Senator Dan Hays

Speaker’s Report

The Speaker and Parliamentary Diplomacy Summer 2002

Inside this edition ...

Page 1

Speaker Hays travels to Europe

Page 2

Parliament and Diplomacy

Page 3

Speaker Hays meets the Speaker of the French Senate, Mr. Christian Poncelet in the Lux- Speakers and Presiding Of- embourg Gardens, March 7th, 2002. ficers Conference in Bot- swana Senate Delegation Visits Europe

Page 4 At the invitation of my counterparts, the Speakers of the French Senate Business and Italian senates, I had the pleasure of leading a delegation to Europe in early March. Among the highlights of the visit were meetings with Page 5 Pope John Paul II and Italian President Carlo Ciampi.

Senate News In France, our host was the Speaker of the French Senate, Mr. Christian Poncelet while, in Italy, we were guests of Mr. Marcelo Pera, National Arts Centre Event Speaker of the Italian Senate. The objectives of the visits were to pursue Page 6 dialogue with our French and Italian counterparts and discuss issues of common concern such as bicameralism, parliamentary diplomacy, the Photo of Audience with the security of nations, European Union and the Middle-East crisis. The Pope program for the Vatican included meetings with Cardinals Sodano, Staf- ford, Van Thuân, and Archbishop Tauran. 250th Anniversary of the Halifax Gazette Unquestionably, however, the high point of the trip for all mem-

Page 7 bers was the audience granted to us by His Holiness Pope John Paul II on Monday, March 11. In good spirits, His Holiness said he was very Roundup much looking forward to participating in World Youth Day next July in Toronto.

Page 8 Sincerely, Dan Hays Notes

Library Renovations Page 2 Speaker’s Report Summer 2002

The principal task of committing governments de- modern parliaments is to Parliament and finitively. guide the actions of govern- Diplomacy ment by expressing the In the second case, parliame n- questions, concerns and ex- tary assemblies and associa- pectations of their constitu- foreign policy has grown tions can try to influence the ents, analyze issues and blurred. Moreover, the involve- foreign policy of member problems carefully, and en- ment of parliamentarians in for- states. In Canada, this kind of courage strategic legislative eign policy is no longer limited work is carried out by 11 par- solutions. Parliamentary di- to ratifying treaties and approv- liamentary associations at the plomacy supports this pro c- ing funds for the operation of multilateral and bilateral lev- ess in the theater of foreign diplomatic missions. els. Though such groups can’t policy. guarantee that governments Countless issues now transcend will adopt their recommenda- As you will have noticed, this national borders and require an tions, the positions they out- issue of Speaker’s Report international perspective to be line and promote add an im- contains several articles pe r- understood properly. They in- portant element that is both taining to my role as a parlia- clude telecommunications, democratic and independent mentary and state diplomat. transportation, energy, technical Moreover, they often have a Though an effective and well- standards, the merger and take- strong influence on govern- established practice, parlia- over of companies, the enviro n- ments. mentary diplomacy seems to ment, etc. defy definition, perhaps be- Though we’re still a long way cause it challenges a role tra- Parliamentary diplomacy is one from having a world commu- ditionally occupied by others. of the better means of helping nity founded on a respect for representatives gather the info r- international law and common At one time the private do- mation they need to understand values, there are nonetheless main of the executive, diplo- certain dimensions of such is- shared policy positions and macy is now within the pur- sues and to build necessary powerful international opinion view of legislative assