainable mandate to strengthen and Parliamentarians development and come together, making the Development Goal (SDG) 16 mobilise civil society in support of the environment. point that the Commonwealth with its emphasis on peaceful Commonwealth principles and have a crucial role is much more than an and inclusive societies and values (as stated in the CHOGM in strengthening Before joining the association of governments. The building effective, accountable 2011 Communique). They also Commonwealth Commonwealth provides both a institutions. CPF 2018 brings acknowledge the role of the these ties and Foundation in 2006, he frame and a forum for people to a civic perspective to the global People’s Forum in animating the learning from spent over a decade people exchange, which enables dialogue on SDG 16, which holds CHOGM agenda in any given year. advocacy and learning. the key to realising the potential of The Commonwealth each other to hold in the Caribbean, Civil society organisations the whole SDG agenda. Foundation is dedicated their governments most notably as have been seeking to engage This year the People’s to strengthening people’s Managing Partner for with CHOGM since 1991, when Forum’s central theme is participation in all aspects of to account and they convened in Harare with the ‘Inclusive Governance: The public dialogue, enabling people the Caribbean Natural creating tolerant intention of influencing Heads Challenge for a Contemporary to act together and learn from Resources Institute of Governments deliberations. Commonwealth.’ Over 350 each other to build democratic and diverse (CANARI), one of the Since then activists, writers, delegates from 53 countries will societies. The Foundation’s societies that region’s sustainable performers and other catalysts participate in a programme that current strategy commits the development think for social change have looked to combines panel discussions, organisation to strengthening will enable all to the Commonwealth Foundation in-depth conversation, case civic voices so they can engage prosper.” tanks. to support and coordinate studies and creative expression. with policy processes, hold

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institutions to account and shape society and Parliamentarians The following examples serve includes a parliamentary It has also provided a catalyst public discourse on issues of is symbiotic. Parliamentarians to illustrate our approach: caucus, which comprises for discussions with MPs concern to Commonwealth rely on civic voices to express • Aware Girls is an organisation MPs that are championing on the value of an enabling people. The Foundation advances issues of concern to constituents that encourages young the implementation, regulatory environment as this programme through: its and help advance legislative women as they exercise their monitoring and evaluation of they prepare to deliberate on partnerships for public dialogue; its objectives. At the same time, right to vote and participate the SDGs. The relationship revisions to the Company and cultural initiative (Commonwealth civil society organisations rely in public life in North West between the Parliamentarians Allied Matters Act. Writers); its grants; and its on Parliamentarians to table Pakistan. In conjunction and civil society is a close emphasis on knowledge and issues and champion policy with Peace Direct, this one, with monitoring providing In the context of fairness, these learning. and institutional reform. Where collaborative project a particular focus for dialogue. three examples highlight some The Foundation supports civic governments and civil society supported women as they • The Nigeria Network of of the ways in which civil society voice at all levels - from the local to might view each other with mutual became active citizens. In the NGOs is engaging with can contribute to fairer decision- the global and in any sector where scepticism, Parliamentarians first year of the project, 1,349 government on the regulatory making. we can demonstrate that those necessarily have an easier young women voted for the environment for civil society. Parliament is an essential voices are making a contribution to relationship with groups, networks first time in local elections. The project is holding part of any democratic the public good. The CPF provides and associations active in their By the end of the project, consultations with civil society infrastructure, but it also requires the Foundation with an opportunity constituencies or engaged with ten young women that had organisations to develop other mechanisms to function to show how civic voices can parliamentary ways and means participated in training and recommendations for a law effectively. Local governance add value to Commonwealth such as the committee system. networking contested and that aims to enable Nigerian structures that encourage processes by broadening the There is an assumption that won seats in Swabi and civil society to be effective the active participation of the understanding of the issues Parliamentarians will reflect the Mardan local elections. These and accountable. The project population at large are an essential being considered by Heads concerns of their constituents included women from less requires close collaboration complement to Parliament – not of Government and Foreign without fear or favour - that they represented social classes with regulatory bodies, in least because locally elected Images: Commonwealth Foundation/Commonwealth Secretariat Ministers. It is civil society that will be tribunes for all the people and religious minorities. order to review the current people may go on to have making processes. Progress front is even more urgent for Above and below: The previous has kept issues such as gender that elected them. This implicit • The Africa Working Group legislation and present draft parliamentary careers. Civil society has been uneven. As of June women that aren’t middle class Commonwealth People’s Forum equality, climate justice and non- compact speaks strongly to one brings together more than amendments for discussion. is clearly present at the local level, 2016 only 22.8% of all national or that are disabled or from other which took place at the CHOGM communicable diseases on the of the themes for this year’s 150 African civil society organising communities and Parliamentarians were women. minority communities. Perhaps 2015 in Malta. Commonwealth agenda. It is civil CHOGM – ‘A Fairer Future’, organisations that are “Parliament is delivering public services. It will The Commonwealth has more to civil society’s most profound society that is introducing new which underlines the need for committed to improving inevitably introduce concepts like do in addressing this matter – with contribution to building a culture issues on to the Commonwealth’s democratic structures to serve lives on the continent for a mechanism advocacy and civic duty and in member states lagging behind, of democracy is its advocacy for agenda such as LGBT+ equality, all - not just those that enjoy example by engaging with that enables doing so open up the possibilities for example, Nordic countries Parliaments to better reflect the migrant rights and corporate access to resources or the the Sustainable Development for local people to participate in (where, as of June 2017, average diversity of our populations. As For further information about accountability. inside track. The Commonwealth Goals. In Tanzania, civil people to hold parliamentary processes. participation by women in single, CPF 2018 will assert, inclusive the work of the Commonwealth The relationship between civil Foundation places emphasis on society organisations set those that are Parliament is a mechanism lower and upper houses combined governance is central to a renewed Foundation please visit: https:// amplifying less heard voices and up an SDG network, which that enables people to hold ran at 41.7%). Commonwealth – a Commonwealth commonwealthfoundation.com. Below: Dania Ali from the Stars supports initiatives that deepen feeds into a multi-stakeholder delivering public those that are delivering public The need for action on this that leaves no one behind. Foundation and Aware Girls in the Commonwealth’s culture of forum that was established by goods to account. goods to account. Civil society Peshawar, Pakistan. democracy. the government. The forum and Parliamentarians work well Civil society and together to construct regulatory Parliamentarians regimes that can satisfy the public’s demand for accountable work well institutions – whether those be together to public, private or not-for-profit. Civil society also has a role to play construct in informing the public about the regulatory opportunities for accountability and these efforts are welcomed by regimes that Parliamentarians working through can satisfy the committees and commissions. Parliament is the embodiment public’s demand of representative democracy for accountable yet it often fails to represent the diversity of populations. More than institutions – 20 years ago, the international whether those be community committed to addressing the societal barriers public, private or that prevent women from not-for-profit.” equal participation in decision-

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its middle class faster than any HOW THE COMMONWEALTH IS BECOMING grouping so that, also by 2020, it is expected to contain 1 billion middle-class consumers. Between 2013 and 2015 Commonwealth ONE OF THE WORLD’S LEADING GLOBAL countries grew at a combined rate that was faster than that of both the US and the EU. BUSINESS NETWORKS Spanning some of the world’s largest, smallest, richest and poorest countries, the Commonwealth has an enormously diverse range of markets with a combined GDP of $13 trillion expected by 2020. In addition to all this, owing to the shared use of the English language as well as Image: Commonwealth Secretariat th “The 11 shared cultures, values and platform for a whole range of Above: The 10th Commonwealth Commonwealth similar legal and regulatory additional strategic advantages Business Forum in 2015 in Rt Hon. Lord This year is a significant year covers a quarter of the globe’s Commonwealth’s 53 countries. systems, we estimate that trade to business. Firstly, the Malta was addressed by HRH Jonathan Marland for the Commonwealth. The landmass and contains a quarter Organised by the Commonwealth Business Forum costs between Commonwealth similarities which make up the The Prince of Wales. is the Commonwealth Heads of of the world’s people. It boasts Enterprise and Investment member countries are on average Commonwealth Factor generate of Odstock Government Meeting (CHOGM) a combined Gross National Council (CWEIC), in partnership (CBF) will bring 19% lower than with non- one of the most priceless in 2018 and projected to have a Chairman of the will be convening for the 25th time, Income of $10.7 trillion. The with the City of London, CBF will together over Commonwealth countries. commodities in business, trust. middle class larger than China. Commonwealth providing a prime opportunity for Commonwealth Enterprise and be a historic opportunity for the 800 leaders in During 2003-2013, trade Businesses that work in multiple Huge opportunities in banking Enterprise and the Commonwealth to realise its Investment Council (CWEIC) is Commonwealth to assert itself in goods and services between Commonwealth countries and other sectors are opening up Investment Council potential. The rapidly changing actively working to reposition as a driver of global trade and business and Commonwealth countries often speak about a familiarity as disposable income grows. global landscape is forcing the network as a powerful global investment fit for the 21st century expanded from $266 billion in the way business is done, The Commonwealth also and Enterprise and global powers and big business trading platform fit for the 21st and beyond. government to to $592 billion, registering an even when they are working includes 19 countries in Africa Investment Company to reconsider the status quo century and beyond. Following years of neglect, discuss trade average annual growth rate of in locations on opposite sides with its abundant natural Ltd. He retired as the and consider new ways of doing At the CWEIC, we believe two decades of rapid growth in and investment about 10%. It is estimated that of the world to each other. resources, status as the continent UK Prime Minister’s business. The Commonwealth that the Commonwealth is the developing markets in Asia and the intra-Commonwealth trade This consistency in patterns of with the world’s fastest economic should be at the forefront of this perfect network for business Africa sparked a resurgence in issues in goods and services in 2015 finance, of trade insurance, of growth and a rapidly increasing Trade Envoy and debate as a ‘great global good’ and the best way to support the interest in the trading potential of affecting the was $687 billion and is projected common approaches on tax and population. These include Nigeria Chairman of the which promotes human rights, Commonwealth in achieving the Commonwealth. Stagnating to surpass $1 trillion by 2020. In interpreting a range of regulations and South Africa, by far the Business Ambassador good governance and democracy its full potential and make global trade following the global Commonwealth’s 2013, Commonwealth members’ as well as in language, standards, continent’s two largest economies Network in 2014. He as key components of good sustainable change is to bring financial crisis in 2009 and further combined total exports of goods values and respect for the rule of as well as rapidly growing East business practice. Government and private sector global economic uncertainty 53 countries. and services to all countries stood law, aids mutual understanding African states. Nigeria averaged was Minister for the The potential of the together. One without the other stemming from Brexit has further The CBF will at $3.4 trillion, estimated to be even in countries as superficially growth of 5.7% per year between Department of Energy Commonwealth – its member will never be as effective. By accentuated the necessity be a historic 15% of global exports. diverse as say, Singapore and 2006 and 2016, has one of the and Climate Change states, business and civil society utilising the Commonwealth’s for countries to seek new These are notable figures, Nigeria. largest populations of youth in and then for Business, organisations, as well as its own historical and cultural links, opportunities in global markets. opportunity but they become particularly The issue of values is also the world and has the largest Commonwealth institutions – businesses can gain access to The Commonwealth Business impressive when we consider key. With political considerations natural gas reserves on the Innovation and Skills. should not be underestimated. It emerging markets, enhance Forum will provide a platform to for the that this growth, and the always important for investors, continent. Tanzania, Uganda, He is Chairman of is a young, diverse and growing existing trading relationships and address many of these issues. Commonwealth Commonwealth’s cheaper the Commonwealth’s focus on Kenya and Rwanda are projected Tickets for Troops and network, containing not only some take advantage of this global The viability of the to assert itself business costs, have been democracy, good governance and to record consistent 6-7% GDP the Churchill Centre, of the most stable economies in partnership. Commonwealth network and achieved in the absence of sustainable political systems lends growth over the next ten years the world such as Australia and From the 16th to 18th April its potential is supported by key as a driver of any formal Commonwealth many Commonwealth markets with opportunities in agriculture, President of The Canada, but also some of the 2018, the 11th Commonwealth data. The Commonwealth is a global trade and trade policy mechanisms. It has greater long-term viability. tech, education, healthcare, real Commonwealth Youth fastest growing, such as India, Business Forum (CBF) will market of 2.4 billion citizens, 60% also been achieved with most Second, the diversity of the estate, consumer goods and Orchestra and Choir projected to be the second largest bring together over 800 of whom are under the age of investment fit for Commonwealth members being Commonwealth includes some entertainment all on the rise. and Trustee of Peggy economy in the world by 2050. leaders in business and thirty. By 2020 this will account st active in their own formal regional of the world’s most exciting Kenya has become a major Today the Commonwealth government to discuss trade and for 40% of the global workforce. the 21 century trading arrangements. emerging markets. India for communications and logistics Guggenheim (UK). contains fifty-three countries, investment issues affecting the The Commonwealth is adding to and beyond.” This context provides a example is due to grow by 7.4% hub whilst Tanzania and Rwanda

34 | The Parliamentarian | 2018: Issue One The Parliamentarian | 2018: Issue One | 35 TOWARDS A TOWARDS A COMMON FUTURE: COMMON FUTURE: LOOKING AHEAD TO LOOKING AHEAD TO CHOGM 2018 CHOGM 2018 are amongst the top five fastest noted that “Nigeria believes that is the right time to reinvent it into a Champions explore opportunities growing African nations. a carefully defined trade-based new entity altogether.” The Minister in Commonwealth markets THE POWER AND POTENTIAL OF Key to this growth is the agenda for the Commonwealth is also said India was keen to inject through high level profiling, trade ongoing transition from being overdue.” “new dynamism” into the bloc. missions, training and mentoring low income, agriculture based As the world’s fastest This enthusiasm from and access to our networks. So economies to becoming growing major economy and government is matched in the far, CommonwealthFirst has taken COMMONWEALTH SCHOLARSHIPS knowledge-based, service- surely the Commonwealth’s private sector. Speaking at the companies on highly successful oriented economies. But this key growth driver in years to CBF launch event in Mansion trade missions to India, Malaysia, transition is also part of a wider come, India has a key role to House in December 2017, top Singapore and Canada, allowing trend in the global economy with play in the Commonwealth trade level executives from a number Export Champions to see the value services being the new growth and investment agenda. Their of major corporates spoke of the of the Commonwealth Factor first area in international trade. They growing engagement with the huge potential that they see in hand. I will personally be leading now make up one quarter of all Commonwealth bodes well for any Commonwealth markets. The a trade mission to the Gold Coast trade receipts with McKinsey ambitious pan-Commonwealth Commonwealth represents a in early April to participate in the suggesting that more than Trade and Investment agenda. “unique opportunity to convene Gold Coast’s Commonwealth half the wealth generated by At CWEIC, our Strategic influential business leaders Games private sector programme. international trade now comes Partnership with the from key markets in Asia, Africa, CWEIC is looking to establish from services and various forms Confederation of Indian Industry the Middle East and Europe” CommonwealthFirst in a variety of data transmission. With the continues to thrive and we commented Richard Pattle, Vice- of other key Commonwealth service sector already over 70% of recently hosted our first India-UK Chairman of Standard Chartered markets. GDP in countries such as Canada, University Industry Roundtable, Bank. Overall, the outlook for the Singapore, Australia and the UK, with the aim of exploring The SME (Small and Medium- Commonwealth looks extremely the Commonwealth is perfectly opportunities for innovation and sized Enterprises) sector is a key bright from a trade and investment primed to take advantage. technology collaboration across focus for CWEIC, recognising perspective. Its flourishing Dr Joanna In the long summer of 1959, other. Open to men and women into the transformational impact The Commonwealth is also the Commonwealth. We are that these companies represent and diverse markets, linked by Newman, MBE is education ministers from across from the beginning, its guiding of these awards. So, why is it blessed with a network of global looking to establish an office in the lifeblood of the global common ties and interests are Chief Executive and the Commonwealth met in Oxford principles required that it be that international academic cities that are agile and powerful India in the near future. economy and are the real drivers recognising the gains to be made to launch a bold new plan – a plan flexible enough to take account of mobility has such far-reaching enough to exploit this change. Speaking at an event in London of innovation and economic by increasing cooperation on a Secretary-General to be built on cooperative action, the diverse and changing needs impact? And why is it so vital Tech hubs include Nairobi, in January 2018, Commerce and growth. Our CommonwealthFirst vibrant multilateral trade agenda. of the Association the free flow and exchange of of individual countries, relevant that governments across the London, Bangalore, Kingston Industry Minister, Suresh Prabhu programme has selected By fulfilling our critical role of of Commonwealth ideas, and a sense that happiness and responsive to their differing Commonwealth reaffirm their and Vancouver whilst major stated that “India is fully committed 100 outstanding UK SMEs convening the Commonwealth’s Universities (ACU). and prosperity could be achieved needs, and offer mutual benefit commitment to the CSFP? International Financial Centre’s to promote the idea of the across a range of sectors to public and private sectors, CWEIC only “through education in the and opportunities for all. (IFC’s) include London, Singapore, Commonwealth as a strong trading act as Commonwealth Export is ensuring that potential can Established in 1913, deeper and wider sense.” In the nearly 60 years since Building capacity Vancouver, Melbourne, Montreal, bloc and remove roadblocks. There Champions. With the backing become reality. the ACU is the world’s This was the genesis of the that auspicious meeting, the First, international scholarships Sydney and Toronto. These is huge potential of investment of the Royal Mail Group, the Visit www.cweic.org for more first and oldest Commonwealth Scholarship CSFP has enabled more than build human capacity across the centres represent significant within the Commonwealth and it programme helps Export information. international university and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) – a 35,000 individuals to experience Commonwealth. In other words, levels of opportunity for both major programme that would go on to international study. Many have the skills and knowledge that a corporates and SMEs. network, with more become one of the world’s largest gone on to transform their student gains during their studies There are signs that than 500 member and most prestigious scholarships communities, societies and are then applied, shared and governments as well as institutions in over schemes in higher education. And nations, helping to create a world multiplied in the country to which businesses are starting to take 50 countries. Prior to while much has changed since its that is fairer, safer, healthier and they return, yielding benefits note of the Commonwealth inception, its founding ambitions more democratic. Put simply, far beyond the duration of the opportunity. CWEIC convened joining the ACU in 2017, remain as relevant ever. these scholarships change scholarship itself. over 35 Trade Ministers and 100 she was Vice-Principal In 1959, the future must have lives, far beyond the individual This power to build capacity business leaders in London in (International) at seemed rife with uncertainty, who undertakes them. And for make scholarships an important March 2017 for the inaugural King’s College London with the storm clouds of political that reason, it is vital that these mechanism for international Commonwealth Trade Ministers tensions never far from the opportunities are made available development. In fact, the Meeting. Attendees discussed and she worked horizon. Then, as now, boundaries as widely as possible. importance of scholarships to an Agenda for Growth focused previously at the UK were drawn and sabres were At the Association of sustainable development was on the six key pillars of Financial Higher Education rattled. Yet here was a plan Commonwealth Universities, arguably cemented by their Services, Ease of Doing Business, International Unit and built on reciprocity, equity and international mobility is very inclusion in the UN’s Sustainable Technology and Innovation, optimism. “Each [country] has much at the heart of our work. Development Goals, target Business and Sustainability, the British Library. She something to learn from the Through our management of 4B of which is to “substantially Creating an Export Economy has also taught history others,” notes a report of the the Commonwealth Scholarship expand globally the number and Attracting Investment. At at University College proceedings, “each has something Commission in the UK, as well of scholarships available to the meeting, Nigerian Minister of London and the to give.” as the prestigious Chevening developing countries” by 2020. Industry, Trade and Investment, From the outset, the plan and Marshall Scholarships, we Commonwealth Scholarships Hon. Dr Okechukwu Enelamah University of Warwick. sought to be distinct from any have gained a unique insight can open the door to cutting-

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edge technology or expertise A wider world view improved ability to understand meanwhile, sought the so-called that might not be available in a Second is what the founding and communicate with others ‘soft skills’ that such experience student’s home country. They fathers of the CSFP described from different national and social is shown to impart – including enable individuals to access the as education in “the deeper and backgrounds. “These”, the report problem solving abilities, and many areas of specialism that the wider sense” – that is, the power notes, “are characteristics of global tolerance towards the values and Commonwealth’s richly diverse of international scholarships to citizenship, which will help them to behaviours of others. family of nations has to offer. And, broaden both the minds and work and operate anywhere.” Repeated studies, meanwhile, in many cases, they offer a lifeline horizons of those who undertake show a compelling correlation to those for whom further study them – and at a critical and Enhanced employability between international experience would otherwise be impossible. formative time in their lives. This latter point reminds us, and improved employment The contribution of This element of the scholarship of course, that the benefits to outcomes. The same Erasmus scholarships to capacity building experience is perhaps less being a ‘global citizen’ are about study, for example, found that may be particularly significant tangible, but no less profound. more than solidarity. Across the students who had studied abroad in the context of higher International experiences in higher Commonwealth, employment were half as likely to experience education itself. In parts of the education have been shown prospects for young people long-term unemployment as those Commonwealth, enrolment in to generate a more expansive present a gloomy picture – more who had not. higher education has soared to worldview, greater intercultural than 71 million young people are Networks, friendships and such an extent that demand far awareness, and a sense of unemployed worldwide. And this soft power outstretches supply. International interconnectedness and solidarity. dour situation looks set only to Cooperation within higher scholarships can help universities Meanwhile the academic and worsen: between 2015 and 2030, education can be a powerful and nations to bridge these experiential challenges of life and 600–800 million more young opportunity for universities to gaps by creating more qualified study in another country build people will enter the job market establish or strengthen their academics and, in the process, a communication skills, confidence – nearly 1 million a month in both reputation on a global stage – stronger and more sustainable and an openness to the new and India and sub-Saharan Africa. and this is true of international higher education sector. Indeed, unknown. In this fiercely competitive scholarships. Studies tell us that evaluation work undertaken by In a world that often feels more environment, an international international alumni return to

the Commonwealth Scholarship divided than not, international mind-set can offer a considerable their countries with a positive Images: Association of Commonwealth Universities Commission in the UK suggest experience arguably has the advantage. Multinational understanding of their host to transforming and safeguarding can be very proud of the countries support its growth through the Above: The Association of that, while former scholars work power to promote a more peaceful companies increasingly seek country’s culture, people and our future. already offering awards through CSFP endowment fund. Commonwealth Universities across a spectrum of fields, future, fostering understanding ‘global graduates’, primed and values. They may recommend In a Commonwealth context, the CSFP – in particular the work This special fund aims hold a number of programmes education was the one in which and tolerance across cultures ready with language skills, it – and its universities – to others. academic mobility has particular of the Commonwealth Scholarship to ensure that this unique for young people and they reported the greatest impact. and borders. Indeed, greater cultural understanding, and an Moreover, the personal and potential to connect those Commission in the UK, which programme is genuinely academics throughout the year. intercultural awareness was international outlook. One study, professional connections they countries most acutely affected has administered the majority of Commonwealth-wide in its nature, among the strongest findings of undertaken by the Erasmus make during their award often by global challenges with relevant awards to date - there is great and can continue to yield profound a study of international alumni programme, found that more than endure long after their return. research and expertise across the potential for growth, particularly to benefits. Crucially, this means published by the UK Department two thirds of employers consider For those with an eye on world. low and middle income countries. ensuring that these prestigious Increasing its reach would, I feel Below: An Association of for Business, Innovation and international experience to be an the ‘soft power’ potential of The case for expanding the scholarships are not only available sure, have delighted its founders, Commonwealth Universities Skills. Large numbers reported important asset. scholarships, a report by the Widening opportunities CSFP – in terms of numbers to, but also tenable within, low whose words still inspire. “If the residential programme. greater cultural sensitivity and an A huge 92% of employers, Department for Business, through the CSFP but also, crucially, its geographic and middle income countries, plan is to achieve its purpose” Innovation and Skills highlighted The more we know about what reach – was one we were proud which might not otherwise be in a they wrote, “we must bring the another striking outcome of an asset international experience to make at the 20th Conference position to offer them. widest possible variety of cultural international experience: trust. can be – for individuals, their of Commonwealth Education In doing so, this vital fund exchange between all parts of the International students who host nations and the countries Ministers (CCEM) in Fiji in recognises the quality of higher Commonwealth and so facilitate had studied in the UK reported to which they return – the more February. Ministers were urged education on offer right across the development of a multilateral increased trust “in the UK as a important it is to ensure that such to reaffirm the support of their the Commonwealth and the trade in ideas.” nation, society, and its enterprises opportunities are made available national governments for this rich diversity of knowledge and And whether rich or poor, large and individuals.” as widely as possible. While we prestigious scheme, and to actively expertise available. It enables all or small, this ‘trade in ideas’ is Last but by no means least, Commonwealth countries to reap one to which all countries of the international academic mobility the benefits of outward and inward Commonwealth have a great deal can lead to crucial collaborations mobility – from collaborative to contribute. in research and development, “In a Commonwealth context, research opportunities to building ties between academic mobility has particular diplomatic relations – and creates For more information about the researchers and institutions. This new and diverse pathways for Association of Commonwealth matters because international potential to connect those countries student mobility. Universities please visit www.acu. collaborations are repeatedly most acutely affected by global The expansion and ac.uk. shown to be more likely to lead to reinvigoration of this wonderful vital breakthroughs in innovation – challenges with relevant research and plan would be a fitting celebration breakthroughs that will be pivotal expertise across the world.” of its 60th anniversary next year.

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“There is an A JOURNALIST’S VIEW OF THE English proverb: Money makes the COMMONWEALTH mare go. Solid economic content in the form of trade needs to be injected to revitalize the relations among the Commonwealth members. As of now, many of them engage Mahendra Ved A snapshot of issues deliberated relevant, more urgent ones. social media becoming weapons in economic is the President of at the Malta CHOGM, the last The world community today of mass mental destruction. co-operation and about oppression and exploitation The big ones among the trade. They do so without the label the Commonwealth one that took place in 2015, as may be composed of more Violence by extremist groups and that India, the largest of the members include those like India, of Commonwealth. Will the UK listed in its concluding statement, nations that swear by democracy acts of terrorism, some of it state- in trade. They colonies, underwent. South Africa and Nigeria who Summit discuss ways to create Journalists Association would include battling/strongly than before. But we have sponsored, other by ‘non-state do so without And yet, Commonwealth have over the years progressed a mechanism and persuade its (CJA) and Chair of countering radicalisation, governments that have sharpened actors’, has increased since Malta. nations, especially the smaller economically. Can they share members to try it out, albeit on a its India Chapter. violent extremism and terrorism; their skills on how to thwart and Paris, Nice, Brussels, Dhaka, the label of ones – 32 out of the total of the burden? Since this is being voluntary basis? He is a multi-media promoting and strengthening subvert these democracies. We Jakarta, Nairobi and London are Commonwealth. 53 - the distant ones located proposed from New Delhi, it is to True, a study has pointed to human rights, rule of law and may have fewer dictators today, among the new terror-spots. on far-flung the high seas, are be hoped that India, who did not legal and logistic hurdles. But journalist, writer sustainable development; but we have more democrats Millions are migrating, fleeing Will the UK crying for help. For instance, participate at the summit level think of even a portion of the four and columnist based managing/tackling migration and engaged in exclusivist actions, more from man-made misery Summit discuss Fiji and Seychelles face the during the last three CHOGMs, trillion trade – and this figure is in New Delhi. He is climate change; encouraging/ promoting hatred and using than those brought about by increasing threat of being would ‘return’ with India Prime a decade old – being conducted enhancing the role of civil power to suppress dissent and natural calamities. The desperate ways to create submerged under the sea. Is the Minister Narendra Modi leading under the Commonwealth banner. currently columnist and society organisations, women democratic expression. It is the search of the migrants for safety a mechanism Commonwealth ready to take his team and, hopefully again, take It is more than evident that India Correspondent and youth; fighting corruption same with human rights that ends with boat-wrecks, at the the initiative to help them fight initiatives the Commonwealth the Commonwealth would gain of The New Straits and underscoring the need for they observe or ignore with bottom of the sea, into prisons, and persuade its the growing danger of rising sea sorely needs. traction only if it is backed by Times published transparency in governance and expedience. or into societies where they are members to try levels through measures such Britain remains at the heart of economic muscle. A contrarian from Malaysia and much else. We live in a world that unwelcome. as the Netherlands have done, the Commonwealth, a position it example would be that of China As we approach the UK embraced the good and bad The list is endless. It is being it out, albeit on a of building walls and fortifying can neither shed, nor share. Old which is using its economic for Lok Marg, a CHOGM in April 2018, it is that globalisation brought, but is cited, not to belittle the little good voluntary basis?” themselves from the sea waters? records say that when it joined the strength to push its political London-based news essential to take a serious note now regressing into self-created that is done, but to underscore Is the Commonwealth ready to European Union in 1973, its ambit agenda, especially in Africa. This is website. He conducts of the fact that not just the shells, creating walls of isolation, the huge amount of work that address the challenges faced by to assist the Commonwealth something that should have fallen foreign policy-related Commonwealth nations, but the while getting combative with their remains to be done. If this is true all around that are craving for these vulnerable nations? members got restricted and this to the lot of the Commonwealth world as a whole has witnessed own people and with neighbours of the world as a whole, and the attention and redressal. Another perception, no longer had let down many a member. which has 19 members from programmes on the regressive trends on almost all around. United Nations and other world The colonial experience itself a secret, is that the ‘Big Guns’ With the ‘Brexit’ taking place in the the Continent. If these countries All India Radio (AIR). of these issues. We are living in The Malta CHOGM met on bodies, it equally true of the has come to be questioned and the well-off ones among near future, will Britain reinforce and their people were fit to be He has co-authored a difficult world - and making it the eve of the United Nations Commonwealth. by the former ‘subjects’ and a the Commonwealth members its role as the natural leader? colonized then, they deserve to be three books and he more difficult to live in - with our Framework Convention on It is no secret that the section of opinion-makers in are losing interest in the body. There is an English proverb: helped today. individual, collective, national and Climate Change. Understandably, Commonwealth as a body is Britain itself. This became sharply They are too preoccupied with Money makes the mare go. Solid This is for now and for the was a Commonwealth international actions and inactions. it featured high on the agenda. fighting to stay relevant in the evident during the recent debate their domestic woes. The global economic content in the form future. But to ensure the future Observer for the We are talking at each other Since then the climate issue is present century. The old loyalty for at Oxford wherein Dr Shashi recession has affected them of trade needs to be injected to safety and wellbeing of people presidential elections instead of talking to each other. We divided and disrupted with some the King or the Queen in whose Tharoor, Indian Parliamentarian- all. Can the London Conference revitalize the relations among the living in all the Commonwealth in Seychelles in 2015. are combative and argumentative even walking out of it. name countries were colonized is writer-diplomat, made a strong, revive their interest and Commonwealth members. As nations, more needs done. The on a whole of lot of non-issues Radicalisation of the young is fading with time and eclipsed by but persuasive argument, full of commitment and revitalize their of now, many of them engage in UK CHOGM needs to think out of instead of engaging on the more higher today with the Internet and with new and more serious issues logic but shorn of any acrimony, participation and contribution? economic co-operation and in the box.

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“The early THE CHALLENGE OF A FAIRER FUTURE Commonwealth of the 1960s was primarily concerned with peaceful democratic transitions, particularly for African states following the end of empire. In this context, the movement towards a Dr Eva Namusoke The period leading up to a to emphasise that the fairer future election nullification sent fairer future is a Ugandan historian Commonwealth Heads of is for young Commonwealth shockwaves across the continent, was one where and research consultant. Government Meeting (CHOGM) citizens who themselves are where a presidential election has is always one of reflection on the already involved in problem- only been overturned by courts Commonwealth find support and access expertise the Commonwealth, and with discuss political and social issues. She studied at the role of the Commonwealth, its solving and agitating for change. once before.2 citizens could from other member states that the age limit lifted after months During the campaign, Kyagulanyi Universities of Exeter, future and how best it can evolve The early Commonwealth A rerun of the election was have dealt with similar situations. of opposition, violent scuffles used his heavily subscribed Yale and Cambridge. with the modern world. of the 1960s was primarily called, Odinga pulled out, and have a say in In doing so, the Commonwealth in Parliament, suppression of platforms on social media to Her PhD focused on This year’s CHOGM will concerned with peaceful Kenyatta declared winner, with their leadership could tap into the rich knowledge protests, and challenges to involve ordinary Ugandans in take place in an international democratic transitions, particularly all legal challenges thrown out. that comes from being such a freedom of the press, the road discussion on the proposed church and state in political climate that is defined for African states following the Odinga continues to contest and how their diverse organisation, and build has been paved for this record constitutional amendment, post-colonial Uganda. by change, resistance and end of empire. In this context, the Kenyatta’s victory and in a countries were more grassroots connections that to continue.7 In a concession to share images and videos from She was a Postdoctoral emerging movements across the movement towards a fairer future challenge to the legitimacy of circumvent the complexity of high- opponents, Parliament also voted his campaign, and – perhaps Commonwealth and the wider was one where Commonwealth President Kenyatta, on 30th governed. These level politics. While Kenya has to return term limits and remove most importantly – document Research Officer world. Under the theme ‘Towards citizens could have a say in January 2018 Odinga held a struggles are still found itself in a situation with one the lower age limit.8 Nonetheless, the actions of state police who at the Institute of a Common Future’, delegates at their leadership and how their symbolic inauguration ceremony.3 president and a symbolic second, a fairer future in which the rule of clashed with his supporters on a Commonwealth Studies, the CHOGM will discuss four sub- countries were governed. These In response, the Kenyan ongoing, albeit in Uganda similarly had its own law is respected is a complicated number of occasions. This style where she worked with themes covering sustainability, struggles are still ongoing, albeit government shut down three different ways, recent moment of presidential one if the laws can be changed to of political engagement is a move the Commonwealth security, prosperity and fairness. in different ways, in a number of television stations that broadcast political drama. benefit those in power. towards a somewhat new kind of This fourth sub-theme Commonwealth nations. the event, in a move that followed in a number of In 2017, the hashtag Arguably the most visible politician in Uganda – one who is Oral History Project. concerning ‘a fairer future’ lies East Africa in particular is the wider restrictions on journalists Commonwealth #Togikwatako trended on proponent of the Togikwatako younger, much more accessible Her research interests at the heart of the history of the site of ongoing challenges to good in the country.4 This was a clear Ugandan and diaspora Twitter movement was then newly and uses new forms of technology include Ugandan post- Commonwealth, and is central to governance, the rule of law and challenge to freedom of the press nations.” and Facebook. The Luganda word elected Member of Parliament, to communicate directly with the colonial history and keeping the organisation relevant human rights. In 2017 both Kenya in Kenya, and was condemned ‘Togikwatako’ translates to ‘don’t 35-year old Robert Kyagulanyi, people. in a crowded modern international and Uganda faced moments of by the United Nations High touch it’ and is a term often used commonly known by his stage It remains to be seen whether contemporary politics space. A fairer future is one where significant political conflict at the Commissioner for Human Rights, by parents to warn their children. name Bobi Wine.9 Kyagulanyi, a politicians like Robert Kyagulanyi and the relationship Commonwealth values of good highest level. In Kenya’s case, in the EU and the Commonwealth.5 network of civil society and The term was used by those member of the opposition Forum can make a significant impact between Brexit, the governance, democracy, human September the Supreme Court It is difficult to develop the professional organisations that campaigning against the removal for Democratic Change (FDC) in a state with as powerful a Commonwealth rights and the rule of law are nullified the August presidential conditions for a fairer future could develop more concrete of the presidential age limit of 75 party is a popular musician-turned- machine as Museveni’s National upheld. election, in which Uhuru Kenyatta when freedom of the press is in responses to such events. years in Uganda’s constitution, politician who used his celebrity Resistance Movement (NRM), and British imperial Recent developments in had claimed victory. The leading jeopardy – citizens must have For example, through which would allow then 73-year- and status as the self-styled but this is certainly an interesting nostalgia. Eva is an two East African states reveal a opposition candidate, Raila the freedom to critique those collaboration between the old President Yoweri Museveni to ‘Ghetto President’ to propel himself if precarious time in Ugandan Associate Fellow number of challenges to this fairer Odinga, had filed the petition, and in power without intimidation, Commonwealth Journalists run for re-election in 2021.6 into a strong voice for Ugandan’s politics. The Commonwealth of the Institute of future, and just how important it is the Supreme Court concluded violence or imprisonment. The Association members in Kenya, At over 30 years in power, poor and disenfranchised. has long presented itself as an for the Commonwealth to refine that the elections were ‘neither Commonwealth is in a unique and civil society organisations on Museveni is the second- Kyagulanyi continues to perform organisation invested in peaceful Commonwealth Studies. its activities. Further, it is important transparent or verifiable’.1 The position of having a strong the ground, Kenyan press could longest serving president in and has long used his music to democratic transitions. As such,

42 | The Parliamentarian | 2018: Issue One The Parliamentarian | 2018: Issue One | 43 TOWARDS A TOWARDS A COMMON FUTURE: COMMON FUTURE: LOOKING AHEAD TO LOOKING AHEAD TO CHOGM 2018 CHOGM 2018 it is important for the organisation Commonwealth leaders. A Commonwealth dominated by offer some critical approaches to to find innovative ways of More importantly, these the ideas and opinions of elder engaging with what remain the creating space for individuals initiatives need to be initiated in Commonwealth statesmen – most contentious social issues in to develop their skills in political countries that are more accessible and it is important to note that the Commonwealth. organising, communication and to Commonwealth citizens who much of the elder generation of The Commonwealth as a whole documentation. often have difficulties obtaining Commonwealth practitioners can learn from how young people Doing so would not necessarily visas to travel to the UK for are men – is one that risks losing are organising and communicating mean interfering with the politics example, and using digital means the opportunity to tap into the online, and how they are building of member states, but rather that allow for instant global energies and drive of some of the virtual networks that are far equipping Commonwealth citizens communication. In doing so the most passionate, creative people. removed from the channels of the with the tools they would need Commonwealth can enable As such, any discussion of the past. The Commonwealth youth to affect change themselves. If citizens to build their own fairer future of the Commonwealth is are already speaking and it is successful, the Commonwealth future, creating spaces where one concerning the future of an imperative that Commonwealth “Support for could contribute to the political information can be shared from organisation made up of young leadership – from the Secretariat development of people – across member states and where people who have grown up in a new to Presidents, Prime Ministers and a fairer future particularly young people – across – crucially – leadership can be millennium with challenges and Parliamentarians – pay attention. will also mean member states who are eager to interrogated and moulded to fit opportunities unforeseeable by the The fairer future will be for these make a difference in their country, the particular needs of different architects of the Commonwealth. Commonwealth citizens so their strengthening but who may be lacking the skills. countries and communities. Young Commonwealth citizens voices must be heard and their grassroots The Commonwealth has already The contemporary history of in earlier decades communicated ideas incorporated. demonstrated its support for young the Commonwealth is one of an with one another through letters The 2018 Commonwealth Commonwealth leaders with initiatives such as organisation determined to reinvent that often took weeks to arrive but Heads of Government Meeting activities in civil the Queen’s Young Leaders, the itself, to find a niche in a world of nevertheless built relationships is a unique opportunity for the Commonwealth Youth Parliament, powerful international organisations between those involved. Today, Commonwealth to state its society and and the biannual Commonwealth with less controversial origins. young people from Accra to purpose and areas of focus at a professional Youth Forum, and there is still Much has been made of the Waikato are more connected to time when the international system brunt of the effects but produce References: i8rhiaz/index.html more that could be done to develop fact that more than 60% of the one another than ever before, has been shaken by political organisations, a negligible fraction of carbon 1 BBC News, ‘Kenya’s Supreme 5 Flavia Nassaka, The leadership skills amongst young population is under 29 years old. with social media meaning instant developments in Europe and the greater emissions. Any initiatives towards Court criticises IEBC electoral Independent, ‘Togikwatako: conversations are United States. A Commonwealth countering violent extremism commission’, 20 September 2017, ‘Museveni is panicking’’, 13 now possible between and Commonwealth leaders engagement and building ‘a more secure http://www.bbc.com/news/world- November 2017, https://www. people who may still invested in ‘a fairer future’ have on social media future’ must also be committed africa-41334702. independent.co.ug/togikwatako- never meet in person. to engage and empower those to protecting the civil liberties of 2 Africa Check, ‘Is Kenya the why-opposition/; Morris Komakech, In these spaces, working towards that goal. That and other digital communities that are often victims First African Country to Overturn a ‘Comment: The Togikwatako with potentially support will not look the same innovations, and of the same crimes that small Presidential Election?’ 4 September campaign’, The Independent, 14 global audiences, we as it has in the past, with high- factions perpetrate. 2017, https://africacheck.org/spot- November 2017, https://www. see conversations level meetings, and phone calls paving the way Finally, ‘a prosperous check/is-kenya-the-first-african- independent.co.ug/comment- about many ideas between world leaders. for young people future’ is simply unattainable country-to-overturn-a-presidential- togikwatako-campaign/ of fairness; the Support for a fairer future without interrogating the election/. 6 Country Chapters: Uganda, development of will also mean strengthening to take the lead. international system and 3 Aljazeera, ‘Raila Odinga ‘sworn Human Rights Watch, 2018 https:// movements for social grassroots Commonwealth If a fairer future historical inequalities that hamper in’ as Kenya’s people’s president’, www.hrw.org/world-report/2018/ justice; and resistance activities in civil society and economic development in many 30 January 2018, http://www. country-chapters/uganda. to anti-democratic professional organisations, greater means one where Commonwealth nations. aljazeera.com/news/2018/01/ 7 URN, ‘Museveni assents to age regimes. engagement on social media democracy, good For Kenya and Uganda, with kenya-tv-networks-gagged-odinga- limit bill’, The Observer, 2 January In Kenya and and other digital innovations, and ongoing challenges to democratic inauguration-180130081747894. 2018, http://observer.ug/news/ Uganda, we’ve paving the way for young people to governance, the government and peaceful power html. headlines/56518-museveni- seen young people take the lead. rule of law, and transitions, efforts towards 4 Erick Odour, East African assents-to-age-limit-bill.html. calling out those If a fairer future means sustainability and prosperity Standard, ‘Kenya media feels the heat 8 Elias Biryabarema, ‘Uganda’s in power, using one where democracy, good human rights become secondary while as state switches off top TV stations’, ‘Ghetto President’ uses star power memes and 240 governance, the rule of law, and are upheld as environmental degradation and 3 February 2018, http://www. against long-ruling Museveni’, 25 characters to make human rights are upheld as values income inequalities grow. Security theeastafrican.co.ke/news/Kenya- August 2017, https://www.reuters. political statements, across the Commonwealth, values across the on the other hand is interpreted TV-shutdown-press-freedom/2558- com/article/us-uganda-politics/ and holding their then all three other sub-themes Commonwealth, in potentially harmful ways by 4290286-are4b5/index.html. ugandas-ghetto-president-uses-star- elders to account. are contingent on this one. It powerful state police forces and 5 Kevin J. Kelley, East African power-against-long-ruling-museveni- Further, online is impossible to consider ‘a then all three government institutions. If we Standard ‘UN asks government to idUSKCN1B51B4. discussions about more sustainable future’ without other sub-themes are to move towards a common respect press freedom’, , 3 February feminism and LGBT understanding the unequal impact future then, fairness must always 2018, http://www.theeastafrican. rights in traditionally of climate change on poorer and are contingent on be a priority for any and every co.ke/news/UN-slams-Kenya-over- conservative nations small island nations who bear the this one.” Commonwealth citizen. TV-shutdown/2558-4289846-

44 | The Parliamentarian | 2018: Issue One The Parliamentarian | 2018: Issue One | 45 TOWARDS A TOWARDS A COMMON FUTURE: COMMON FUTURE: LOOKING AHEAD TO LOOKING AHEAD TO CHOGM 2018 CHOGM 2018

Event of the Commonwealth THE MODERN COMMONWEALTH’S GAMES Games’ stature was so important in the modern world. This led us to being very explicit about the value we place on host communities and citizens, and the positive impact we seek to achieve in all that we do. • From protecting, promoting and safeguarding clean athletes. • From publishing pre-Games and post-Games Human Rights reports • To embracing the fair living wage. • To procuring ethically and sustainably, and implementing community benefit clauses in our tenders and contracts. • To changing the face of accessibility standards and services for events and tourism. • To actively promoting LGBT David Everyone across the opportunity for home nations, the Commonwealth Parliamentary rights and embracing diversity

Grevemberg, Commonwealth Sports Movement territories and dependencies, Association through our shared every single step of the way. Image: ChameleonsEye / Shutterstock.com is the Chief believes in the exceptional power such as Scotland, Jersey, Norfolk commitments to good governance, • To promoting and fundraising CBE of sport as a force for good. A force Island and St Helena, to compete democracy and human rights. for children’s rights through Commonwealth has never been opening on 4 April 2018, will Above: The countdown to the Executive Officer, that brings us together, reconciles under their own flag). Among In recent times, our Federation a global partnership with more important – as we continue demonstrate just how far we have Commonwealth Games Gold Commonwealth our differences and has the this membership are some of has done a lot of soul-searching UNICEF – where £6m was to develop the Commonwealth come, and how committed we Coast 2018. Games Federation inspiring potential to change lives the world’s largest and smallest to look at our impact and meaning. raised for children during our Games as an event that truly are to ensure that the benefits of (CGF), responsible for for the better. A force that drives countries, from India, with over It is no accident that we built opening ceremony in Glasgow. engages, supports and transforms the Games stretch beyond the Sport Movement’s raison d’être in our commitment to humanity, 1.2 billion people to Nauru with upon the very foundations of the These are just some examples society. This is why our impact thrilling impact of 11 days of sport. the twenty-first century, and why the Commonwealth equality and destiny. A force that a population of just 10,000. Our Commonwealth, as enshrined of how one city, in one nation with framework, for example, explicitly All our efforts are focused on we stand apart from any other Games, encapsulates our passion for and combined population of 2.4 billion in the Commonwealth Charter, the power of one Games made a maps and measures the ambitions delivering worldwide recognition sporting movement or institution Commonwealth Youth belief in the triumphant, generous represents a third of the world’s to define what sets us apart as difference. And we have capitalised and contributions of the Games and respect for the Gold Coast and worldwide. Games and many spirit of humanity. total population. More than 60% a thriving and relevant sporting on this momentum and formalised to support peace, sustainability Queensland, jobs and economic With 6,500 athletes and We are seeing this every of Commonwealth citizens are movement today. In fact, I would this ambition into our own strategic and prosperity across the growth, community engagement officials from every corner of other initiatives that day, in action, as the Gold Coast under the age of 30. argue that today, in 2018, the plan Transformation 2022. Commonwealth. It is also why right across Australia and, the Commonwealth, Gold Coast inspire Commonwealth 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay visits As we all know, the Commonwealth is more relevant Today, the Commonwealth we have transformed our Games above all, the promise of greater 2018 will be an inspiring and athletes to drive the every terrain and time zone of the Commonwealth Charter than ever before. Games Federation (CGF) is far delivery model and host city reconciliation and social justice. inclusive festival of community, ambition and power Commonwealth. The Baton is a brings together the values and In 2010, the Commonwealth more than the curator of a great selection processes, to maximise It’s why Gold Coast 2018 will be culture and sport. It will be a loud powerful, celebratory and tangible aspirations which unite our diverse Sports Movement reached a Games. Our strategic blueprint efficiency and effectiveness in our the first Mega Sporting Event in and proud celebration of today’s of all Commonwealth symbol of today’s Commonwealth membership, outlining our joint challenging chapter in its existence marks a historic change in the delivery of an event that is world- Australia with a Reconciliation Modern Commonwealth, and for citizens through sport. Games – carrying Her Majesty’s commitment to democracy, human – when the very word and purpose movement’s focus from the class but also community-relevant. Action Plan, why Festival 2018 will that we can all be excited. David joined the CGF message of peace and unity – rights and the rule of law, to of the ‘Commonwealth’ was four-year cycle of overseeing Our collaborations with celebrate the diverse and dynamic after the Glasgow and celebrating and showcasing promote peace and prosperity and questioned and the negative Commonwealth Games to a Commonwealth partner, cultures of the Commonwealth, About the CGF: The Commonwealth today’s Modern Commonwealth to improve the lives of all peoples impacts of a Games on a host wider, ambitious role of delivering civil society and third sector and why we’re proud to become Games Federation (CGF) is the 2014 Commonwealth as it is passed from athletes to of the Commonwealth. No matter community were highlighted. sports leadership within the organisations are equally vital – as the first multi-sport event in the organisation that is responsible Games where he was citizens, community leaders to the person’s race or religion, sexual On the back of an extensive Commonwealth, based on the CGF contributes to and relies world to create a truly level playing- for the direction and control of Chief Executive of the school children. orientation or gender identification, strategic review, and through a partnership, engagement and on joint projects that broaden the field of gender equality – with an the Commonwealth Games, and Organising Committee. Indeed, this message and all people of the Modern collaborative approach of cross value generation. action, awareness and advocacy exactly equal number of medal for delivering on the vision of the this vision brings to life the Commonwealth should be treated sector partnerships at the local, Just like our competing of today’s Commonwealth; whilst opportunities for men and women. Commonwealth Sports Movement: A former competitive Commonwealth itself - a voluntary equally. Through our growing national and global level - we all national teams at a Games, our also providing a major platform These very clear examples of to build peaceful, sustainable and wrestler, he was also a association of 53 countries and inter-connected projects and sought to change the script for the own success relies on teamwork for Commonwealth discussions, progress are the reason the prosperous communities globally by coach, athlete agent, (or, as per our definition, 71 collaborations, I know that these Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth – our network of strategic activities and collaboration at resurgent Commonwealth Sport inspiring Commonwealth Athletes team administrator nations and territories, given principles are shared across Games and beyond – reflecting on partners. Deeper engagement Games-Time. Movement is alive, and is thriving, to drive the impact and ambition of the Commonwealth Games Commonwealth organisations – who and what the Commonwealth with host governments and local Indeed, the Commonwealth today. These societal-driven all Commonwealth Citizens through and consultant. offers the unique and thrilling and we have much in common with Family is and why a Mega Sporting and civic authorities across the Games on Australia’s Gold Coast, causes are the Commonwealth Sport. www.thecgf.com

46 | The Parliamentarian | 2018: Issue One The Parliamentarian | 2018: Issue One | 47 TACKLING THE TACKLING THE PROBLEM OF MODERN PROBLEM OF MODERN SLAVERY IN WALES SLAVERY IN WALES TACKLING THE PROBLEM OF MODERN SLAVERY IN WALES

As the new International happening in Welsh cities, let increase on the previous year Vice-Chairperson of the alone towns and villages. and a 300% rise on 2011. We Commonwealth Women I published my report into know that more than half of Parliamentarians (CWP) and human trafficking in Wales, titled suspected victims referred to as the Regional Chair of CWP ‘Knowing No Boundaries’ in 2010. the national referral mechanism in the British Islands and My findings were a real wake- were from Albania, Vietnam, Mediterranean (BIM) Region, I up call. The Welsh Government Nigeria, China and the UK. The have dedicated my political life moved quickly to appoint a majority of child trafficking to help eradicate, support and national trafficking co-ordinator, victims were British. And we educate people about human the first such appointment in the know the number of people trafficking and modern slavery. United Kingdom. living in slavery in the UK is likely Joyce Watson, AM This was nearly a decade to be in the tens of thousands. has been Assembly A decade ago: Wales and ago. So where are we now? These problems – the global Member for Mid and Human Trafficking/Modern Considerable progress has been conditions – are not going away. Day Slavery made and to combat modern And now we must add ‘Brexit’ to West Wales since 2007. I was elected to the National slavery and human trafficking, the equation. She sits on the Equality, Assembly for Wales in 2007. to wipe out labour exploitation The Equality and Human of trafficking, especially non- Working together nationally in attendance. Individually, they prioritisation and commitment to Local Government & One of the first things I did as an and to take action against Rights Commission, Amnesty nationals? Just look at the way - ‘Making our collective represent various strands of a ‘person centred approach’. Communities Committee Assembly Member (AM) was to sexual exploitation and domestic International, the Fawcett the UK Government were willing commitment to eradicating public life. Together, they make Jane Hutt, a former Minister establish a cross-party group to servitude. Society and lots of organisations to gamble with EU citizens’ Modern Slavery and Human up the fabric that helps knit in the Welsh Government, spoke and chairs the Cross Party look at human trafficking and have warned that the ‘Brexit’ residency rights. Trafficking’ communities together. They at an event in October 2017, Groups on Construction modern-day slavery. It raised A decade of changed global Bill going through Parliament, Some say ‘Brexit’ is a golden In January 2018, I sponsored all came together to pledge to highlighting the tremendous and Human Trafficking. a few eyebrows at the time. environments by removing the EU charter opportunity to go out into an event, supported by Jeff end modern-day slavery in all its work being done in Wales to In 2017, she became Understandably, perhaps, some Having been an AM for over of fundamental rights, will not the world making great trade Cuthbert, Police and Crime forms. It is vital that there are no tackle modern day slavery. The people didn’t see what it had to do 10 years, an old adage comes protect people’s rights in the deals, slashing regulation and Commissioner for Gwent, Wales holes for victims to fall through Welsh Government is working Vice-Chairperson of the with Wales, especially in mid and to mind: ‘a week is a long time way we were promised. What undercutting competitors. I to raise awareness of the scale, or criminals to escape by. There with its partners to develop the Commonwealth Women west Wales, the region I represent. in politics’. By that measure, a might that mean for victims would ask at what cost to ethical prevalence and complexity of must be unity of purpose and a Organised Crime and Modern Parliamentarians (CWP) I remember at one early decade is a geological age. The supply chains? modern slavery and human consistency approach. Slavery Course. This is a three and she is also Chair of meeting, we were in the middle global events we’ve experienced Stephen Chapman (Anti- trafficking that is occurring In 2017, Jeff Cuthbert, day joint training provision of taking evidence from the over the past decade is Slavery Co-ordinator for Wales) across our communities in published his Police and Crime for Law Enforcement Senior the CWP British Islands Serious Organised Crime unprecedented, certainly in my “Everyone in and the Wales Anti-Slavery Wales. The event, with over 100 Plan, which set out the strategic Investigating Officers and Crown and Mediterranean Agency (SOCA) when the two lifetime. The global financial crash society has a Leadership Group have people in attendance, provided direction for Gwent Police to Prosecutors. Region. As CWP Vice- agents giving evidence had and refugee crisis have triggered highlighted this issue – and the influence makers and those deliver against. Supporting Chair, she is also a to rush off to attend a case. seismic upheavals. Human role to play Welsh Government has clearly working in the public sector to victims is one of his five priority Legislation alone will not It turned out to be the arrest trafficking is a common thread in supporting established a Code of Practice publicly pledge their collective areas. Within this priority, he solve the problem member of the Editorial of Thomas Carroll, who was that connects these two events to support the development of commitment to working has specifically focused on The Welsh Government has Advisory Board for The later convicted of running a – because financial insecurity victims of modern more ethical supply chains for together to prevent these supporting and protecting introduced new data collection Parliamentarian. She is prostitution network of trafficked creates a demand for labour, and slavery, to track public sector and third sector heinous crimes from occurring; vulnerable people including systems and continues to work involved in a number Nigerian women in Ireland from displaced people will always be organisations. to ensure that the combined children and young people. with partners to develop a the Pembrokeshire village of vulnerable to exploitation. down and ensure Everyone in society has a workforce is equipped to identify To ensure that he can deliver better evidence base that more of campaigns including Castlemartin. He was jailed for We often describe trafficking criminals are role to play in supporting victims and support victims at the against this objective his office accurately reflects the level the White Ribbon cause, seven years and had £2 million as a hidden crime. But what of modern slavery, to track earliest opportunity and to hold has worked in collaboration of slavery in Wales. They are enlisting support to End of assets seized. For the most do we know? We know that, punished and to down and ensure criminals are perpetrators to account. with Gwent Police to produce working with partners to provide Violence against Women. part, back in 2007/8, to many last year, there were more than end the trade in punished and to end the trade in It was hugely encouraging to the Joint Well Being and support for refugees coming to people, it was unthinkable that 2,000 modern slavery offences human misery. have so many people, from so Vulnerability Strategy. This Wales which will help mitigate such abhorrent crimes might be in England and Wales – a 159% human misery.” many agencies across Wales, illustrates, very clearly, the against the risk of exploitation.

48 | The Parliamentarian | 2018: Issue One The Parliamentarian | 2018: Issue One | 49 TACKLING THE CPA TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROBLEM OF MODERN PROGRAMME BOOSTS FIJIAN SLAVERY IN WALES PARLIAMENT CAPACITY AND AWARENESS

The Welsh Government is directly or through grants and the national and international During the first year of the also using procurement as a tool contracts, will be expected benefits of introducing modern Modern Slavery Project, CPA CPA TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME to combat slavery and working to sign up to the Code. The slavery legislation through UK delivered two regional closely with Trade Unions and commitments include training highlighting the value and workshops. One workshop was the Workforce Partnership staff, putting ethical employment subsequent lessons learnt from delivered in April 2017 that Council. These organisations policies in place and carrying the passing of the UK Modern focused on the Asia-Pacific BOOSTS FIJIAN PARLIAMENT’S CAPACITY and groups have helped draft out risk assessments on areas Slavery Act 2015. Region and a second workshop key documentation on policies of expenditure. One of the Modern slavery is a global was delivered in Uganda in July that are now being implemented. commitments in the Code is that phenomenon with The Walk 2017 that focused on the Africa AND PUBLIC AWARENESS This includes the Welsh organisations signing up should Free Foundation’s Global Slavery Region. Government’s Code of Practice encourage their own suppliers to Index 2016 estimating there Thankfully, there is a growing on Ethical Employment in Supply sign up as well. This means that are 45.8 million people living awareness of and determination Chains, published in March commitment to the Code can be in modern slavery worldwide. to end the invidious crime 2017. Tackling modern slavery is enforced through supply chains. The International Labour of modern day slavery on an at the heart of this code. Those organisations that sign up Organisation (ILO) estimates international scale. By uniting The Code builds on the to the Code are committing to that the global modern slavery as a single force to that end, requirement of the Modern regular reviews of expenditure trade is worth $150 billion USD. the CPA and other international Slavery Act 2015 that all to identify supply chains where The project will be led by organisations can change the commercial organisations based the risk of slavery and trafficking Commonwealth Parliamentarians future. It is only by working in the UK with a turnover of is high. and senior officials, sharing together that change will more than £36 million, should good practice to support happen. Small and big nations publish an annual Slavery and Keeping up the pressure – colleagues in harnessing their can and are acting in their own Human Trafficking Statement, CPA UK’s Modern Slavery heightened understanding to right. Nations acting as part of a explaining the actions they have Project develop and strengthen modern collective can help to ensure that Hon. Dr Jiko Luveni Fijian Parliament out to all Fijians using innovative major television stations (Fiji One taken in the previous year to I welcome the CPA UK Branch’s slavery legislation across all that can be done should be is the first woman The Fijian Parliament has methods of engagement and to TV and FBC TV) in 2017, which combat slavery. In Wales, the Modern Slavery Project: a two their jurisdictions. CPA UK done to help eradicate slavery. Speaker of the Fijian come so far in terms of the ensure that we take Parliament was proven to be impactful and a Welsh Government is asking all year multilateral project providing proposes to work closely with six development of MPs, staff and information right down to their huge success. organisations - public, private practical advice and support Commonwealth countries, each For further information about the CPA Parliament. She its systems and processes since communities no matter how far they and third sector, large and to Commonwealth legislatures partnership unique in its goals and UK Modern Slavery Project please graduated as the Parliament was reconvened in are from Parliament – recognizing CPA Technical Assistance small, to publish anti-slavery in the pursuit of combatting objectives, whilst also supporting visit www.uk-cpa.org/modernslavery. first woman dentist 2014 after a General Election. that the people are an important Programme (TAP) statements. modern slavery. The project partnerships across the CPA from the Fiji School Fiji was without a Parliament aspect of the whole democratic The Fijian Parliament has been All organisations in receipt aims to encourage and facilitate Regions to share good practice in Below: The Welsh Assembly in since 2006 due to a government process” says Dr Luveni. continuously assisted by key of Welsh public funds, either a greater understanding of tackling this heinous crime. Cardiff. of Medicine, serving takeover and the abrogation With more than 800,000 stakeholders, donors and inter- as a dentist and tutor. of Fiji’s Constitution in 2009. people dispersed over more than parliamentary bodies like the She worked with These long years (8 years) has 300 isolated islands and remote Commonwealth Parliamentary the UN Population dissipated Fijians interest and highlands, the Fijian Parliament Association (CPA) in building the understanding about Parliament continues with its extensive capacity of the Parliamentary staff Fund serving various and how it works. programme of reaching out to the and Members of Parliament. Pacific Islands before In 2015, the Fijian people every year. Fueled by the Speaker’s working as HIV/AIDS Parliament developed a three This is done through the ‘Meet passion and resolve to reach Project Officer for the year Community Engagement the Speaker’ and ‘Parliament Bus’ out to all Fijian, it was agreed Strategy to ensure that Fijians outreach programmes where the that Parliament need to initiate Ministry of Health, understanding of the roles and Speaker and Parliamentary staff and use innovative methods to where she helped set functions of Parliament is revived travel to schools and communities reach out to the people of Fiji. up the Fiji Network for and understood well. It is equally creating more awareness on the The development of Parliament People Living with HIV/ critical that they understand roles and works of Parliament and education videos and the use of how they can be involved in the most importantly how they can television was identified as an AIDS, which played process. engage. enabler to this cause. an effective role in In response to this need, the Equally important is the use In April 2016, the CPA reducing fear and Speaker of the Fijian Parliament, of modern technology to assist Executive Committee approved discrimination. She Hon. Dr Jiko Luveni believes outreach. funding for a parliamentary that reaching out to all Fijians The Fijian Parliament with the capacity building programme for was then Minister for wherever they are is a mission assistance and funding from the the Parliament of the Republic Social Welfare, Women to be undertaken vigorously and CPA Headquarters Secretariat’s of Fiji, which would support and Poverty Alleviation therefore it is necessary to ensure Technical Assistance Programme institutional strengthening and before being elected that Fijians participate in their , embarked on a large scale involve professional capacity Parliament. televised airing of Parliament building for parliamentary staff. as Speaker. “It is imperative that we reach Educational videos on Fiji’s two

50 | The Parliamentarian | 2018: Issue One The Parliamentarian | 2018: Issue One | 51 CPA TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CPA TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME BOOSTS FIJIAN PROGRAMME BOOSTS FIJIAN PARLIAMENT CAPACITY AND PARLIAMENT CAPACITY AND AWARENESS AWARENESS

Objectives of the CPA TAP project, to be completed before The funding had two important the end of 2017. This gave ample objectives: 1) Enhance greater time for the Fijian Parliament awareness and appreciation of to process and hire a technical Parliamentary functions and its person with filming, video editing legislative and oversight role on qualifications and experience to the activities of the Executive; be recruited to work in Parliament. and to 2) promote the roles and The extension also allowed the functions of Parliament and its training on script writing to be stakeholders and partners; and organised and has assisted staff in generate more interest in the the video productions. Parliamentary system, procedures It was key that the actual and protocol amongst all members schedule for the airing of the of society. videos is known by the general public in advance. As such, the Components of the project Fijian Parliament ran promotional After further negotiation and advertisements on the same TV discussion between the CPA stations for two weeks before Headquarters Secretariat and the the actual TV airing. Promotional successfully met its objectives areas that do not have access to Fijian Parliament, it was agreed materials were also posted online and has also motivated staff in live television coverage. Modern that the funding would be utilised Images: Fiji Parliament on the Parliament’s website the Fijian Parliament to continue pedagogy requires innovative for three projects. The two training workshops relevant Parliamentary staff on Above: Training for staff at the and social media platforms producing videos to enhance ways of learning to suit students’ Two separate training needs have also developed staff script writing for the development of Parliament of Fiji as part of the which received a lot of positive outreach to the public. needs and the Fijian Parliament were identified and organised for knowledge, skills and confidence the educational and documentary CPA Technical Assistance and welcoming comments and “The assistance has is exploring new ways to enhance “The assistance parliamentary staff and the airing and will assist them in undertaking videos. The training has enabled Programme. feedback. created greater awareness and students’ learning. has created of Parliament Education videos on their role effectively. These were staff to develop ten Parliament appreciation of Parliamentary The CPA Technical Assistance Fiji’s two major television stations. common sentiments shared by the education videos that were aired on away shots from the past based on Amazing feedback functions and more interest in the Programme has immensely greater awareness The two training programmes participants after the training. television with the funding from the relevancy. The Parliament video titles Parliamentary system, procedures assisted the Fijian Parliament. and appreciation identified - Training for Speech Another staff from Parliament, CPA-TAP. Members of the Fijian include: 1) The Mace; 2) Role and protocol amongst all members Parliamentary staff are now more Writing and Project Proposal Mateo Lagimiri was overwhelmed With the acquired and Parliamentary staff held continued of the Speaker; 3) Committees of society. We have received equipped to serve MPs and carry of Parliamentary Training for Parliamentary Staff with the new skills he has learned. necessary skills, the Parliamentary discussions with the two TV stations of Parliament; 4) Role of the overwhelming feedback and that out Parliamentary work in more functions and - served as capacity building for “Following the training, I am now staff that have been trained and this resulted in the reduced cost Leader of the Government and has given us more motivation to dynamic, improved and innovative parliamentary staff to ensure confident in writing speeches. are now primed to write scripts of TV air time that was offered and Government; 5) Role of the continue with this wonderful work. ways that will help sustain and more interest in that they meet the demands and Before, I only provide data, do for future video productions agreed upon by both parties. The Opposition and Leader of the We are so thankful to the CPA,” develop the Fijian Parliament in the Parliamentary services required by the Members research but not really write a like education videos, short duration of the videos produced was Opposition; 6) About Parliament; said Speaker Dr Jiko Luveni the future. of Parliament. speech. Now, it’s all possible, documentaries, news, creative also determined by consideration 7) Role of Party Whips; 8) How Vinaka vakalevu (Thank you) CPA. system, thanks to the training and thanks to stories and other education of airing times offered by the two Laws are Made; 9) The Role CPA funding ensures procedures and Staff capacity building training CPA”, said Mr Lagimiri. initiatives which will augur well for television stations and the amount of Parliament; and 10) How to sustainability The Fiji Parliament educational The training included a Speech Parliamentary outreach targeting of relevant information that needed Participate in Parliament. There is more commitment and videos can be accessed on the Fijian protocol amongst Writing Workshop and a Project Development of parliament youths, students in schools and to be condensed to ensure the The videos received drive to introduce innovative Parliament website education page: all members Proposal writing course which was education videos the general public as well. information is complete, transparent, overwhelming feedback on ways to do outreach in the www.parliament.gov.fj/education. attended by senior parliamentary A unit in the Fijian Parliament straightforward and uncomplicated. Facebook with the total reach for Fijian Parliament, and as such of society. We staff. More than forty members of (Civic Education and Media Cost arrangements The average cost of airing the ten videos reaching 435,259 a technical post is created to For further information about the have received the parliamentary staff benefitted Unit) organised the filming, The utilization of the CPA TAP a 3-4 minute video on TV in Fiji impressions with 50,364 views, undertake filming and video range of CPA Technical Assistance from the training which will assist development and creation of ten funding was based on the prices is FJD$1,500 (equivalent to 2,822 reactions and 536 shares. editing. Consequently, more up Programmes available please contact overwhelming them to serve the Members of educational videos. determined by the two major US$740.00) during prime time Most of the comments received to date and interesting video the CPA Headquarters Secretariat via feedback and that Parliament more effectively. The different stages of the television stations in Fiji. The two slots. All the videos were aired were positive urging Parliament to productions will be undertaken [email protected]. Manager Library Services and project included: hiring of a new stations boast more than 70% during TV prime times when most produce more similar videos. to assist Parliamentary outreach has given us more Research in the Fijian Parliament, staff, storyboarding, script writing, coverage of the whole of Fiji and Fijian viewers are tuned in and The CPA TAP funding for and increasing the publicity of motivation to Josua Namoce commented that filming and interviews, editing and the airing of these videos has watching television. this project has been crucial Parliament’s core work. The the Speech Writing Training was voice over recordings, airing of the taken Parliament’s outreach to an in reaching many people who training on script writing will continue with this an excellent and practical training. ten videos on TV and uploading exciting new level. All of the videos Parliament videos on previously had little information ensure that video production work wonderful work. “This training is one that has further of the videos to the Parliament (3-4 minutes duration) provide television about the Fijian Parliament. The will develop further. enhanced my speech writing skills. website and other social media basic explanation and contain It took more than a year to CPA TAP funding for the airing The Fijian Parliament is also We are so thankful It is excellent and practical and I platforms like Facebook and You real time footage (interviews, complete this project and the of these videos has enabled the working on sending DVDs of to the CPA,” said would prefer that it is an ongoing Tube. illustrations, narration with scrolling Fijian Parliament is most thankful Fijian Parliament to reach out the videos to all remote schools training for the staff”, Mr Namoce The Fijian Parliament also on screen texts) and snapshots of to the CPA Executive Committee to viewers using cutting edge around Fiji and this will help to Speaker Dr Jiko said. organised a special training to equip Fiji’s current Parliament and cut- for extending the duration of the technology. The project has reach those students living in Luveni.

52 | The Parliamentarian | 2018: Issue One The Parliamentarian | 2018: Issue One | 53 AFTER PARIS: THE AFTER PARIS: THE TALANOA DIALOGUE TALANOA DIALOGUE

CLIMATE CHANGE: AFTER PARIS: WHERE ARE WE NOW? WHERE DO WE NEED TO BE? HOW DO WE GET THERE? THE TALANOA DIALOGUE

Background and Introduction more needs to be done on the Dialogue’, reflecting the Fijian/ The adoption of the Paris part of world governments Pacific concept of ‘Talanoa’ Agreement in December 2015 to reduce their emissions, or which describes a process of marked a red-letter event put more simply, a greater sharing stories, building empathy for global climate diplomacy. amount of ambition is required. and making wise decisions for World governments agreed to Governments are also the collective good, and perhaps a treaty that saw every country required to submit new NDCs more importantly, also one that contributing to an effort to periodically with each new NDC is participatory and transparent. address global climate change. representing an increase in The Paris Agreement has as emission reductions compared Structure of the Talanoa comprehensive and non- global temperature increase. be a central issue on the table expected to be received and its primary objective to limit to the previous NDC. Dialogue restrictive manner; However, as negotiations in the context of determining which will be collated into a Kishan the increase of global average The Paris Agreement provides At COP 23 in Bonn, Germany, • The dialogue will consist of progressed, issues relating to future ambition. synthesis report, which would Kumarsingh temperature attributable to man- for ‘global stock takes’ to be the Presidencies of Fiji (COP a preparatory and a political adaptation, or measures to cope then further inform the political has been the lead made climate change to well convened every five years for 23) and Morocco (COP 22) phase, and the Presidencies with the adverse impacts of The Preparatory Phase phase to be held at COP 24 in below 2 degrees Celsius, while governments to collectively conducted consultations with of COP 23 (Fiji) and COP climate change crept into the The preparatory phase is Poland. technical negotiator on pursuing efforts to restricting track the progress towards the Parties on the structure of the 24 (Poland) will jointly lead NDC discussions and gained expected to benefit from, and be international climate that increase to below 1.5 achievement of the objectives of Talanoa Dialogue, with the both phases of the dialogue prominence to the extent that informed by various inputs from The Political Phase change negotiations degrees Celsius above pre- the Agreement as well as be used following main outcomes1, and co-chair the political adaptation components of NDCs various sources. These inputs The political phase will under the UN industrial levels. Countries to inform new NDCs. When the which were confirmed by the phase at COP 24. were included in some countries are expected to include the bring together high-level have therefore submitted to Paris Agreement was adopted, Conference of the Parties: The Talanoa Dialogue was NDCs. Some countries’ NDCs Special Report by the IPCC on representatives of Parties to2: Framework Convention the United Nations what they Parties decided to have a first • The dialogue will be officially launched at COP 23 with therefore include an adaptation global warming of 1.5 degrees (i) take stock of the collective on Climate Change commit to do to reduce their such conversation in 2018 called structured around three the preparatory phase running component. Celsius requested by the COP efforts of Parties in meeting (UNFCCC) for Trinidad greenhouse gas emissions, the ‘Facilitative Dialogue’ to take general questions: from January to November 2018 Additionally, and perhaps for which dedicated space will the goals of the Paris and Tobago since which are the gases responsible stock of collective progress and o Where are we? and the political phase at COP 24 critically, the provision of be allocated to fully understand Agreement, and for global climate change. These to inform the next round of NDC o Where do we want to go? in December 2018 in Poland. financial support to developing the implications of the report. (ii) inform the preparation 1998, and has served commitments are referred submission due in 2020, which o How do we get there? While the mandate is clear countries in order for them Since the adoption of the of the NDCs. Political in various capacities to as Nationally Determined was also part of the decision • The dialogue should be as to the issues that need to be (developing countries) to Paris Agreement, Parties have discussions will include including Co-Chair of Contributions or NDCs. adopting the Paris Agreement. constructive, facilitative considered, being the tracking implement their commitments increasingly recognised the roundtables to ensure the Ad Hoc Working Governments also agreed to 2018 also marks the deadline and solutions oriented, and of progress and preparation of in their NDCs is an obligation of roles of non-State actors in focused and interactive achieve net zero emissions in that governments have agreed conducted in a manner that the next round of NDCs, issues developed countries. Technology contributing to the achievement discussions among Ministers. Group on the Durban the second half of this century. to for the finalization of the rules promotes cooperation; regarding the scope of the transfer and capacity building of the objectives of the The political phase is Platform which was In order to get to this point, and modalities that would govern • The dialogue should not Dialogue may inevitably arise are also forms of support that Agreement. Such actors include therefore designed to build the subsidiary body the Intergovernmental Panel the implementation of the Paris lead to discussions of a as part of the discussions, and would be required by developing cities, states, the private sector, momentum toward, and at, COP mandated to negotiate on Climate Change (IPCC) – a Agreement. 2018 is therefore confrontational nature in which it may be instructive to take into countries of developed countries business and industry, and civil 24 in a space where political consortium of climate scientists looking to be politically significant individual Parties or groups of consideration other auxiliary to effectively and efficiently society organisations. In keeping leaders can agree on where we the Paris Agreement. nominated by Governments for driving greater ambition. Parties are singled out; issues that directly and indirectly implement their commitments with the spirit of Talanoa, it is need to go and how we can get The views expressed to advise the UN on climate During the preparations • The dialogue will be impact on the discussions. under their NDCs. As a result, expected that these players there in the global fight against in this article are the issues – estimates that global for the 23rd Conference of conducted in a manner During the negotiations the Dialogue may inevitably have would also provide important climate change. author’s alone, based emissions will have to peak the Parties (COP 23) to the that promotes enhanced on the Paris Agreement, the to include aspects of support inputs in the Dialogue. Inputs Political leaders, Ministers by 2020 and substantially be United Nations Framework ambition, and will consider, original conceptual aspect of and adaptation in the context would also be drawn from and other high-level country on his background reduced thereafter. However, Convention on Climate Change as one of its elements, the NDCs was generally accepted of tracking progress as well as Parties, stakeholders and expert representatives will be able knowledge and when the submitted NDCs (UNFCCC) or the pre-COP, efforts of Parties on action as one regarding mitigation determining the level of ambition institutions. To facilitate these to discuss in the spirit of involvement in the are summed, they fall short as it is commonly referred to, and support, as appropriate, or reducing, avoiding or for developing countries in inputs, the UNFCCC Secretariat Talanoa, whether countries climate negotiation of what is required to achieve held in Nadi, Fiji in October in the pre-2020 period; sequestering greenhouse gas preparation for the next round of has created an online platform to are collectively achieving what the objectives of the Paris 2017, the Facilitative Dialogue • The dialogue will emissions, in keeping with the NDC submission. In a nutshell, receive such inputs. Throughout they agreed to in the Paris process. Agreement. In other words, was rechristened the ‘Talanoa fulfil its mandate, in a long term goal of restricting the issue of finance is likely to 2018 therefore inputs are Agreement and whether they

54 | The Parliamentarian | 2018: Issue One The Parliamentarian | 2018: Issue One | 55 AFTER PARIS: THE WHIPS IN THE INDIA TALANOA DIALOGUE PARLIAMENT

are on track, and what needs to be done next. WHIPS IN THE INDIA PARLIAMENT Outcomes of the Talanoa Dialogue? While Article 14 of the Paris Agreement on the global stock Political parties have a significant are also the directives or voting actuated by some common impulse takes speaks to an outcome role in the working of a democratic instructions issued to Members by of passion or of interest, adverse to and its use, the COP Decision polity. Whips in turn have role cut the party through their whips (here the rights of other citizens, or to the establishing the Dialogue is out for them in smooth conduct of designated as the office bearer permanent and aggregate interests silent on what the outcome party affairs particularly in matters of the party). The operation and of the community...”3 should be. This then would be pertaining to House proceedings. functionality of whips can be better Although each of these left for Parties to determine, The outcome of their endeavours and appreciated through an illustration. definitions adds something to our including the form that any such the efficacy of whips is manifest in It is a kind of triangle, where at understanding of what political outcome(s) should take. This the effective conduct of the passage the top we have the institution of parties are, none captures the would therefore be an issue of legislation and from a larger Parliament or the Legislature and compelling simplicity of Burke’s that would need consideration perspective, the House proceedings. at the other two ends, we have the classical, encompassing definition. by Parties at COP 24 as to how Ravindra Whips as an expression in its parliamentary party (which includes “A party is a body of men united the political discussions, which Garimella is Joint parliamentary context has its origins the party whips) and the Members for promoting by their joint would take into account the Secretary of the Lok in hunting terminology. The Oxford of Parliament respectively. It is within endeavours the national interest inputs of the preparatory phase, Sabha Secretariat English Dictionary defines the term this triangular space that the action upon some particular principle in 4 should be captured. There are Conclusion to inspire action outside of Above: Kishan Kumarsingh at the Parliament of ‘Whipper-in’ as “a huntsman’s assistant takes place. which they are all agreed.” various ways in which such It is submitted that the true the UNFCCC process, and speaks at the first who keeps the hounds from straying Before Parliament, there is a For Burke, unlike Madison, outcomes could be captured potency of the Talanoa Dialogue particularly to facilitate action Commonwealth Parliamentary India and a regular by driving them back with the whip into question that a Bill be taken into there is no contradiction between including a COP decision, political lies in the spirit of Talanoa that by non-state actors therefore Association Lecture for the contributor to The the main body of the pack.” According consideration, clauses be adopted, the interests of the party and the declarations with key political ought to allow an opportunity for cannot be over-emphasised, as CPA Caribbean, Americas and Parliamentarian: to this dictionary, the first recorded the Bill be passed etc., or a motion state. Yet even Burke does not messaging, technical summaries politicians to look themselves action on the ground, facilitated Atlantic (CAA) Region in August Parliamentary Report. use of the term ‘whipper-in’ in the be adopted. The party takes a achieve the economy of Epstein’s and guidelines for next steps and squarely in the mirror and ask by political ambition and 2017 in Trinidad and Tobago on parliamentary sense occurs in 1772.1 position or a stand on which their disingenuous but realistic definition: actions, or a combination of these. the hard and candid questions of enabling environment is where the subject of ‘The Geo-political However P.D.G. Thomas in House of Members need to vote. The party, “Almost everything that is called a What is reasonably clear themselves, but more importantly the trajectory to the Paris goals response to Climate Change’. Commons in the Eighteenth Century therefore, enjoins their whips (the party in any Western democratic though, is that the three main to provide the political guidance invariably lies. cites examples of the use of the term office holders) to ensure that their nation can be so regarded.”5 questions around which the to the rest of the world. The The Commonwealth that pre-date 1772. Members vote as per the party’s A working definition culled Dialogue are centred ought to be Talanoa Dialogue should includes among its membership extension the success of the It was within the context of such position on the Bill or motion. (from aforementioned) might be addressed in clear, unambiguous therefore be the opportunity large developed countries, Talanoa Dialogue, and in the summons to Members out of town Accordingly, the whips (voting as follows. “Parties are principally and understandable terms so to reinforce political faith and large developing countries, ongoing battle against climate that the first known Parliamentary instructions) are issued by the whips groups of people organized to that the way forward is fairly well certainty in the battle against emerging economies, low-lying change. instance of the use of the term (the office holders) for compliance, seek to wield or influence political defined. climate change. Indeed, it should developing coastal states, and ‘whip’ occurred in a debate on 8 upon the Members who are at the power through agreed constitutional The Talanoa Dialogue is set the tone for the upcoming small island developing states The author, Kishan Kumarsingh, May 1769 on petitions from some other end of the triangle. means in the name of some clear on the inputs required to global stocktakes in terms of the - a veritable representative mix gave the first Commonwealth Middlesex freeholders against the It is through this relatively organized opinion or ideology which inform its discussions, including political ambition that would be of the countries of the wider Parliamentary Association Lecture seating of Henry Luttrell instead simple illustration I proceed binds them together and which the content and scope of the needed in the future. world. Most, if not all, of the for the CPA Caribbean, Americas of John Wilkes. Edmund Burke to discuss the role of whips, distinguishes them from other political conversation outlined While the Talanoa Dialogue Commonwealth countries have and Atlantic (CAA) Region in August who, in a debate in the House of their functions, responsibilities, groups...”6 above, and therefore answers can probably be distinguished played critical roles, including 2017 in Trinidad and Tobago on Commons described how the consequences of violation of party to the three questions should from the periodic global stock leadership roles in the shaping the subject of ‘The Geo-political King’s Ministers had made efforts whips, implications under the Position of whips in the benefit from the preparatory takes provided for in the Paris and final form of the Paris response to Climate Change’. To to bring their followers together, Anti-Defection Law and attendant United Kingdom phase as well as the discussions Agreement in terms of its Agreement, thereby underlying view the CPA Lecture please visit how they had sent for their friends legal issues. As per ‘Parliamentary Practice’ by in the political phase taken as genesis and its one-off nature, the significant influence of the following link: https://youtu. to the north and to Paris, whipping Erskine May (24th edn): “Inside the a whole. Any outcome from what cannot be disputed is that this grouping of countries. be/1vSKKnLXyjE or go to the CPA them in. The phrase adopted by Political Parties House of Commons each party the Talanoa Dialogue must the Dialogue is intended to The imminent 25th meeting of YouTube channel at www.cpahq. Burke caught the public fancy and Coming to define parties, it organisation is presided over by in any event at a minimum, maintain and build on the political the Heads of Government of org/cpahq/youtube. soon became popular.2 would be worthwhile to note Members of the House and staffed include political guidance and momentum created in Paris in the Commonwealth in April Coming to the very basic the following observations and by subordinate officials who are commitment to increasing 2015. This political momentum 2018 therefore presents a References: question, what are whips? A whip analysis by Stephen Ingle in his not Members. The officer or whips ambition, which can then be has inspired action by non-state unique opportunity for this 1 http://unfccc.int/files/na/ is a person, a crucial office bearer book ‘The British Party System: of the party in office consist of reduced to meaningful action on actors in an unprecedented diverse mixture of countries to application/pdf/approach_to_ as also directives or directions An Introduction’ - “In the newly the Chief Whip who holds the the ground, so that achieving the manner, and has accrued set the tone and provide the the_talanoa_dialogue.pdf issued by the whips. established United States of official position of Parliamentary long term objectives of the Paris political currency which ought political leadership for shaping 2 https://cop23.com.fj/ Simply put, whips are office America, Madison was not well or patronage secretary to the Agreement are kept within reach. not to be squandered. the answers to the questions talanoa-dialogue/ bearers of political or legislative party disposed to parties, seeing them, Treasury, three officers of the The political signalling being asked after Paris, and by offices with assigned tasks. Whips as did Rousseau, as factions” Household and five lords of the

56 | The Parliamentarian | 2018: Issue One The Parliamentarian | 2018: Issue One | 57 WHIPS IN THE INDIA WHIPS IN THE INDIA PARLIAMENT PARLIAMENT

treasury with the addition of up Members of the opposite side whips and the leaders of their parties different regions and opinions but dates for participation and voting of India and Others (AIR 1987 (b) of the Tenth Schedule to the representation in, a Parliamentary to seven Members who act as of the House so that their votes and the Speakers. In order to achieve also the counselors of Members.11 in the House as per the directions Punjab & Haryana 263) was that Constitution have been invoked Committee or other Committee, assistant whips; all these whips may be neutralized and not lost, this, one of the essentials factors is issued through said whips. the provisions of para 2 (1) (b) of for seeking disqualification of Council, Board, Commission or other receive salaries.7 All government and suggest Members to serve that none of them should encroach Whips as directives the Tenth Schedule were violative Members on several occasions and body set up by the Government; or whips rank as Ministers of the on general and certain Select on the activities of the other.” During sessions of the House, Provisions under Anti- of article 105 which under its there are many examples. (iv) is entitled to similar telephone Crown. The Treasurer of Her Committees. They also act as whips of different parties send to Defection Law provisions of clause (1) confers and secretarial facilities provided Majesty’s Household is usually intermediaries between the leaders Whips as office bearers of a party their Members periodic notices and In the context of the issuance of upon Members the privilege of Facilities open to Chief Whips to him in any other capacity by the appointed Deputy Chief Whip...” and the parliamentary membership In the parliamentary form of directives informing them of the whips, the provisions under Anti freedom of speech in Parliament Realising the vital role played by government or a local authority or As for duties of whips, May states: of their parties in order to keep each government, a party has its own important, probable hour of voting Defection Law as contained in the and under clause (2), immunity to the Chief Whips and the Leaders corporation owned or controlled by “The efficient and smooth running of informed of the views of the other.”9 internal organisation inside and demanding their presence Tenth Schedule to the Constitution Members from any proceedings in of parties and groups in Parliament the government or any local authority. the Parliamentary machine depends Parliament and is served by a number at that time. Such notices and/or of India are very relevant. any court of law for anything said or as important functionaries, an Act largely upon the whips. By far the Whips in the Indian of officials known as whips, chosen directives are also called ‘whips’. Paragraph 2(1) (b) of the Tenth any vote given in Parliament or any namely ‘The Leaders and Chief Conclusion most important duties devolve upon Parliament’s Context from Members of the party itself. Whips in this sense, have, however, Schedule to the Constitution of India, Committee thereof. [Corresponding Whips of Recognized Parties and In a parliamentary democracy, the Government Chief Whip. He The role of the whips are clearly In fact, the efficient and smooth not been defined either in the which provides that a Member of provisions in regard to privileges and Group in Parliament (Facilities) effective floor management, is concerned with mapping out the delineated in the Report of the working of parliamentary democracy Constitution, Rules of Procedure a House belonging to any political immunities to Members of State Act’ (Act 5 of 1999) was enacted party discipline and the ways and time of the session. For applying in Committee of Presiding Officers depends to a very large extent on the and Conduct of Business in Lok party shall be disqualified for being a Legislatures are laid down under during the period of the Twelfth means for effecting party discipline detail the government’s programme under the Chairmanship of Shri whips of the party in power and the Sabha or any other statute. Member of the House if he votes or Article 194 of the Constitution]. Lok Sabha, which came into force to ensure compliance of party of business; for estimating the time V.S Page the then Chairman of the party or parties in opposition.10 In their connotation as party abstains from voting in such House As regards the vires of the in January 1999. directives assumes importance. It likely to be required for each item, Maharashtra Legislative Council, in a In the Indian parliamentary directives, whips are said to be of contrary to any direction issued provision of para 2 (1) (b), the In the definition clause ‘recognized is in that context that party whips and for arranging the business of the report popularly known as the PAGE context, the whip of a parliamentary three types - one line, two line and by the political party to which he Punjab and Haryana High Court in group’ has been defined to mean (i) and directives, are necessary. There individual sitting... In drawing up the Committee Report. In pursuance of a group is the one who has been three line whips. These are so called belongs or by any person or authority the aforementioned case have inter- in relation to the Council of States, are checks and balances to ensure programme he is limited to a certain decision taken at the Conference of designated to ensure that by the number of lines by which their authorized by it in this behalf, without alia held as follows: “…..So far as the every party which has a strength of that on one side the party whips and extent by the Standing Orders, which Presiding Officers held in New Delhi Members of the party are present text is underlined. The number of obtaining, in either case, the prior right of a Member under article 105 is not less that fifteen Members and not directives do not abuse the Members’ allot a certain number of days to the in October 1967, the Chairman of the in adequate numbers and vote lines is indicative of the importance permission of such political party, concerned, it is not an absolute one more than twenty four Members in rights to freely express their views Opposition and to the Backbench Conference, Shri N. Sanjiva Reddy, according to the line decided by the and urgency attached to a particular person or authority and such voting and has been made subject to the the Council; (ii) in relation to the House and at the same time, there is Business Committee; and by statute Speaker of the Fourth Lok Sabha, party on important questions. measure before the House.12 or abstention has not been condoned provisions of the Constitution and the of the People, every party which effective party floor managements. law or Standing Orders, which require, appointed a Committee of Presiding The whip of the Government party A one line whip is considered by such political party, person or rules and Standing Orders regulating has a strength of not less than thirty The endeavours of all parties have or may require, certain business to Officers to examine three matters in Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha is the to be the simplest directive that authority within fifteen days from the the procedure of Parliament. The Members and not more than fifty four been to judiciously balance these two. be completed by specified dates; and submit their Report to him before Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, who merely requires the attendance date of such voting or abstention. framers of the Constitution, therefore, Members in the House. as well as by certain conventions the next annual conference to be is also called the Chief Whip. The Chief of the Members in the House on As may be seen from the above never intended to confer any The ‘recognized party’ - has References: which make it obligatory upon him held in Kerala in October 1968. Whip was given Ministerial status in a particular date and time. Also, constitutional provisions, a ‘whip’ has absolute right of freedom of speech been defined to mean (i) in relation 1 House of Commons briefing to consult the whips of Opposition One of the matter for examination 1949. Until 1962, his rank was that one line is indicative of no division been referred to as direction. It is in on a Member of the Parliament to the Council of States, every party notes: The Whip’s office Doc ref. SN/ parties and even to put and even to was – ‘What conventions, traditions of a Minister of State when he was being expected. this manner, therefore, that ‘whip’ has and the same can be regulated or which has a strength of not less PC/02829 put down items of their selection. In and other procedural devices are made a Minister of Cabinet rank. Two line whips are supposed to been taken cognizance of insofar curtailed by making any constitutional than twenty five Members in the 2 Ilbert: Parliament – Its History, carrying out his duties, he is directly required to be adopted or evolved to Consequently on the appointment of be somewhat more obligatory and a as provisions of Tenth Schedule are provision, such as the Fifty-second Council; (ii) in relation to the House Constitutional and Practice, London, responsible to the Prime Minister and enable the Parliament/Legislatures to the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs as stronger party directive. It is issued in concerned. Hence, violation of whip Amendment. The provisions of para of the People, every party which 1948, p135. Leader of the House. It is also part of function effectively and meet the new the Leader of the House in February case of fairly important business and by a Member which is referred to as 2(b) cannot, therefore, be termed as has a strength of not less than fifty 3 The British Party System – An his duties to advise the government challenging situations witnessed in 1966, the new Government Chief when division is expected. a direction in the Tenth Schedule violative of the provisions of article five Members in the House. Introduction, by Stephen Ingle (4th Edn) on parliamentary business and the country.’ Whip was again raised to status of Three line whips indicate the to the Constitution without prior 105 of the Constitution…..” Section 3 of the Act provides – In the chapter ‘Parties and the party procedures, and to maintain a close On the issue of whips, the PAGE Cabinet rank in 1967, when the then most important business and permission of concerned political Subsequently, in 1993 the that each Leader, Deputy system in Britain’, p5 liaison with Ministers in regard to Committee in their report observed Prime Minister became the Leader a division or vote will be held. A party - if not condoned - would make Supreme Court of India in Kihota Leader and each Chief Whip of a 4 Ibid: p5, Edmund Burke, Thoughts parliamentary business which affects that whips, both of the ruling party of the House. The Chief Whip is Member must obey this directive the concerned Member liable for Hollohan Vs. Zachilhu & Others recognized group and a recognized on the Cause of the Present Discontents their departments. He and the Chief as well as those of the opposition, directly responsible to the Leader of and attend the House. It is entirely disqualification. (AIR 1993, SC, 412) had the party shall be entitled to telephone (first published in 1770). Whip of the largest opposition party play a very significant role in the the Government on parliamentary mandatory and one can disobey occasion to dwell at length on the and secretarial facilities. 5 Ibid: p5, Epstein 1967:5 constitute the usual channels, through smooth and efficient functioning business. The Chief Whip acts as it only at one’s peril. Disregard of Judicial interpretation on constitutionality of the provisions As per provision to this Section, 6 Ibid: p5 which consultations are held with of our parliamentary democracy. the eyes and ears of the Leader of a three line whip by a Member applicability of provisions of of paragraph 2(1)(b) of the Tenth such facilities shall not be provided 7 Erskine May’s, pp50-51 (24th Edn) other parties and Members about Apart from their normal duties of the Party so far as the Members are is almost certainly likely to invite para 2 (1) (b) Schedule. The Supreme Court, in to such Leader, Deputy Leader or – Ministerial and other Salaries Act, 1975 business arrangements and other making and keeping the House, concerned. During a parliamentary serious disciplinary action from It would be of interest to note their majority opinion, concluded: Chief Whip, as case may be, who: (i) (c27), s1(1)(a) and Sch l. matters of concern to the House.”8 they are required to establish and session, in his capacity as adviser to the party. In keeping with modern interpretations given by Courts of “….. (E) That the paragraph 2 of the holds an office of Minister as defined 8 Ibid, p51-52 As regards the duties of whips maintain through a tactful handling the Leader of the House, he has to times, an informal practice has also Law on the vires and applicability Tenth Schedule to the Constitution is in section 2 of the Salaries and 9 Ibid, p52 in general, May states: “Certain of situations, good and amicable be in constant touch with the Prime evolved to the effect that after the of provisions of para 2 (1) (b) of the valid. Its provisions do not suffer from Allowances of Ministers Act, 1952; 10 Practice and Procedure of duties are common to whips of all relations between the Government Minister. issuance of whips as conventionally Tenth Schedule to the Constitution. the vice of subverting democratic or (ii) holds an office of the Leader of Parliament by M.N. Kaul & S.L. Shakdher, parties. They keep their Members and the opposition benches, a pre- It has been aptly said that the laid down through communications In the early days itself, of coming rights of elected Members of the Opposition as defined in section p158, (7th edn). supplied with information about the requisite for the smooth running whips are not only shock-absorbers, via hard copies then text messages into force of the Tenth Schedule Parliament and the Legislatures of 2 of the Salary and Allowances of 11 Ibid, p158 business of the House, secure the of the parliamentary business. but also indicators of the party. They (SMS) are also issued to Members to the Constitution one of the the States. It does not violate their Leaders of Opposition in Parliament 12 Party Whips, Parliamentary attendance of Members, arrange The Committee also felt that “It are not only advisors to the Leader, informing them that whips have contentions before the Punjab & freedom of speech, freedom of vote Act, 1977; or (iii) is entitled to similar Privilege and Anti-Defection Law, by Dr. for their Members who are unable is, therefore, necessary that there but also the binding force in the party; been issued and that Members Haryana High Court in Prakash and conscience as contended.” telephone and secretarial facilities Subhash C. Kashyap, JPI, 1988. to attend divisions to ‘pair’ with should be full cooperation among the they are not only barometers of the should be present on such and such Singh Badal and Others Vs. Union The provisions under 2(1) by virtue of holding any office of, or

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Vote 100: UK Parliament celebrates a century of women’s voices Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Africa Regional Workshop presents opportunity to share experiences in KwaZulu-Natal In the Commonwealth, women’s suffrage – the right of women to vote – has been achieved at Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians various times. In some jurisdictions, women’s representing over fifty national and provincial suffrage was granted before universal suffrage Parliaments from across the Africa Region and therefore many women and men from gathered in January 2018 at Zimbali Conference certain classes or ethnic backgrounds were Centre in Ballito, outside Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, still unable to vote. Some jurisdictions granted to discuss the issues of gender equality, women the vote to both sexes at the same time. empowerment and the emancipation of women. The Tynwald, the legislature of the Isle The two-day workshop, organised by the of Man, is recognised as the world’s oldest Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Parliament in continuous operation, and (CWP) Africa Region and hosted by the have also made strides towards improving women’s representation some women in the Isle of Man (part of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature, was held under the theme of: in Parliaments but we are not yet there.” geographic British Isles but not part of the ‘Mechanisms to Strengthen Gender Equality’. She also said that the establishment of the CWP was in response United Kingdom) gained the right to vote in Opening the Regional Gender Sensitisation Workshop, the to the call of increasing women’s representation in political institutions. 1881 (see The Parliamentarian 2015: Issue Chairperson of the CWP Africa Region, Hon. Thoko Didiza, MP “CWP international encourages us as women Parliamentarians to work Three for an article on this subject). (South Africa) said that the gathering was an opportunity for women and focus on equipping women Parliamentarians with the skills or tools However New Zealand was the first Above: The UK Prime Minister and women Members from both Parliamentarians to share practices and experiences on women’s to lobby for the better representation of women for women’s issues; country in the world (and in the Commonwealth) in 1893 where Houses of the United Kingdom Parliament gather in Central empowerment and emancipation as well as ideas on what can share experiences and information and learn about obstacles affecting women had the right to vote in parliamentary elections, and this was Lobby to celebrate the centenary of the Representation of the be done to increase women’s representation in Parliament and in women Parliamentarians and women’s representation in politics.” closely followed by South Australia in 1894, where women were People Act, 1918. government. “The discussions in this workshop will motivate and South Africa’s Communications Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi- also able to be candidates in elections for the first time. The world’s inspire us to achieve the goal of gender equality and women’s Ngubane also spoke at the workshop and said that women’s first female Members of Parliament were elected in Finland in 1907, Hon. Theresa May, MP officially launched the UK Parliament’s Vote empowerment,” said Hon. Thoko Didiza. participation in the Information Communications Technology (ICT) following the implementation of universal suffrage the previous year, 100 programme at a reception in Westminster Hall with all female The CWP Members who attended the workshop included sector was woefully low, more especially in the countries of the the first country in Europe to do so. Members of Parliament past and present being invited. The UK Speakers, Deputy Speakers, Committee Chairpersons as well South. “It is important to encourage young women to consider Throughout the Commonwealth and the CPA, many Parliament’s Vote 100 project is a year-long programme of events as Members of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures. The CPA careers in areas such as the science and ICT sectors. Studies show jurisdictions are marking anniversaries since the introduction of the celebrating a century of women’s voices in the UK Parliament, the Africa Region Chairperson, Hon. Lindiwe Maseko, MP (South that women still have limited access to education and therefore first women’s and universal suffrage and Parliaments are holding journey towards universal suffrage and the first women MPs. Africa) who was one of the guest speakers said public policy was fewer women are able to enter the ICT sector.” exhibitions to celebrate the occasion. For example, the Legislative Immersive and interactive technologies will be used to tell another mechanism for change and gender equality. She said that Emphasising the importance of ICT in accelerating women’s Assembly of British Columbia in Canada held an exhibition in 2017 the story of women and Parliament. Lost historic spaces which Parliamentarians should heed a call to ensure that the legislative empowerment, Kubayi-Ngubane said the Fourth Industrial Revolution titled ‘100 Years of Women and the Vote’, highlighting significant were used to segregate women from the business of Parliament process was open and transparent for women to participate. (4IR) called for speedy transformation in the ICT sector. “With the ‘firsts’ for women elected to the Legislative Assembly (seeThe will be recreated and the story of those crucial campaigners and Hon. Lydia Johnson, MPL, Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal dawn of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, women’s empowerment is Parliamentarian 2017: Issue Two for details). trailblazers retold. Throughout 2018, Vote 100 will celebrate Provincial Legislature told her colleagues to focus on what the no longer an option. We need to enact policies that will ensure that In the United Kingdom, on 6 February 2018, to mark the 100th milestones in women’s suffrage and the contribution of women to different Parliaments were doing to increase women participation in there is an increased and affordable access to internet connectivity. anniversary of the Representation of the People Act 1918 and politics in the UK, with a series of events, exhibitions and educational development matters and ensuring gender equity. “Today, as we are The Fourth Industrial Revolution can provide women with broader the first women to gain the right to vote, the UK Prime Minister, Rt programmes including its main exhibition ‘Voice & Vote’. meeting here under the theme: ‘Mechanisms to Strengthen Gender access to online services such as health care and education. It The ‘Voice & Vote: Women’s Place in Parliament’ exhibition will Equality’ we need to focus on what we as Parliamentarians are can eliminate the gender digital divide which remains most severe Below: The Representation of the People Act, 1918 and other be staged in Westminster Hall and will cover the campaign for votes doing to strengthen mechanisms for gender equity. The CWP was in poorer countries. Lack of awareness about the ICT benefits for representation and voting legislation from the United Kingdom for women through to the representation of women in the House founded to enable women Parliamentarians with an opportunity women is a huge barrier to entry for women’s empowerment.” Parliament which forms part of the Vote 100 exhibition in of Commons and the House of Lords. Throughout the exhibition, to discuss strategies to increase representation in Parliament and Westminster Hall. rare and previously unseen historic objects, pictures and archives work towards mainstreaming of gender considerations in all CPA Text sources: Sakhile Mokoena/Parliament of South Africa; African News from the Parliamentary collections and elsewhere will be on show. activities and programmes. Many countries including South Africa Agency/ANA. Images: KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature. Together with immersive and interactive technologies, the exhibition will tell the story of women in Parliament, the campaigning, the protests and the achievements. Women have now occupied the highest positions in the UK Parliament, including Rt Hon. Baroness Betty Boothroyd, the first woman Speaker of the House of Commons and Rt Hon. Baroness Hayman, the first Lord Speaker in the House of Lords.

‘Voice & Vote: Women’s Place in Parliament’ will be held in the UK Parliament’s Westminster Hall from 27 June to 6 October 2018. Visit www. parliament.uk/vote100 for more information. Images: UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor

60 | The Parliamentarian | 2018: Issue One The Parliamentarian | 2018: Issue One | 61 CWP NEWS AND REGIONAL STRENGTHENING Parliamentary Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Pacific Regional Mentoring Programme held in New Zealand Report NEWS AND LEGISLATION FROM COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTS The New Zealand Parliament and CPA New Zealand Branch hosted Members from the CWP Pacific Region at a regional mentoring programme for women Parliamentarians, involving Members from Fiji, Niue and Tonga which took place from 5 to 6 December 2017. The mentoring programme was designed to build technical capacity and social capital in the Pacific Region by establishing long-term meaningful relationships between participants and New Zealand’s women Parliamentarians, while giving the participants practical strategies and skills they can take back to their own Parliaments. Participants were given an opportunity THIRD READINGS to connect with others in the same position, establish a mentor relationship, and undertake workshops aimed at strengthening British Columbia their confidence and abilities in their new Page 64 representative roles. Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Above: Newly elected Prime Minister of New Zealand, Rt Hon. Québec (CWP) Pacific Region Chairperson, Hon. Poto Williams, MP said: Jacinda Ardern, MP meets with a group of Commonwealth “Sadly, the Pacific (excluding New Zealand) remains one of the Women Parliamentarians from the Pacific Region. Page 65 lowest regions in the world for women’s political representation. However, the past few years have seen momentum and commitment deliver great gains, including a woman Deputy Prime of New Zealand, Rt Hon. Jacinda Ardern, MP; the Speaker of the New Zealand Minister (Samoa), and two women Speakers (Fiji, Cook Islands). New Zealand House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Trevor Mallard, Page 69 In the 2017 elections, women’s representation in the Tongan MP; and Minister for Pacific Peoples, Hon Aupito William Sio. Parliament and Niue Legislative Assembly doubled and I hope to A series of workshops were also held on a number of topics, see similar success in the 2018 Fijian Election.” including how to manage an office budget, how to use the media Australia Federal The overarching goal for the programme was to provide the in a strategic manner, and how to handle abuse, criticism and Page 72 attending women Parliamentarians with a safe space to ask setbacks. questions, share concerns, and build up the confidence and skills The Programme was held as part of the Commonwealth Women to effectively advocate for women in an often male-dominated Parliamentarians (CWP) Regional activities and was part-funded by India environment. the CWP Regional Strengthening Funds from the Commonwealth Page 78 The programme schedule included the opportunity for Parliamentary Association Headquarters Secretariat. Presidential Address to the India Parliament conference delegates to meet with the newly elected Prime Minister Page 76

With thanks to our CANADA NEW ZEALAND AUSTRALIA Parliamentary Report and Third Reports from the Fall Sitting 52nd New Zealand Parliament Deputy Prime Minister resigns Reading contributors: Stephen Boyd (Federal Parliament of of the Canadian Federal opens Page 70 Australia); Ravindra Garimella Parliament Page 68 (Parliament of India); Dr Jayadev Sahu (Parliament of India); Page 66 Erin Virgint (Federal Parliament of Canada); Luke Harris Left: The Commonwealth Women (Parliament of New Zealand); SRI LANKA UNITED KINGDOM Ayeesha Waller (Parliament of Parliamentarians from Fiji, Niue and Tonga the United Kingdom); Lisa Hill Increase in women’s local Restoration and refurbishment met with the Speaker of the New Zealand (British Columbia Legislative representation at the Palace of Westminster House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Trevor Assembly); André Grenier Mallard, MP during the programme. (National Assembly of Québec); Page 73 Page 74 Images: New Zealand Parliament Neil Iddawala (Parliament of Sri Lanka).

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THIRD READING: BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA THIRD READING: QUÉBEC, CANADA During the 2nd Session of the 41st Parliament, During Committee of the Whole noted that the proposed threshold of fifty percent Between September and December 2017, Consumer Protection and for Housing, through society regarding the prices consumers pay three legislative initiatives were adopted consideration, Adam Olsen, MLA, representing plus one was significantly lower than the sixty the National Assembly of Québec passed 17 Bill 134, said that the Government wishes to for prescription drugs. Many felt that prices in which will have a significant impact on British the Third Party, proposed an amendment to percent threshold level in previous referendums. government public Bills (9 unanimously). address commercial practices that contribute Québec and throughout Canada are far too high, Columbia’s electoral landscape. lower the threshold that parties must meet in Speaking to concerns raised by the Official to many consumers’ financial distress. Statistics particularly compared to European countries. order to qualify to receive a reimbursement Opposition that the process might proceed Higher Education (sexual violence) mentioned by Catherine Fournier, Member Numerous experts shared this opinion. Election Amendment Act, 2017 of allowable election expenses for individual too quickly for British Columbians to make an On 8 December 2017, the National Assembly for Marie-Victorin and Official Opposition critic, The Minister pointed out that the new Introduced on 18 September 2017, the candidates - from 10 percent to 5 percent informed decision, John Rustad, MLA moved an passed Bill 151, An Act to prevent and fight sexual show that household debt in Québec grew 129% measure aims to give small generic drug Election Amendment Act 2017 makes changes of the total number of valid votes cast in the amendment to the Bill during the Second Reading violence in higher education institutions. Before between 1999 and 2012. Other data reveal that manufacturers reasonable market access and to provincial electoral financing rules, as well as most recent provincial general election. The debate that the Bill be delayed for six months. The the Bill was passed, five days of reflection had cases of personal insolvency increased from to prevent the development of monopolies. the provisions governing third party advertisers amendment was ruled out of order in the hands amendment was negatived on division. been held on the subject in early 2017 and a 10,579 in 1987 to 43,701 in 2015. More specifically, the legislation will prohibit the during electoral campaigns. of a private Member as, if adopted, it would Dr Andrew Weaver, MLA, Leader of the government strategy had been tabled in August. The Act includes some 50 different owners of one or more pharmacies from buying During his introductory remarks, Hon. David impose an additional charge on the public Third Party, supported the legislation, stating that The Act applies to universities, colleges measures addressing, among other things, more than 50% of the monetary value of all the Eby, QC, Attorney General, stated that the revenues as more political parties could qualify “the whole purpose of proportional representation (general and vocational) and the other institutions ‘high-cost credit’, a new category of contract generic drugs they purchase in a given year from legislation will fulfill a key commitment made during for reimbursement of election expenses. The is to not create artificial coalitions but to allow specified therein, such as the Conservatoire de whose terms and conditions will be determined a same manufacturer. the May 2017 provincial general election to ban Chair noted that the same amendment moved society to be reflected in terms of the makeup of musique et d’art dramatique and École nationale by government regulation. The Act complements two other pieces of union and corporate political contributions, and will by a Minister of the Crown would be in order. the people who represent them in government.” de police. The institutions subject to the Act must The Act also introduces a protection regime legislation passed in 2016.2 The first allows the restrict individual contributions to $1,200 annually. The Attorney General immediately The Electoral Reform Referendum 2018 Act adopt a policy to prevent and fight sexual violence relating to debt settlement service contracts, Minister of Health and Social Services to issue calls The legislation will establish a transitional annual re-introduced the amendment as proposed by received Third Reading on 30 November 2017. before 1 January 2019. which prohibits debt settlement merchants from for tenders to enter into exclusive supply contracts allowance for political parties receiving over two Mr Olsen, which was adopted on division. The Section 1 of the Act defines sexual claiming charges before having obtained from with generic drug manufacturers for the purposes percent of the provincial vote, or at least five percent Election Amendment Act 2017 received Third Local Elections Campaign Financing violence as follows: “In this Act, the concept of a creditor a debt settlement offer that has been of the Public Prescription Drug Insurance Plan.3 of the total number of votes in electoral districts Reading on 22 November 2017. Amendment Act, 2017 sexual violence refers to any form of violence accepted by the consumer and before a payment The second grants the Régie de l’assurance- where they ran candidates in the previous provincial Hon. Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal committed through sexual practices or by has been made for the benefit of a creditor. maladie du Québec (RAMQ) the power to general election. The per vote allowance for 2018 Electoral Reform Referendum 2018 Act Affairs and Housing, introduced the Local targeting sexuality, including sexual assault. It The Act requires certain merchants to appoint inspectors authorized to investigate and will be set at $2.50 per vote and will decrease The Electoral Reform Referendum 2018 Act was Elections Campaign Financing Amendment also refers to any other misconduct, including assess the consumer’s capacity to repay the inspect premises where health professionals, to $1.75 per vote by 2022. Provisions in the Act introduced on 4 October 2017 and provides a Act, 2017 on 30 October 2017. The legislation that relating to sexual and gender diversity, credit requested or to perform the obligations drug manufacturers and wholesalers carry out require a Special Committee of the Legislative framework for a provincial referendum on the follows provisions in the above-noted Election in such forms as unwanted direct or indirect arising from a long-term contract of lease of their activities. These different pieces of health Assembly to conduct a review of the allowance provincial electoral voting system and potential Amendment Act 2017 by proposing a ban on gestures, comments, behaviours or attitudes goods. Further, the rules applicable to open field-related legislation had been unanimously and within six months of being appointed, changes to the current ‘first-past-the-post’ corporate and union local election donations, with sexual connotations, including by a credit contracts (credit cards, lines of credit passed by the National Assembly. submit a report to the Legislative Assembly with voting system to some form of proportional limits on individual contributions, and restrictions technological means.” and accounts with merchants)1 have been recommendations regarding whether or not the representation. The legislation fulfills a promise on third party advertising. In her introductory The institutions’ policies must set out rules modernized. With regard to credit card use, the Legalisation of recreational cannabis allowance should be continued after 2022, and if made by the BC NDP Party during the 2017 comments, the Minister noted that the Bill for students’ social activities and activities for Act stipulates that 2% of the amount owing In April 2017, two Bills to legalize the recreational so, at what rate and for how long. provincial election campaign regarding electoral will serve to level the playing field for local welcoming new students (commonly known must be paid on a monthly basis for one year. use of cannabis were tabled in the Canadian The legislation will also institute a separate reform and establishes a threshold of fifty candidates in BC and follows up on resolutions as ‘initiation’); include a code of conduct This rate will then be increased by half a point Federal Parliament. This action at the federal individual limit of $1,200 for contestants in party percent plus one in order for the result to be endorsed by the Union of BC Municipalities to specifying the rules that a person who is in a every year until it reaches 5%. level impacted provincial jurisdictions. Among leadership races, and will restrict contributions to binding on government. Section 2 of the Act ban union and corporate local election donations, teaching relationship with or a relationship of Other rules seek to regulate advertising third party election advertisers in a manner similar requires that a referendum must be held before and establish campaign contribution limits. authority over a student must comply with if practices. Among other things, they prohibit to the restrictions on political contributions. 30 November 2018, and Section 5 stipulates The government’s objective was to have such the person has an intimate relationship with using pictures that are not accurate depictions Andrew Wilkinson, MLA, Opposition that the referendum will be held by mail-in ballot. reforms to local election campaign financing in the student; provide for a complaint procedure of the goods or services actually offered. Critic for Attorney General at the time, voiced In his introductory comments, Hon. David Eby, place for the fall 2018 general local elections. and procedure for reporting incidents; and offer Finally, the Act prohibits companies that offer his party’s support for the provisions of the QC, Attorney General, advised that if a new voting During debate proceedings, Todd Stone, support services. consumer loyalty programs from providing legislation banning union and corporate political system is approved, government would be required MLA, Opposition Critic for Municipal Affairs, noted that exchange units, points or other benefits contributions, and for reforming campaign to take steps to implement the new system in time that the Official Opposition supported the goal Consumer Protection granted to a consumer expire on a set date or financing rules. However, he expressed concerns for the 2021 provincial general election. of a ban on union and corporate contributions. The National Assembly passed Bill 134, An Act after a certain lapse of time. that the public financing of electoral campaigns During the Second Reading debate, John However, he raised concerns in relation to the mainly to modernize rules relating to consumer could place a new burden on taxpayers who had Martin, MLA, representing the Official Opposition, lack of retroactivity within the legislation, as well as credit and to regulate debt settlement service Health and Social Services (prescription not been consulted about this initiative. He noted raised concerns about the government’s power potential loopholes for third party organisations. contracts, high-cost credit contracts and loyalty drug prices) that the proposed allowance could constrain the to determine the wording of the referendum The Member also expressed his caucus concerns programs, which amends consumer protection On 23 November 2017, the National Assembly entry of new political parties, and indicated that question(s) though Cabinet deliberations, based on regarding the $1,200 maximum individual legislation, particularly with regard to credit. passed Bill 148, An Act to regulate generic third party advertising limits should be broadened information collected through a public consultation contribution limit, which could result in local The first version of the Consumer Protection medication procurement by owner pharmacists to include direct mail, public polling, and the process. He also indicated that the proposed use candidates having to provide campaign financing Act dates back to 1971. Bill 134 incorporates and to amend various legislative provisions. dissemination of poll results. Mr. Wilkinson argued of mail-in votes for the referendum could restrict from their own personal contributions. certain guidelines from Bill 24, which was During debate on the Bill’s principle, the that reducing the threshold to “untenable levels” participation compared with processes involving The Local Elections Campaign Financing tabled in 2011 but lapsed in 2012 when the Minister of Health and Social Services, Gaétan would serve to “encourage a proliferation of the use of more modern technologies. Mr Martin Amendment Act, 2017 received Third Reading House was dissolved. Barrette, recalled the importance of the marginal parties at the taxpayer’s expense.” and many of the Official Opposition Members also on 23 November 2017. Lise Thériault, Minister responsible for public debates that took place within Québec

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other things, the provinces will be Apology in the House of similar legislation. Ms Education Agreement, which responsible for regulating and Commons Malcolmson appealed the gives effect to an agreement supervising cannabis distribution On 28 November 2017, Prime Committee’s decision to the made between the Government CANADA FEDERAL PARLIAMENTARY and marketing. This led to the Minister, Rt Hon. Justin House of Commons Speaker, of Canada and 23 Anishinabek Minister for Rehabilitation, Youth Trudeau, MP apologised in the Hon. Geoff Regan, MP. The Nation First Nations on education. Protection, Public Health and House of Commons to lesbian, Speaker invoked the never- Furthermore, a number of BUSINESS IN THE FALL SESSION Healthy Living, Lucie Charlebois, gay, bisexual, transgender and before-used rule allowing MPs Bills have also recently been Other changes to the House to introduce Bill 157, An Act queer (LGBTQ) members of to appeal to the entire House introduced by the government, of Commons to constitute the Société Canada’s military, the Royal of Commons in a secret ballot. including: On 11 December 2017, four québécoise du cannabis, to enact Canadian Mounted Police, The vote ran over two days • On 7 November 2017, federal by-elections were held. the Cannabis Regulation Act and and the public service who and MPs voted in private, as the government introduced Liberal Churence Rogers, MP, to amend various highway safety- had suffered discrimination. opposed to the typical standing Bill C-65, An Act to amend won the Newfoundland riding related provisions, in the National Between the 1950s and votes in the House. Ultimately, the Canada Labour Code of Bonavista-Burin-Trinity; Assembly on 16 November the 1990s, the Canadian the House of Commons sided (harassment and violence), the Liberal Jean Yip, MP, won the 2017. government fired or demoted with the Committee, deeming Parliamentary Employment Ontario riding of Scarborough- The Committee on Health thousands of federal employees Ms Malcolmson’s Bill ‘non- and Staff Relations Act and Agincourt, a riding left vacant and Social Services then held due to their sexual orientation. votable’. the Budget Implementation by her husband, the late special consultations and public Conservative Party Leader, Act, 2017. This Bill would Arnold Chan, who died in hearings on the Bill in December Hon. Andrew Scheer, MP, and Legislation implement new rules and September 2017; Conservative 2017 and again in early January the New Democratic Party’s Recently, a number of Bills have processes for dealing Rosemary Falk, MP, won 2018. Examination of Bill 157 (NDP) Parliamentary Leader in received royal assent, including: with harassment, sexual the Saskatchewan riding of will continue during the winter/ the House of Commons, Guy • Private Member’s Bill, harassment and bullying in Battlefords-Lloydminster, and spring session of parliamentary Caron, MP, also condemned Bill C-210, An Act to amend federally regulated workplaces. Liberal Gordie Hogg, MP, won capture of cetaceans (marine Cooperation (Standing First Nations and Indigenous proceedings. In principle, the these discriminatory practices. the National Anthem Act If passed, these rules will apply the British Columbia riding of mammals such as whales, Committee on Foreign Affairs communities. legalization of cannabis under Along with the apology, (gender), alters Canada’s to Parliamentarians and their South Surrey-White Rock. dolphins and porpoises). and International Development) On 2 February, Liberal federal legislation is scheduled the government introduced national anthem ‘O Canada’ staff. On 29 January 2018, As of 8 February 2018, the • Comparative Study Senator Hon. Colin Kenny, for 1 July 2018. Bill C-66, the Expungement of by replacing the verse ‘in all newly appointed NDP House standings in the House of Historically Unjust Convictions thy sons command’ with ‘in all Leader, Ruth Ellen Brosseau, House Committee Hearings of Services to Veterans in who served for 34 years, Liberal Commons were: 183 Liberal, and Reports Other Jurisdictions (Standing Senator Hon. Joan Fraser, who References Act, which would allow people of us command’, to achieve MP, sought and received 97 Conservative, 44 New Prior to the return of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs) served for 19 years, and Liberal 1 In an open credit contract, convicted of historical same- gender-neutral language. The unanimous consent to have the Democratic, 10 Bloc Quebecois, in late January, the Standing • Building an Inclusive Canada: Senator Hon. Claudette Tardiff, a merchant may increase the sex offences to have their Bill was introduced in January Bill fast-tracked from Second 1 Green, 2 Independent and 1 Committee on Access to Bringing the Immigration and who served for 12 years, all membership or renewal fees or the criminal records expunged. The 2016 by the late Liberal, Hon. Reading debate to Committee. vacant. Currently, 91 or 26.9% of Information, Privacy and Ethics Refugee Protection Act in Step retired from the upper chamber. credit rate without entering into Bill would also permit spouses, Mauril Bélanger, MP, who • On 8 February 2018, the MPs are women. held a meeting to study the report with Modern Values (Standing As of 8 February 2018, the a new contract. He or she must, parents, siblings, children or died in September 2016. The government introduced Bill of the Conflict of Interest and Committee on Citizenship and standings in the Senate were: however, send the consumer a legal representatives to apply Bill received Royal Assent on 7 C-69, An Act to enact the Supreme Court Ethics Commissioner entitled Immigration) Independent Senators Group notice to that effect at least 30 for record expungement on February 2018. Impact Assessment Act and Appointments ‘The Trudeau Report’. During • Preserving Canada’s 41; Conservative Party 33; days before the date the increase behalf of deceased persons. • Bill C-36, An Act to amend the Canadian Energy Regulator On 18 December 2017, this meeting, former Ethics Heritage : the Foundation Liberal Party 12; non-affiliated 5; becomes effective. the Statistics Act, which Act, to amend the Navigation Hon. Sheilah L. Martin was Commissioner, Mary Dawson for Tomorrow (Standing vacancies 14. Currently, 45% of 2 The Act to reduce the cost of Historic secret ballot vote in strengthens the independence Protection Act and to make appointed to the Supreme discussed her finding that Prime Committee on Environment and Senators are women. certain medications covered by the the House of Commons and powers of the Chief consequential amendments Court of Canada. This Minister Trudeau breached four Sustainable Development) basic prescription drug insurance On 30 November 2017, for the Statistician, establishes the to other Acts. This Bill would appointment is the second sections of the Conflict of Interest Changes to the Ministry plan by allowing calls for tender, first time in the Parliament of Canadian Statistics Advisory make major changes to the under the Government of Act when he accepted a free The Senate On 25 January 2018, Hon. S.Q. 2016, c. 16 and the Act to Canada’s history, MPs voted Council, and removes approval process for major Canada’s new Supreme Court family vacation to the Aga Khan’s On 4 December 2017, Prime Kent Hehr, MP, the Minister extend the powers of the Régie de in a secret ballot to overturn or imprisonment as a penalty natural resources projects, selection process, in which an private island in the Bahamas in Minister, Rt Hon. Justin for Sports and Persons with l’assurance maladie du Québec, uphold a Committee ruling. Until for individuals who do not replace the National Energy independent and non-partisan December 2016. Trudeau, MP announced the Disabilities, resigned from the regulate commercial practices this vote, secret balloting had respond to Statistics Canada’s Board with the Canadian Advisory Board identifies During December 2017 and appointment of two Senators Cabinet pending an investigation relating to prescription drugs only been used in the House of requests or who provide false Energy Regulator (a body that suitable candidates for early February 2018, a number based on the advice of the into allegations that he and protect access to voluntary Commons to elect a Speaker. information. would regulate pipelines) and Supreme Court Justices. This of reports were tabled by House Independent Advisory Board made sexually inappropriate termination of pregnancy services Earlier in November, • Bill C-17, An Act to amend empower a new body, the nomination fills the vacancy Committees, including: on Senate Appointments to fill comments to women during his (modified title) S.Q. 2016, c. 28. the Standing Committee the Yukon Environmental and Impact Assessment Agency, left by the retirement of Chief • Taking action against vacancies in Manitoba and Nova time as a Member of the Alberta 3 This program offers coverage on Procedure and House Socio-economic Assessment to conduct more extensive Justice Beverley McLachlin systemic racism and religious Scotia. The new Senators are: Legislature. During his leave of to persons who are not eligible for a Affairs deemed that a Private Act repeals a number of consultation with groups on 15 December 2017. To discrimination including • Hon. Mary Coyle, a long- absence, his ministerial duties private prescription drug insurance Member’s Bill on shipwrecked provisions established by the affected by development. replace her, Rt Hon. Richard Islamophobia (Standing serving advocate for women’s will be performed by Hon. Kirsty plan, persons aged 65 and over vessels that was introduced previous government regarding • On 2 February 2018, the Wagner, who has served on the Committee on Canadian leadership, gender equality and Duncan, MP, who will serve as and last-resort financial assistance by NDP Member, Sheila the Yukon’s environmental government introduced Bill C-68, Supreme Court since 2012, was Heritage) the rights of Indigenous Peoples. Minister of Sport and Persons recipients. Malcolmson, MP, was assessment process. which would make significant appointed Chief Justice. ‘non-votable’ because the • Bill C-61, An Act to give amendments to federal fisheries • Moving the Relationship • Hon. Mary Jane McCallum, with Disabilities, in addition to government had introduced effect to the Anishinabek Nation legislation, including a ban the Forward: NAFTA Modernization a long-time provider of dental being Minister of Science. and North American Trilateral and health services to northern,

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ND 52 NEW ZEALAND PARLIAMENT OPENS THIRD READING: NEW ZEALAND New Zealand’s general election was held on 23 September Christ Church Cathedral of being a Henry VIII, accused of all sorts of sins 2017, with the official results Reinstatement Bill for identical law, actually, under far more pressing published on 7 October. The Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Bill circumstances in the immediate recovery of Although the previously passed into law on 21 December 2017 after Christchurch and Canterbury.” governing National Party won receiving unanimous support in Parliament. Mr Patterson, meanwhile, commented on the the most seats (56), it was The Bill seeks to facilitate a fast-tracked Bill’s bipartisan success, noting that “I think what unable to find support from reinstatement of the Christ Church Cathedral, we have seen is the House working at its best, another party to obtain the which was badly damaged in an earthquake with a degree of purpose and solidarity around confidence of the 120-seat in February 2011, and includes an instruction this, and it was this signal that we needed to send House of Representatives. This to the Minister to appoint a Christ Church to the people of Christchurch from this House.” was the first occasion, since Cathedral Reinstatement Review Panel to Ms Deborah Russell, MP (Labour) New Zealand adopted its MMP oversee the reinstatement project. reminisced about her first visit to the cathedral, (Mixed Member Proportional) The Minister in charge of the Bill, Dr Megan noting that “there was a plaque on the wall electoral system in 1996, that Woods, MP (Labour), stated in her Third there with those words that we all know now: the party with the most support Reading speech that “We are recognising the he tangata, he tangata, he tangata. [It is people, at the election did not form cathedral’s contribution to the cultural, social, and it is people, it is people.] … I hope that in years the government. Instead, after economic well-being of our city. It’s important to come, when I visit that cathedral again as it is approximately two weeks of to Christchurch’s regeneration and, importantly, reinstated, I hope to see that plaque again with negotiations, the Labour Party nd 52 Parliament. On resuming, it to account on “maintaining and living standards of all New its heritage value.” Dr Woods also mentioned those words about the people - the people that it (46 seats) and New Zealand the House appointed Hon. the strength and vigour and Zealanders. This Government that, alongside the Bill, she was in the process is all about.” made by the Children’s Commissioner when First (9) signed a coalition Anne Tolley, MP (National) as resilience of the New Zealand will develop a comprehensive of setting up a trust that will raise funds for, and expressing her parties support of the Bill: agreement and provided the Deputy Speaker, and Ms Poto economy.” He moved an set of environmental, social, help to deliver, the reinstatement project. Families Package (Income Tax and “Raising family incomes, enabling warmer Cabinet, with the support of the Williams, MP (Labour) and Mr amendment to the Address in and economic sustainability Hon. Nicky Wagner, MP (National) noted Benefits) Bill homes, and providing additional assistance for Green Party (8) on confidence Adrian Rurawhe, MP (Labour) Reply motion that included the indicators to better show how that “even though there’s been so much debate The Families Package (Income Tax and Benefits) the first year of a child’s life (targeted thereafter), and supply. as Assistant Speakers. statement that the government we are going as a country. It over the future of this building, even though lots Bill, a core piece of legislation arising from the will do a great deal to improve outcomes for The appointment of three As is usual, two new would be “held to account will be world leading, and it of people had different ideas and not everybody new coalition Government’s 100-day plan to our children. Income is fundamental to better Green Party members as government Members moved for its progress based on will make us a Government of supported a reinstatement, everybody has got to bring New Zealand children out of poverty, outcomes for families … ensuring all children Ministers outside Cabinet was and seconded the motion that a improvements it delivers for transformation.” the stage that we need a decision, we need to go passed into law following an urgent sitting of have the opportunity to develop and thrive…in a first for that party, as none respectful address be presented New Zealanders beyond the Hon. Ron Mark, MP (Deputy forward, and we now have a decision in place.” Parliament on 14 December 2017. The new New Zealand.” of its Members had previously to the Governor-General in impressive achievements of New Leader, New Zealand First) Ms Wagner also commented on the building’s Act forms a Families Package that contains However, Opposition Members of Parliament joined the Executive. Only one reply to her speech. Mr Tamati Zealand in the last decade.” explained his party’s reason for wider significance, noting that “it’s not only a measures to boost the incomes of low- and were critical of the Government’s decision to other party, ACT New Zealand Coffey, MP (Labour), who In reply, the new Prime choosing to enter into coalition church, but also a community facility, and also a middle-income families by increasing the Family pass the Bill under urgency, with former Minister (1 seat), returned to the House - unseated former Māori Party Minister, Rt Hon. Jacinda with the Labour Party: “New very important part of our tourism industry.” Tax Credit, by introducing a Best Start payment of Finance, Hon. Steven Joyce, MP (National) the total of five parties being the Co-Leader, Hon. Te Ururoa Ardern, MP signalled a fresh Zealand First voters signalled Mr Mark Patterson, MP (NZ First) echoed to help families with the costs incurred during calling the Bill “messy, poorly designed, smallest number of parties in Flavell from the Māori electorate start for the country: “It’s a new that they had had enough. We this sentiment when speaking of submitters’ a child’s early years of life, by introducing a confused, rushed, and that’s the quality of this the House since 1994. of Waiariki, moved the motion, beginning for everyone who here in New Zealand First heard concerns about the commitment of Government Winter Energy Payment to help both older New new Government’s law-making.” Mr Joyce said The 52nd Parliament met which was then seconded by Ms hopes to own a home of their their message. It informed our funding to the rebuilding of a privately owned Zealanders and many of our poorest families to most New Zealanders “would not have been on Tuesday 7 November for Jo Luxton, MP (Labour). own. It’s a new beginning for our subsequent negotiations, and religious institution, stating that “This is not heat their homes, and by increasing paid parental able to even make head or tail of it” and that Members to be sworn in and to Former Prime Minister, now children. It’s a new beginning for then our decision to enter into a just a church. This is a significant and historic leave to 26 weeks. the Opposition had “been able to show what a elect the Speaker. Hon. Trevor Leader of the Opposition, Rt our education system and for coalition with the New Zealand building that is intrinsically linked to the city In describing the Families Package, the shonky piece of legislation it is.” Mallard, MP (Labour), Assistant Hon. Bill English, MP (National) our health system and for our Labour Party.” of Christchurch, and anything less than a Minister of Finance, Hon. Grant Robertson, The Opposition also raised the issue that it Speaker in the 51st Parliament, congratulated the new Prime environment. And on this side of Hon. James Shaw, MP reinstatement would not have done.” MP (Labour) said, “it will make the lives of had presented numerous amendments to the was declared elected Minister, Rt Hon. Jacinda the House, it’s a new beginning (Co-Leader, Green Party) Hon. Eugenie Sage, MP (Green) children and families in New Zealand better” and Bill, with former Speaker of the House, Rt Hon. unopposed as Speaker of the Ardern, MP (Labour), and the for a coalition Government.” stressed his party’s goals as mentioned that “This Bill, as others have that “this Bill is … about making sure that New David Carter, MP (National) stating, “There are House of Representatives. The new Deputy Prime Minister, She proposed that “New part of the new Government: mentioned, does override other legislation with Zealanders get a fair share of prosperity.” He said many, many useful amendments that we offered following day, the Governor- Rt Hon. Winston Peters, Zealand needs to measure “We are here to support families these powers that the Minister has to recommend that the Treasury had looked at the package in in good faith to the Government” and that “they’ve General, Her Excellency Dame MP (NZ First), on “forming a success differently. We need and to lift children out of poverty. Orders in Council, but the Green Party is satisfied detail and had forecast that the Bill would see all been voted down - not even considered by the Patsy Reddy, DNZM, delivered unique MMP Government with to move beyond narrow We are here to save our rivers that there are sufficient checks and balances on “88,000 children lifted out of poverty, and … Government for their merit in tidying up some very the Speech from the Throne the consequence of a unique measures and the views of and our endangered species. that power.” 354,000 families benefiting by an average of messy legislation.” at the State Opening in the MMP Opposition.” He told the value, and broaden the scope We are here to solve problems However, Hon. Dr Nick Smith, MP $75 per week.” The Bill passed its Third Reading with 63 Legislative Council Chamber, new Government that “good and definition of progress. Our that the market cannot, and the (National) pointed out that “I sat in this Parliament The Minister for Children, Hon. Tracey votes in favour and 43 votes against. outlining the government’s intentions aren’t enough” and economic strategy will focus on first and the greatest of those is and heard my colleague Gerry Brownlee accused Martin, MP (NZ First) quoted comments policy commitments and that the Opposition would hold how we improve the well-being climate change.” legislative intentions for the

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take that leave. I think that he and continue as the Member for needs that leave. He needs that New England. DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER RESIGNS time to reflect. He needs that time to seek forgiveness and McCormack becomes new Deputy Prime Minister Joyce in excess of other Ministers. this week the Prime Minister More questions about Mr understanding from his wife and Deputy Prime Minister resigns following office But of more concern for Mr has expressed confidence Joyce’s suitability to perform girls. He needs to make a new On 26 February, Hon. Michael affair with staffer Joyce was confirmation that in the Deputy Prime Minister. his role were raised about home for his partner and their McCormack, MP, was The Deputy Prime Minister, after his separation from his Given it’s been confirmed this his suitability as Acting Prime baby, who is coming in April.” elected as the new Leader of Hon. Barnaby Joyce, MP, has wife he received more than six week that the Deputy Prime Minister when Mr Turnbull was Mr Joyce was not amused. the National Party and was been involved in a sex scandal months free accommodation Minister personally oversaw scheduled to leave the country He criticised the Prime consequently appointed as the which has created a crisis from a local businessman, Mr the reallocation of staff where during the week commencing Minister for being “inept” and Deputy Prime Minister replacing for himself and the Liberal/ Greg Maguire. The Opposition he had a conflict of interest, 19 February. During Parliament making matters worse with the failed Barnaby Joyce. In a National Coalition Government. scrutinised this matter heavily breached the Ministerial on 15 February Mr Turnbull his comments. Members of surprise leadership election the In February, it was reported that during Question Time. Standards by asking for rent- advised that “the Deputy Prime the Nationals were incensed outspoken backbencher, Mr Mr Joyce had left his wife of 24 The Shadow Attorney- free accommodation, repeatedly Minister will be taking leave from because they interpreted Mr George Christensen, MP, was years and his four daughters General, Hon. Mark Dreyfus, misled the House and allowed Monday 19 February to Sunday Turnbull’s condemnation as an also nominated. for his former staffer, Ms Vikki QC, MP, in a question to Mr agencies to use taxpayers’ 25 February. Accordingly, he will attempt to remove the Deputy Mr McCormack is 53 and Campion, who is expecting Joyce stated, “four times the money to pay his close business not be able to be Acting Prime Prime Minister. The Leader holds the regional seat of his baby. The Opposition was Deputy Prime Minister told mate, when will the Prime Minister while I’m overseas on of the Opposition claimed Riverina in southern New initially reluctant to scrutinise the Parliament that he did not Minister do as is required under Thursday, Friday, Saturday and that it was “open warfare” South Wales. Some of the this noting that it was a personal approach Mr Greg Maguire his own Ministerial Standards Sunday of next week.” between the Prime Minister towns in the electorate include to ask him for a place to stay. matter. Parliamentarians are and sack the Deputy Prime Tension between the Prime and his Deputy. The next day, Cootamundra, Cowra, Forbes, staff. Mr Turnbull emphasised you know what attitudes in the Since then, the Daily Telegraph often cautious about these Minister.” Minister and Deputy Prime Mr Turnbull and Mr Joyce met Wagga Wagga, and Young. the massive support that corporate world and elsewhere and The Australian have both issues for fear of tit-for-tat Mr Turnbull responded that Minister reached a tipping point privately and indicated that they The Prime Minister, Hon. partners and children give and are, to this kind of thing. So, it publicly confirmed that Mr reprisals. “Honourable Members have when Mr Turnbull was scathing could work together but the Malcolm Turnbull, MP, the sacrifices they make in is about time that this change Maguire told them it was the Media scrutiny of Mr Joyce, heard the comments of the in his criticism of Mr Joyce and Prime Minister did not apologise commented that “I’m delighted supporting the political careers was made. Probably should Deputy Prime Minister who however, raised questions Leader of the House. In terms of stated that his actions were for his comments. to welcome the appointment of Ministers. Mr Turnbull advised have been made a long time phoned Mr Maguire. Has the “shocking error about his use of public the Ministerial Standards, I have the result of a Mr Joyce was under growing of Michael McCormack as the that the following words would ago. While I have inherited Deputy Prime Minister already of judgement.” resources and his capacity received absolutely unequivocal While Mr Joyce pressure to resign as Deputy new Leader of the National Party be included: ‘Ministers should this ministerial code from misled the Parliament four to perform his role as Deputy assurances from the Deputy had not breached the Ministerial Prime Minister. He initially took and Deputy Prime Minister. be very conscious that their other authors and other Prime times today, in breach of the Prime Minister. For example, Prime Minister that he has fully Standards as they were drafted a defiant position and refused Michael McCormack is a strong spouses and children sacrifice Ministers, ultimately, it is my Ministerial Standards?” Ms Campion was moved from complied with all parliamentary at that time, Mr Turnbull stated to do so. On 22 February, it advocate for rural Australia. He a great deal so they can carry signature on it and mine alone. “I think we know that the Mr Joyce’s office and found Mr Joyce responded that disclosure requirements and that was reported that a sexual will continue his party’s long on their political career. Their This is the standard that I will “Mr Maguire approached me. real issue is the terrible hurt and a job in the office of National with the Statement of Ministerial harassment complaint had tradition of standing up for families deserve honour and hold, from this day forth, all of He made an offer. I offered to humiliation that Barnaby by his Party Minister, Senator Hon. Standards. He has given me been lodged against Mr Joyce farmers and all those living in respect. Ministers should also my Ministers to.” pay for it. He said that I didn’t conduct, has visited on his wife, Matt Canavan. When Senator unequivocal assurances that he by a West Australian woman. regional Australia. The Liberal recognise that they must lead Mr Turnbull’s announcement have to worry about it, because Natalie and their daughters Canavan stood down because has been scrupulous in ensuring Mr Joyce responded that it was Party has been in coalition with by example. Values should be caught many people by surprise. I was a mate.” In a subsequent and indeed, his new partner. there were concerns that he the legitimacy and accuracy “spurious and defamatory.” The the Nationals for more than lived.’ In particular, Mr Turnbull About a week earlier, Independent question, Mr Dreyfus asked Mr Barnaby made a shocking might be a dual citizen, Ms of any claim for entitlement Western Australian branch of the seventy years and our enduring indicated that the following MP Ms Cathy McGowan also Joyce, “answers to questions on error of judgement in having Campion was transferred to to ministerial, parliamentary National Party called on Mr Joyce and successful political requirement would be included: proposed that there be a ban notice from Senate estimates an affair with a young woman the office of another Nationals or travel allowance. If the to resign. A backbench National partnership will continue under ‘Ministers, regardless of whether on sex between Ministers and make clear that an agency working in his office. In doing Member, Mr Damian Drum, Honourable Members opposite Party Member, Mr Andrew Broad, Michael’s leadership of the they are married or single, their staff but this was met with under the Deputy Prime so, he has set off a world of woe MP. When the Treasurer, Hon. wish to assert that he has MP, made a public statement National Party. I congratulate must not engage in sexual derision most notably by the Minister’s administration for those women and appalled Scott Morrison, MP, was breached a clause in the that Mr Joyce should quit. The Michael McCormack on his relations with their staff. Doing Deputy Leader of the Liberals and made a payment of more than all of us. Our hearts go out to interviewed about the validity of Ministerial Standards then they pressure was mounting. appointment and I look forward so will constitute a breach of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. $5,000 of taxpayers’ money to a them. It has been a dreadful these staff placements within should identify the clause.” On 23 February, Mr Joyce to working closely with him and standards.’ Julie Bishop, MP. Ms Bishop business owned by the Deputy thing for them to go through in the National Party he was asked The crisis caused tension fronted the media and indicated the entire Coalition team in the Mr Turnbull concluded that “I in response to Ms McGowan’s Prime Minister’s close friend, Mr the glare of publicity. Marriage who was authorised to check between the Liberal and National that he would step down as interests of all Australians.” am not here to moralise, but we proposal stated that “the Greg Maguire. Is it the position break-ups are dreadful, but to these movements. Mr Morrison, Party Members. The Leader of Leader of the National Party and must recognise that whatever Government has no business of the Deputy Prime Minister do it, to have to experience it a Liberal Member, confirmed the Opposition had challenged consequently Deputy Prime Prime Minister bans sex may have been acceptable, or interfering into people’s personal that he was unaware of this in the full glare of the spotlight, that it was Mr Joyce as Leader Mr Turnbull to sack Mr Joyce but Minister. He noted that the between Ministers and their to which a blind eye was turned lives and we wouldn’t want to cross payment?” Mr Joyce admitted is a dreadful business. Now, of the National Party who was under the Coalition arrangement mounting pressure, constant staff in the past, today in 2018, it is the line, so moral police were able that he was unaware of the Barnaby knows he made that responsible. this was not possible. The media attention on his family As a result of the Barnaby Joyce not acceptable for a Minister to dictate what happens between payment. shocking error of judgement. Further questions were National Party elects its leader and new partner, and the recent scandal, the Prime Minister, to have a sexual relationship consenting adults.” The Leader of the He knows that he let down his raised about Mr Joyce’s unusual and that person becomes complaint against him made it Hon. Malcolm Turnbull, MP, with somebody who works for At this stage it is not clear Opposition, wife and daughters and he has high claim of 50 nights travel Hon. Bill Shorten, Deputy Prime Minister so only impractical for him to continue. changed the Ministerial Code them. It is a very bad workplace how the new sex ban in apologised for that and to them. allowance in Canberra when MP, asked the Prime Minister, the parliamentary National Party Mr Joyce concluded that he of Conduct to rule out sex practice. Everybody knows that the code of conduct will be He is taking leave next week Parliament was not sitting. Hon. Malcolm Turnbull, MP, can remove Mr Joyce. would go to the backbenches between Ministers and their no good comes of it. Of course, monitored and enforced. The figure reported was well a question stating that “all and I have encouraged him to

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Australian Border Force Amendment (Protected Information) Act 2017 THIRD READING: AUSTRALIA INCREASE IN WOMEN’S LOCAL REPRESENTATION IN SRI LANKA The Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Protection and the Australian Border Force, and of the First Home Super Saver Scheme could Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, country, where women were Hon. Dinesh Gunawardena, in 2012 had lot of issues that Hon. Peter Dutton, MP, commented that the course that should also extend to the contractors boost the savings they can put towards a deposit MP, Minister of Provincial given a quota of 25%. He also MP stated that the new electoral have been addressed in this new “Australian Border Force, supports a broad range of who provide services to them.” Senator Carr by at least 30% compared with saving through Councils and Local Government mentioned that the requests system that gave priority to the legislation by making provisions activities that are vital for the prosperity and security of commented that the legislation “now before the a standard deposit account. This is due to the presented this Bill to Parliament of Political Party Leaders ward system was introduced to elect 60% Members through our nation. Facilitation of international trade, the supply Senate gives the Minister, not the Secretary, the concessional tax treatment - the very generous on 20 June 2017, the Second were taken into consideration on the recommendation of the ward system and 40% of skilled labour for our domestic economy, business power to prescribe additional protected information concessional tax treatment - and the higher rate of Reading in the Sri Lanka to increase the quota of the Special Committee on through the proportional relationships, revenue collection, law enforcement by legislative instrument. The instrument is subject earnings often realised within superannuation.” Parliament took place on 24 proportional representation to the Electoral System that was representation system. and national security outcomes, travel and tourism to disallowance, as it was in the original form of the During debate in the Senate, Senator Katy August 2017 and consideration 40% in order to facilitate the appointed by Parliament in Hon. V.S. Radhakrishnan, and community protection are all important elements Bill. The amended Bill is a great improvement on the Gallagher indicated that Labor would not oppose of the Bill at the Committee of representation of all parties. 2002, subsequent to a Private MP, State Minister of Education in building a strong and cohesive society.” original because the power to prescribe protected the legislation. However, Senator Gallagher the Whole Parliament was held Hon. Anura Kumara Members’ Motion moved by him while appreciating the move to Mr Dutton stated that “to carry out these information should not rest with an unelected public commented that “whilst I’ve said we won’t oppose on 25 August 2017. Dissanayake, MP, Chief in 2002 to introduce a mixed elect members by ward system functions, my department obtains information from servant; it is properly exercised by the Minister, who these Bills through the Parliament, we certainly The purpose of the Bill was Opposition Whip stated that electoral system. He pointed and proportional representation individuals, industry, other sectors of government can be held accountable by Parliament.” don’t believe that these measures, in isolation of a to bring amendments to rectify the main feature of the Bill out the adverse side of the system pointed out the and foreign partners. Some of this information is broader housing response, will reduce the pressure the technical issues that had was to change the preferential preferential voting system and shortcomings of not considering highly sensitive and must be carefully managed. Treasury Laws Amendment (Reducing on housing affordability that is needed, particularly in arisen when the New Electoral votes electoral system while requested that the government the issues of minority parties and We must ensure that it is only used and disclosed Pressure on Housing Affordability certain markets.” Senator Gallagher noted that “this System was introduced in safeguarding proportional hold the elections for the local minority communities. He also for legitimate purposes.” The Minister advised that Measures No. 1) Act 2017 government, which has now been in power for five 2012 by the Local Authorities representation. He also stated authorities very soon. requested that the grievances the amending legislation “clarifies the secrecy In Australia, home ownership is becoming more years, has failed to have a Minister responsible for Elections (Amendment) Act No. that unlike the previous Hon. Douglas Devananda, of minority communities be and disclosure provisions in the Australian Border difficult particularly in Sydney and Melbourne. First housing, has failed to have a housing strategy, has 22, 2012 and to make provisions preferential voting system, the MP appreciated the decision to addressed properly and make Force Act 2015 (the ABF Act) to reflect the policy homeowners are under increasing pressure as failed to renegotiate a national housing agreement for the compulsory 30% youth new electoral system fulfills make provisions for mandatory arrangements to increase their intent of those provisions.” house prices, in some markets, are increasing at over and has failed in any way to respond to the genuine representation in Local Authorities. the aspirations of the people women’s representation representation through the ward The Minister explained that “Part 6 of the 10% a year. The Assistant Minister to the Treasurer, pressures that are affecting particularly those on Through the Committee to have a Member for their in the local authorities and system. ABF Act establishes these important secrecy Hon. Michael Sukkar, MP, commented that lower incomes, those who are renting and those Stage Amendment, provisions constituency. He also pointed requested that the Minister Hon. Dr Sudarshini and disclosure provisions, similar to provisions “Australians are entering the housing market later in who are struggling to enter the housing market to were made for a 25% mandatory out the difficulties for the small to take appropriate steps to Fernandopulle, MP, State that were in place within the former Australian life than previous generations and home ownership is deal with some of the distortions that we have seen requirement of women’s parties in nominating women address the grievances of Minister of City Planning and Customs and Border Protection Service and a falling out of reach for many younger Australians. With in recent years.” Senator Gallagher noted that representation for the constitution representatives, that the small minority communities and to Water Supply expressed range of other Commonwealth agencies. These house prices high, difficulty saving a deposit is a key Labor’s approach to fixing housing affordability of local authority bodies and parties are entitled to send one introduce multi member wards her pleasure in the decision protections prohibited the unauthorised making of a barrier to getting into the market.” Mr Sukkar noted was to reform negative gearing and the capital to prohibit public officers who or two members to the local to maintain democracy. to making 25% women’s record or disclosure of information. Breach of these that the measures in the Bill “will help Australians gains tax discount. In Australia, investors can claim engaged in field-based activities authorities and also suggested Hon. Rauff Hakeem, MP, representation mandatory requirements is punishable by imprisonment for two boost their savings for their first home by allowing deductions against losses on their investments, seeking nomination if they had not not to make it compulsory Minister of City Planning and in the local authorities and years.” Mr Dutton noted that the Australian Border them to build a deposit inside superannuation.” such as real estate, against their other taxable ceased to serve in the particular for small parties to nominate Water Supply pointed out the stated that the women’s 30% Force Amendment (Protected Information) Bill In addition, Mr Sukkar advised that “older income. In addition, if they sell an investment after local authority, one year prior to women Members. major issues of the delimitation representation in Parliament also “will clarify part 6 and related provisions to reflect the Australians will also be given greater flexibility to holding it for more than 12 months they can claim a the election. Hon. Ajith Perera, MP, report and requested that the need to be safeguarded. She original intent of the legislation, which is to prevent contribute the proceeds of the sale of their home 50% capital gains tax concession. The Minister of Provincial Deputy Minister of Power and Minister give assurances and take also stated that the Women’s the unauthorised disclosure of information that could into superannuation. This will help free up housing Senator Cory Bernardi, Australian Councils and Local Government, Renewable Energy stated that action to rectify the anomalous Caucus recommended that cause harm to the national or public interest.” stock, in particular larger homes, for younger families Conservatives, commented that “the Australian at the Second Reading there are various techniques situation by creating sufficient women’s representation need The Minister explained that “the aim of the by reducing barriers to older Australians downsizing Conservatives can and will support schedule 2 in introduced the Bill and stated that used universally to increase number of multi member wards to be increased not only in local measures in this Bill, therefore, is to ensure that form homes that no longer meet their needs.” From 1 this Bill - that is, the downsizer super scheme for the pith and substance of this Bill women representation in to address the grievances of the authorities but in all sectors Immigration and Border Protection information is July 2018, people aged 65 and older will be able to those aged 65 and over - but it cannot support is to facilitate and conduct the legislatures. In Sri Lanka, minority parties. including statutory bodies and provided with the necessary level of protection, in make an exempt non-concessional contribution of schedule 1, the First Home Super Saver Scheme. Local Authorities Election in the women’s contributions in the Hon. Lasantha provisions should be made in a targeted manner, but is also able to be disclosed up to $300,000 to their superannuation after selling The downsizer scheme will likely achieve its goals New Electoral system, which was legal, health, education and all Alagiyawanna, MP, Deputy the Constitution in this regard. when it is appropriate to do so.” The Minister noted their main residential home. The measure will apply to some extent. It will likely reduce the barrier to approved by the Local Authorities other areas are commendable Minister of Finance and Most of the Members that “as not all information obtained by my department to homes held for a minimum of 10 years, and both downsizing for those aged 65 and over with a Election (Amendment) Act, No. other than in the political field. Mass Media stated that the spoke favourably for the requires protection, the definition of the information members of a couple may take advantage of it. That type of lock-in effect and free up family homes 22, 2012. The New Electoral Therefore, the proposal was to Government wanted to rectify new electoral system and for to be protected has been refined to include only is, up to $600,000 of contributions may be made by for younger people and growing families to buy, system was introduced to abolish have minimum 25% women the shortcomings of the making provisions for women’s certain kinds of information, such as that relating to: a couple upon downsizing. enabling better use of our housing stock. The First the preferential voting system representation in local authorities. proportional representation representation. Members also the security, defence and international relations of The First Home Super Saver Scheme provides Home Super Scheme will achieve little, if anything at and to elect Members through a She said that due consideration system by way of introducing pointed out that the elections Australia; prevention, detection and investigation of that from 1 July 2017, individuals can make voluntary all. Its take-up will likely be small and by those quite proportional representation and would be given to the grievances both a ward system and a should not be delayed. offences; protection of public health and safety; or contributions of up to $15,000 per year and $30,000 sophisticated or savvy in finance, tax, super and fine ward system. of all small parties and minority proportional representation The Bill was passed by sensitive personal and commercial matters.” in total, to their superannuation account to purchase print and who can probably afford a deposit anyway. He further stated that the communities and an increase system together, which would majority vote by conducting During debate in the Senate, the Shadow a first home. Mr Sukkar explained that “these Extra complexity is great for the elites. It’s great for present Government introduced in the ratio of proportional help each constituency to elect electronic voting as per the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and contributions, along with generous deemed earnings, financial advisers and their children but tends to female representation through representation up to 40% would their Members as per the choice request made by Hon. Dinesh Research, Senator Hon. Kim Carr indicated can be withdrawn for a deposit. Withdrawals will be ensure inequity. Complexity is often inequitable the Local Authorities Elections guarantee the representation of the people of the particular Gunawardena for a division. The that Labor supported the legislation “because, in taxed at marginal tax rates less a 30% offset and are in the areas of finance, tax, super and regulation. (Amendment) Act, No. 1, 2016 of small parties in the local area. He further stated that the Bill was endorsed by the Hon. principle, we support transparency in the operations allowed from 1 July 2018.” Keeping rules simple and the number of schemes which was a very progressive authorities. Amendment brought to the Speaker on 31 August 2017 and of the Department of Immigration and Border Mr Sukkar commented that “for most people, minimal is often the most equitable path to take.” move in the history of the Local Government Elections Act came into effect on the same day.

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RESTORATION AND REFURBISHMENT AT THE PALACE OF WESTMINSTER In 1834 it was the tally sticks. In the 21st century, it will be systems] – the kind that MP (Labour) put forward an Relics of a long defunct the mechanical and electrical would require the Palace to be amendment. The effect of this accounting method, they services – gas, steam pipes, abandoned immediately - is a would be the full endorsement were deemed obsolete and drainage, sewage, electricity real possibility.” and implementation of the Joint ordered to be burnt in the – that underlay, in many cases They concluded that: “there Committee’s recommendations furnaces beneath the Palace of literally, the Palace. Crammed is a clear and pressing need to immediately: including Westminster. The intense heat into the basements, Victorian tackle the work required to the agreement to the proposal that set House of Lords chamber steam pipes compete for space Palace of Westminster and to MPs and Peers move out of the alight. Fire spread rapidly with 21st century data cables. do so in a comprehensive and Palace of Westminster for the destroying almost all the The congestion of systems strategic manner to prevent duration of the work. ancient Palace of Westminster. built on top of one another catastrophic failure in the On 31 January 2018, the The ‘new’ Palace created by since the 1860s which have not next decade. We have also House of Commons debated Pugin and Barry rose in its been renewed since the 1940s concluded that, in principle, the issue. Introducing the place over the next thirty years. and are at least forty years past a full decant of the Palace of debate for the Government, In the 50 years preceding the their anticipated lifespan. Westminster presents the best the Leader of the House, Rt Images: copyright UK Parliament fire, MPs and experts had In 2016, a Joint Committee option under which to deliver Hon. Andrea Leadsom, MP, Speaking against the refurbish it, restore it, renew it it was likely that no progress The electricity supply goes warned of the risks posed by of seven MP and six Peers this work.” stated that “this debate should Government, Hon. Chris and revive it, and on that basis could be made until time was down completely. A huge the building’s design and the tasked with looking at the issue In summary, in the mid- have taken place about 40 Bryant, MP (Labour), allow ourselves to have a new found for the [MPs] to debate demonstration which happens danger of a catastrophic fire concluded that a “complete 2020s, MPs and Peers years ago.” She emphasised a Member of the Joint building for future generations.” this matter again and, in effect, to be taking place in Parliament spreading. and sudden failure of [these would leave the Palace of “the need to be sure that we Committee, accused the He concluded: “As Members reconsider the position that Square means that the Westminster and relocate are acting in the right way, with Government of wanting to kick of this House, when we enter it agreed last week only after emergency services cannot to other buildings in the the right planning and design the issues into the “very, very each day we walk over stones lengthy delays and a series of get to us quickly. There are immediate vicinity of capabilities in place. … we long grass” which would be an that were laid by William the votes, and I am afraid that we hundreds of casualties and Parliament whilst the work to have to be able to justify to our “utter dereliction of our duty” Conqueror’s descendants. would be no closer to making possibly fatalities. How do we repair the Palace took place. constituents and to taxpayers and be “degrading and national We walk where Cromwell progress.” feel about continuing to carry The Committee set out a that we are doing what is asset.” He was among many marched his army. We hear Rt Hon. Lord Naseby that risk for seven years or series of steps for how the necessary to safeguard the MPs who highlighted the risks echoes around this building, sought to challenge the more?” full relocation, restoration, Palace of Westminster and that to MPs, visitors and staff from the place where Wilberforce Commons conclusions “on Rt Hon. Baroness Stowell and renewal of Parliament we have thoroughly examined the state of the building. chanted the call for freedom. the grounds of cost, timing of Beeston, Co-Chairman should be set in motion. The the costs.” Meg Hillier, who proposed We pass through corridors and particularly the impact of the Joint Committee, first stage was the formal The “eye watering” cost the amended motion endorsing where the smoke of Winston internally and externally.” emphasised “We are the approval of both Houses to of the work also concerned immediate action argued: Churchill would have passed However, Lord Naseby’s view custodians of something its recommendations and the Hon. Pete Wishart, MP (SNP): “We need to make a decision by. … If we really love this was not the majority in the precious that belongs to setting up of a body to manage “Of all the things this House tonight about this building. building, as many say they do, debate and eventually he everyone. We owe it to the the project. The Committee can do to endear itself to our … This building is at risk we should be brave and urge… withdrew his opposition. public, whose building this set out a draft motion for both constituents, spending billions unless we make a decision. that we get on with this process A former Clerk of the is, to follow the route that is Houses to approve. of pounds on renovating Let us move forward and get expeditiously.” House, Rt Hon. Lord Lisvane quickest, with the lowest cost 2016 and 2017 passed our place of work is not one the full costings and the full The Government’s told of his “sleepless hours” and the lowest risk.” The House without the Government of them. In these days of programme of works so that we arguments did not succeed when he was the legally of Lords agreed to the motion bringing forward the austerity and tightening of can get on with the job.” and MPs voted in favour of the responsible officer for parts without dividing. necessary motion. In January belts, and with the impending The Northern Ireland proposal to press ahead with of the estate. He painted a These votes mean that the 2018, it put two alternative economic disaster of Brexit MP, Hon. Ian Paisley, MP the full decant. graphic picture of the risks: next phase of the restoration proposals to MPs. Neither coming our way, I would (Democratic Unionist Party) The following week the “A highly plausible scene and renewal project begins. implemented the Committee’s bet this would be near the admitted that he started a House of Lords debated the might be on a hot summer’s The project’s website suggests recommendations in full; bottom or at the very bottom sceptic about the urgency of MPs’ decision. In the Upper evening, with both Houses that is “thought to be the both sought – in different of the public’s concerns.” the work, but “the evidence House, the Leader of the sitting late to finish business biggest and most complex ways – to delay the moment The Scottish Nationalists led to one undoubtable and House of Lords, Rt Hon. before the Recess. One of the renovation programme of any when Parliamentarians would demanded included that unalterable conclusion: in order Baroness Evans of Bowes too many minor fires, which single building this country has need to make the decision further consideration be given for us to preserve a building Park had “no hesitation we are told occur each year, known.” on whether to relocate. In to the relocation of Parliament that we love, a heritage that in commending” MPs’ swiftly becomes a major fire response to this the Chair of outside London for the duration we cherish and a history that conclusions. She urged peers and spreads rapidly because For further information visit https:// the influential Public Accounts of the works. we are in charge of, we have not to divert from the MPs’ of the lack of completed restorationandrenewal.parliament.uk. Committee, Hon. Meg Hillier, to decant from this building, decision. “This would mean fire compartmentation.

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On 29 January 2018, the first day the rights of Muslim women the fastest growing economies in informal sector of the economy. of the first session of the year, the and expressed hope that the the world and the world is eager Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab (BJD) President of India, Shri Ram Nath Muslim Women (Protection of to hear its voice. lamented that democracy is PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS TO INDIA PARLIAMENT Kovind addressed the Members Rights on Marriage) Act, 2017 The leader of the INC in getting converted into a show of of both Houses of Parliament criminalizing triple talaq will be Lok Sabha, Shri Mallikarjun numerical strength. He objected credibility as the promises made Tribes and Muslims. He refuted in general. Smt. Rama Devi blamed the previous government assembled together in the Central passed by Parliament soon. Kharge enumerated the various to the central government in 2014 are yet to be fulfilled. the charge that nothing has been (BJP) lauded the efforts of the for the increase in the non- Hall of Parliament House. The Bill proposes to declare developments that took place decision unilaterally declaring Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia done in the Congress-rule period. government to eradicate poverty. performing assets of banks. The endeavour of the pronouncement of talaq-e-biddat during the Congress rule period 115 districts as most backward (INC) said internal security, Shri Om Birla (BJP) felt happy Shri N.K. Premchandran (RSP) The money belonging to the government towards by Muslim husbands void and in areas like agriculture, industry, districts and sending central foreign policy and the economy that the fate of villages, the poor said poverty, unemployment and poor people of the country was strengthening economic and illegal and a punishable offence. space and atomic energy. He representatives to those districts are in shambles, government is and farmers is changing under inequality have become glaring plundered and those responsible social democracy is helping Shri Kovind said a sustained alleged that communal forces to monitor development works. unable to generate employment the leadership of Prime Minister and intolerance is threatening the have to provide answers to the redefine our national life. These debate is required on the subject have raised their heads, while Shri Anandrao Adsul (Shiv and an atmosphere of intolerance Shri Modi. Shri Radheshyam secular fabric of India. He asked country. He said his government efforts are establishing a new of simultaneous elections to weaker sections are being Sena) said demonetization is prevailing all over the country. Biswas (AIUDF) pointed out that the government to explain what has not granted any loans which social order in the country which Lok Sabha and Legislative harassed and freedom of speech has a negative effect on Dr Sanjay Jaiswal (BJP), rises in the prices of essential its vision of a new India is. Shri might result in the NPA. Listing provides equal opportunity to Assemblies and all political curtailed. The non-performing everyone’s trade, be it small describing the 2018-19 Budget commodities is causing Ramesh Bidhuri (BJP), drawing the various achievements of his the poor to march ahead. The parties need to arrive at a assets of banks (NPAs) have traders, industrialists, farmer presented on 1 February 2018 as difficulties to the common people attention to the benefits of the government, he said, “When we President said the government consensus on the issue. He said increased and Aadhaar is being or labourers. GST is good for pro-growth said there has been and there is an increase in the Skill India programme, said when compare the work done in three is committed to doubling the the government’s fight against misused during the BJP rule. the future but initially it has put a constant decrease in inflation, number of jobless youths and a poor person becomes a skilled years of the NDA government income of farmers by the year corruption is continuing and He asked the government to negative effect on the economic balance of payments, fiscal crime against women. labourer, nobody can exploit him to that done by the Congress 2022, removing their difficulties digital transactions are being decriminalize triple talaq in the conditions. Shri B. Vinod Kumar deficit and current account deficit Shri P. K. Kunhalikutty (IUML) and he can draw a good salary overall...When we compare the and raising the living standard. promoted. Aadhaar (unique proposed law. (TRS) enumerated the various since 2014. Shri C. Mahendran asserted that the government has by showing his skill training facts, figures and numbers...well, He mentioned the Pradhan identity number) has helped Dr P. Venugopal (AIADMK) developmental schemes started (AIADMK) believed inter-linking of no major achievement to its credit. certificate. what comparison are we even Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana which secure the rights of the poor by supporting the motion said by the State government of rivers will solve inter-state water Referring to the government’s Shri Rajesh Ranjan (RJD) talking about? There is none. The provides farmers affordable and eliminating middlemen and digital farmers are desperate, youths Telengana. sharing disputes and the problem claim to double the income observed that along with one Congress has failed the people simple crop insurance services. payments are being carried out are not getting employment and Shri Mohammad Salim of drought. In the time of natural of the farmers by 2022, Shri GST, one country, there should miserably.” Shri Kovind said more than 82% in more than 400 schemes of the common man is in difficulty (CPI-M) said merely participating calamities, agriculture loans Dushyant Chautala (INLD) said be one health, one education. The Prime Minister held of villages have been connected the government. He said India due to the rise in the prices in the electoral process and the should be waived and farmers be the government has no formula to Shri K.H. Muniyappa (INC) the Congress responsible by roads as compared to 56% in is the youngest nation and the of essential commodities. He casting of votes does not make compensated for the loss of crops. achieve this. lamented that there is no proper for partitioning the country 2014 and the target is to provide government has started Start- requested the government to a democracy and economic and Kumari Sushmita Dev (INC) Shri Kaushalendra Kumar scheme to provide irrigation for electoral and petty gains road connectivity to every village Up India, Stand-Up India, Skill consider waiver of farmers’ loans. political freedom is a must. So asked the government to pass (JD-U) said the confidence of facilities to drought prone areas and accused it of devoting its by 2019. The government has India and Pradhanmantri Mudra Shri Mulayam Singh Yadav many promises have been made the Bill providing for one third foreign investors has increased on a permanent basis. There energies to the interests of one a target of providing a house Yojana to help the youth to realize (SP) observed the protection and by the government that people reservation of seats in Lok Sabha due to the economic progress should be adequate funding to family, while neglecting the to every poor and homeless their dreams and encourage safety of minorities and women is are beginning to doubt whether and State Legislative Assemblies. made by India and thanked help the Scheduled Castes and interests of the nation. Rejecting household by the year 2022. self-employment. Shri Kovind more important than slogans like they will ever be fulfilled. Ensuring ease of doing politics the Prime Minister for showing Scheduled Tribes to achieve the contention that the Congress Broadband connectivity will congratulated the paramilitary, Swacch Bharat. The Bill on triple Shri Thota Narasimham for women and having more concern for the farmers and social, educational and economic Party and Pandit Jawaharlal be provided to 250,000 village military and the police forces for talaq presented in the House (TDP) regretted that the women in Parliament is the labour class. equality. Smt. Jayshreeben Nehru, the first Prime Minister Panchayats which will play a the improvement in the internal should be enacted but the haste President’s Address does not answer to fight gender inequality. Shri T. Radhakrishnan Patel (BJP) said GST will benefit of India, gave democracy to the major role in taking e-health, security of the country. shown suggests the motive mention the implementation of Shri Prem Singh (AIADMK) was happy that the the consumers as it will lead to country, Shri Narendra Modi said e-education, e-governance and Moving the Motion of Thanks to draw political mileage in the provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Chandumajra (SAD) felt happy government aims to create an reduction in prices of various India had thriving democracy e-commerce to each village of on the President’s Address on ensuing elections. Reorganization Act, 2014 which that millions of homeless people educated, healthy and clean commodities. Shri Ram Kumar even in ancient periods. The the country. 6 February 2018, Shri Rakesh Shri Kalyan Banerjee (AITC) bifurcated Andhra Pradesh into have been provided houses. He India. Dr Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar Sharma (RLSP) said India will Congress has no respect for The National Health Policy Singh (BJP) said common said the rosy picture shown in the two States. He requested the welcomed the government’s (AITC) said the weak, women achieve development and democracy as it did not allow seeks to provide better and people have started debating the President’s Address is only for central government give a special decision to fix the minimum and children have become more prosperity under the leadership Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who affordable healthcare facilities development and achievements publicity. Demonetization failed economic package to Andhra support price (MSP) at one vulnerable under the BJP rule. Shri of Prime Minister Modi. became the Deputy Prime to the poor and middle class, of the government instead of to eradicate black money but led Pradesh. Shri Tariq Anwar (NCP) and a half times of the cost of Jagdambika Pal (BJP) believed Replying to the debate on Minister, to lead the country even besides promoting traditional scandals and corruption. He to loss of millions of jobs in the said the ruling party has lost its production. that by 2022 every one will get a 7 February 2017, the Prime though of 12 out of 15 Congress methods of treatment, such narrated the government’s Shri Bhagwant Mann (AAP) home and every home will have Minister, Shri Narendra Modi committees supported him while as Yoga and Ayurveda. The achievements in areas like said youths of Punjab are bearing a gas cylinder, gas stoves and narrated the various efforts made 3 chose not to take sides. The government is committed to sanitation, housing, power, the brunt of unemployment and toilets. The government has done by his government to augment Prime Minister asserted that strengthening and modernising insurance cover, medical facility the government has failed to commendable work in the health job opportunities in the country. had Sardar Patel become the school and higher education and banking. provide employment to them. and education sectors. He criticized the manner in which Prime Minister of India, a part of systems. Members were Seconding the motion, Shri Shri Jai Prakash Narayan Shri Asaduddin Owaisi the previous Congress-led Kashmir would not have been informed about the government’s Pralhad Venkatesh Joshi Yadav (RJD) said the President’s (AIMIM) said the Bill on triple talaq central government handled the under the Pakistani occupation. efforts for the economic, social (BJP) said the government is Address shows no concern once made into law will destroy bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh After a long 10 hours and educational empowerment working towards strengthening towards middle class, young Muslim marriages forever. He and the misuse of article 356 of 43 minutes debate, all the of the minorities and the welfare of economic democracy and women, farmers, retailers asked the government to give the Constitution by the Congress amendments moved were of the backward communities. social justice. Lauding the and prescribes no formula seven percent reservation to party to oust the governments negatived and the Motion of The President expressed the achievements of the government, for providing employment to Muslim women in education and of the opposition parties in Thanks on the President’s Address government’s resolve to protect he said India has become one of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled land ownership rights to women the States. The Prime Minister was adopted in Lok Sabha.

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The Footwear Design and Development and post-doctoral distinctions and research human resources and contributing to the growth Institute Bill, 2017 in all areas or disciplines relating to footwear of society. From relatively small beginnings, THIRD READING: INDIA The Footwear Design and Development Institute and leather products design and development the Indian information technology industry has was established in India in 1986 with the objective and to frame Statutes and Ordinances and to emerged as a strong and credible force and is received as a welcome legislation. The Minister Technology in the First Schedule and inserted Technology Science Education and Research of providing skilled human resource to the alter, modify or rescind the same. The Institute now recognised as a major constituent of the in-charge of the Bill in his reply to the debates a Second Schedule incorporating therein five for research and innovations in the field of leather sector. The footwear, leather and retail would be open to all races, creeds, and classes. global information technology services industry. In thanked the Members for their support for the new Indian Institutes of Science Education basic sciences like Chemistry, Biology, Earth sector in India had been growing both in terms Provision would be made for the maintenance order to develop manpower for different areas of legislation. The Minister in his speech allayed the and Research. The Act was further amended Sciences, etc. These would be all-India of value and volume. India is the third biggest of a Fund by the Institute which shall be applied the knowledge economy, education and training fears that public-private-partnership for further in 2014 incorporating the Indian Institute of institutes in which the best of the best students market of footwear and prominent exporter of towards meeting the expenses of the Institute. in information technology is a prerequisite. expansion of IITs would lead to exorbitant hike in Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur come from all over India to join research and the footwear and leather goods. Being a highly Presently, four Indian Institutes of fees and this was unfounded. The Minister inter in the Third Schedule to the Act. innovation. The Minister also emphasised that labour intensive industry, the requirement for Debate: The Bill broadly found favour with Information Technology have been established alia stressed that there is lot to do in the field of Consequent upon the bifurcation of the State the purpose of the education system is to bring trained human resources for leather and footwear Members during the discussion on the Bill in both at Jabalpur, Kancheepuram, Gwalior hardware. He observed that despite India being of Andhra Pradesh and as provided in section out a good human being out of them. Hence, sector is immense. There is a strong need for Houses of Parliament. Members commented and Allahabad which are public funded recognised the world over as an IT soft power, 93 of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, it becomes imperative to have humanities upgradation of the Institution enabling it to deal that the Footwear Design and Development and governed by the Indian Institutes of India had made neither Google nor Facebook 2014 read with Thirteenth Schedule thereof, the and social science awareness in all kinds of with international standards and markets. industry is a large scale industry and the footwear Information Technology Act, 2014, to provide nor Twitter nor Windows. The country’s talent Central Government was required to establish students that the nation produces. The global footwear market is expected to and leather marketing sector has gone through undergraduate as well as postgraduate is working for others. Hence, there is a need a National Institute of Technology and an Indian The measure was welcomed by all reach US$ 220.2 billion by 2020 from the current transformative change. Through this Bill an education with specialisation in allied areas. to attract back the best of the best talents and Institute of Science Education and Research sections of both Houses of Parliament. While level of US$ 198.7 billion. The opportunity cost effort was being made to set up national level In order to address the challenges faced by the that was the reason a call for ‘Make-in-India’ in Andhra Pradesh. The National Institute of supporting the Bill, the Members inter alia of not investing in human resources required for institute for this sector and this would facilitate the Indian information technology industry and growth had been given. The world is changing fast and, Technology, Andhra Pradesh was established stated that education is the backbone of the this sector in India at this juncture would result exchange of extant global technology with India. of the domestic information technology market, therefore, the need for modern education and by enactment of the National Institutes of country and technology and technological in increased imports thereby, impacting the The footwear and leather sector had been which, inter alia, include developing new knowledge institutes of national importance were required. Technology, Science Education and Research capabilities would strengthen this backbone; the domestic and exports sector of footwear and existing since many years in India and it has in information technology, providing manpower The Bill had been brought forward to achieve (Amendment) Act, 2016 and included in the education, science and technology contribute leather products. It had, therefore, been proposed been evolving over the years. India ranks third of global standards and ensuring autonomy in this objective. Everybody’s participation is First Schedule thereof. immensely to the development of any nation to empower the Institute to improve its capacity globally after China and Vietnam with regard to governance, the Government had decided to needed and hence the underlying importance of The Central Government thereafter and that the Bill would usher in opportunities and performance with a view to address the export of leather products including footwear, set-up twenty Indian Institutes of Information private partnership. Finally, the Minister observed decided to incorporate an Indian Institute of for the youth of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh shortage of the trained human resource. but still, there is dearth of institutes for the Technology in public-private partnership mode. students should get a good education so that Science Education and Research at Tirupati to scale the pinnacle of progress in the fields The Government, accordingly proposed to development of leather industry in India. At present, there are fifteen functional Indian they can make progress. Good education and in the State of Andhra Pradesh and an Indian of engineering, technology, management, declare the Footwear Design and Development The Minister in-charge of the Bill while Institutes of Information Technology in public- good institutes will help to increase employability. Institute of Science Education and Research education, science and arts; the motto behind Institute as an institution of national importance replying to the debate inter-alia observed at the private partnership mode, which are proposed to be The government is making all out efforts to fill up at Berhampur in the State of Odisha under the National Institutes of Technology Act was to and enable it to emerge as centre of excellence foremost there is a need for giving the stature of declared as Institutes of national importance. The the vacancies in all the institutes. the Second Schedule to the Act. Accordingly, give national importance to them so that these with the objective of meeting the national institute of national importance. The proposed Indian Institutes of Information Technology set-up The Bill was passed by Lok Sabha on 19 the Government brought forward the National could provide or carry out quality education, both and international standards for the promotion institution has an all-India presence and has in public-private partnership mode are required July 2017 and by Rajya Sabha on 27 July Institutes of Technology, Science Education in the undergraduate and postgraduate levels of and development of quality and excellence strived hard to provide very good quality content to be given statutory status and to enable the 2017. The Bill as passed by both Houses of and Research (Second Amendment) Bill, engineering. in education, research and training in all of curricula. Since the nature of the course has Institutes to grant degrees to the students. Parliament was assented to by the President of 2016 which sought to amend the Act so as The Minister while replying to the debate, disciplines relating to footwear and leather been such and the job opportunities have been The power of Indian Institutes of Information India in August 2017. to incorporate the Indian Institute of Science thanked the Members for their unanimous products design and development. so very well knit, the cost of the course has never Technology to grant degrees shall enhance Education and Research at Tirupati and support and observed that the main issue is The Government, therefore, brought forward deterred students from coming and joining. It was the acceptability of degrees being awarded by The National Institutes of Technology, the Indian Institute of Science Education the quality of education and bringing qualitative the Footwear Design and Development Institute imperative to this kind of modern skill, a skill which the Institutes. It also empowers the Institutes to Science Education and Research and Research at Berhampur in the Second improvement in education. He briefly dwelt Bill, 2017 which inter alia, proposed to: is very much linked with tastes and fashion, to provide manpower of global standards in the (Second Amendment) Bill, 2017 Schedule to the Act. on four initiatives for achieving this purpose. (i) declare the Footwear Design and have better manpower. International shoemakers information technology and allied sectors, thereby The National Institutes of Technology, Science The Amending Bill accordingly inserted in The first one being establishment of Higher Development Institute as an institution of or international leather product makers had affording them the desired flexibility in operations, Education and Research Act, 2007 (the Act) the Second Schedule to the parent Act (The Education Finance Agency. The second National Importance; always wanted Indian raw materials. The Minister autonomy, access to liberal industry funds, provides for declaration of certain institutions of National Institutes of Technology, Science initiative was GYAN under which the renowned (ii) establish a Governing Council and other assured the Members that the Government would freedom to choose faculty, researchers and ignite technology, science education and research as Education and Research Act, 2007) the said teachers from abroad come to the country and authorities of the Institute; and try as much as possible to factor in inputs from them to rapidly move up the value chain. institutions of national importance and to provide two new proposed institutions viz. (1) The Indian complete a three week long course. Exchange (iii) empower the Institute to grant degrees, Members while designing the contents or the At that point of time a view was taken that for instructions and research in branches of Institute of Science Education and Research, of academicians would help in improving India’s diplomas, certificates, or any other qualification recruitment or the campus activities. as the students of five existing Indian Institutes engineering, technology, management, education, Tirupati; and (2) The Indian Institute of Science ranking all over the world. The Government to students of the Institute. The Bill was passed by Lok Sabha on 5 of Information Technology would be completing sciences and arts and for the advancement of Education and Research, Berhampur. had also taken a new initiative in the form of April 2017 and by Rajya Sabha on 24 July their graduation in July and August 2017, there learning and dissemination of knowledge in such Global Research Interactive Network. Finally, Key features of the Bill: The Footwear 2017. The Bill as passed by both Houses of was an urgent need to confer statutory status branches and for certain other matters connected Debate: During the discussion on the the fourth initiative has been the decision of the Design and Development Institute would be Parliament was assented to by the President of upon such Institutes. with such institutions. Initially, twenty societies Amending Bill, the Minister in-charge of the Bill Government to put an end to the no detention established with a Governing Council. The India on 4 August 2017. In view of this position the Government of Institutes of Technology spread across the while piloting the legislation inter alia observed policy in regard to the students from class 1 to 8. Institute would provide for instructions, research brought forward the Indian Institutes of Information country were incorporated in the Act as the that the need of the hour was to have the best The Amending Bill was passed by Lok and training in the areas or disciplines relating The Indian Institutes of Information Technology (Public-Private Partnership) Bill, 2017. National Institutes of Technology and the same of the best institutes more and more in number Sabha on 28 March 2017 and by Rajya Sabha to footwear and leather products design and Technology (Public Private Partnership) were included in the first Schedule to the Act. in the country for facilitating the essential on 26 July 2017. The Bill as passed by both development; to develop courses leading to Bill, 2017 Debate: During the discussion on the Bill The Act was first amended in the year 2012 research. With the passage of the Amending Houses of Parliament was assented to by the graduate and post-graduate degrees, doctoral Education is a key element for developing in both Houses of Parliament it was broadly incorporating ten more National Institutes of Bill, the country would have seven Institutes of President of India on 4 August 2017.

78 | The Parliamentarian | 2018: Issue One The Parliamentarian | 2018: Issue One | 79 The Commonwealth Parliamentary The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Association (CPA)

CPA Patron, Officers, Executive Committee, Regional Representatives, Commonwealth CARIBBEAN, AMERICAS PACIFIC CPA Regional Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Steering Committee and CPA Secretariat AND THE ATLANTIC CANADA Secretaries Mr Blair Armitage Patrons Hon. Anthony Michael Hon. Nafoitoa Talaimanu Parliament of Canada AFRICA Perkins, MP Keti, MP Mr Steven Kagaigai PATRON: VICE-PATRON: Speaker of the National Assembly, Deputy Speaker of the CARIBBEAN, AMERICAS & Parliament of Tanzania Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Vacant Saint Kitts and Nevis Legislative Assembly, Samoa ATLANTIC Head of the Commonwealth (2015-2018) (2015-2018) Ms Heather Cooke ASIA Parliament of Jamaica Mr Syed Shamoon Hashmi Hon. Leroy C. Rogers, MLA Hon. Clayton Mitchell, MP Parliament of Pakistan Speaker of the House of New Zealand INDIA CPA Executive Committee Assembly, Anguilla (2016-2019) Shri Anoop Mishra AUSTRALIA (2016-2019) Parliament of India Executive Committee Members’ dates of membership are indictated below each name. Correct at time of printing. Mr Tom Duncan Australia Capital Territory Hon. Bridgid Annisette- Hon. Simon Pentanu, MP PACIFIC

Portrait of The Queen © John Swannell/Camera Press Legislative Assembly Officers Regional George, MP Speaker of the House of Ms Wendy Hart Representatives Speaker of the House, Representatives, Bougainville Parliament of New Zealand BRITISH ISLANDS & Trinidad & Tobago (2017-2020) MEDITERRANEAN PRESIDENT: (2017-2018): AFRICA ASIA BRITISH ISLANDS AND (2017-2020) SOUTH-EAST ASIA Mr Jon Davies Vacant MEDITERRANEAN Mrs Roosme Hamzah Parliament of the United Kingdom Parliament of Malaysia VICE-PRESIDENT: (2017-2018): Hon. Senator Eno Lafon Hon. Imran Ahmad, MP Dr Roberta Blackman-Woods, MP INDIA SOUTH-EAST ASIA Rt Hon. Rebecca A. Kadaga, MP Emma Veryelle, MP Bangladesh United Kingdom CPA Headquarters Secretariat Speaker of Parliament, Uganda Cameroon (2015-2018) (2015-2018) (2015-2018) Shri Feroze Varun Gandhi, MP Hon. Datuk Dr Ronald Kiandee, MP Mr Akbar Khan CHAIRPERSON OF THE Hon. Dr Fehmida Mirza, MP Hon. Stuart McMillan MSP Lok Sabha, India Deputy Speaker, Malaysia 7th Secretary-General EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Rt Hon. Umar Buba Jibril, MP Pakistan Scotland (stand in for (2015-2018) (2015-2018) (2017-2020): Deputy House Leader, Nigeria (2016-2019) Northern Ireland) Commonwealth Parliamentary Tel: +44 (0) 20 7799 1460 Hon. Emilia Monjowa Lifaka, MP (2015-2018) (2016-2019) Shri Kavinder Gupta, MLA Hon. Datuk Wira Haji Othman Association, CPA Headquarters Fax: +44 (0) 20 7222 6073 Deputy Speaker, Cameroon Hon. Dr Lal Chand Ukrani, MPA Speaker of the Legislative Muhamad, MP Secretariat, Suite 700, Westminster Email: [email protected] Hon. Bernard Songa Sindh Hon. Leona Roberts MLA Assembly, Jammu and Kashmir Speaker, Malacca House, 7 Millbank, London SW1P www.cpahq.org VICE-CHAIRPERSON Sibalatani, MP (2017-2020) Falkland Islands (2016-2019) (2016-2019) 3JA, United Kingdom (2017-2018): Vice-Chairperson of the National (2017-2020) Hon. Alexandra Mendès, MP Council, Namibia Shri Hitendra Goswami, MLA Hon. Mr Zainal Sapari, MP Canada (2016-2019) Speaker of the Legislative Singapore A full listing of all CPA Branches can be found in Also Regional Representative for AUSTRALIA CANADA Assembly, Assam (2017-2020) the CPA Directory at: www.cpahq.org Canada Region (2015-2018) Hon. Lazarous C. Chungu, MP (2017-2020) Zambia TREASURER (2016-2019): (2016-2019) Hon. Russell Paul Wortley, MLC Hon. Alexandra Mendès, MP Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Steering Committee Hon. Vicki Dunne, MLA President of the Legislative Canada Deputy Speaker, Australian Hon. Dr Makali Mulu, MP Council, South Australia (2015-2018) PRESIDENT: ASIA CANADA PACIFIC Capital Territory Kenya (2015-2018) Also Vice-Chairperson Vacant Hon. Vijayakala Maheswaran MP Ms Laura Ross, MLA Ms Anahila Kanongata’a- (2017-2020) (2017-2018) Sri Lanka Saskatchewan Suisuiki, MP CHAIRPERSON OF THE Hon. John Ajaka, MLC Hon. Jackson Lafferty, MLA (2015-2018) (2017-2020) New Zealand Parliament COMMONWEALTH WOMEN Rt Hon. Sephiri Enoch President of the Legislative Speaker of Legislative CHAIRPERSON (2017-2020) PARLIAMENTARIANS (CWP) Motanyane, MP Council, New South Wales Assembly, Northwest Territories Hon. Dato’ Noraini Ahmad, MP AUSTRALIA CARIBBEAN, AMERICAS (2016-2019): Speaker of the National (2016-2019) (2016-2019) Malaysia Ms Michelle O’Byrne, MP AND THE ATLANTIC SOUTH-EAST ASIA Hon. Dato’ Noraini Ahmad, MP Assembly, Lesotho (2016-2019) Tasmania Hon. Shirley M. Osborne, MLA Hon. Datuk Hajah Norah Binti Malaysia (2017-2020) Hon. Bruce Atkinson, MLC Hon. Kevin Murphy, MHA (2016-2019) Speaker of the Legislative Abd. Rahman, MP President of the Legislative Speaker of the House of AFRICA Assembly, Montserrat Sarawak, Malaysia CHAIRPERSON OF THE CPA Council, Victoria Assembly, Nova Scotia Hon. Angela Thoko Didiza, MP BRITISH ISLANDS AND (2015-2018) (2016-2019) SMALL BRANCHES (2017-2020) (2017-2020) South Africa MEDITERRANEAN (2016-2019): (2016-2019) Ms Joyce Watson AM INDIA Hon. Anġlu Farrugia MP Wales (2015-2018) Smt. Kirron Kher, MP Speaker of the House of Also Vice-Chairperson of the Lok Sabha, India (2017-2020) Representatives, Malta CWP (2017-2018)

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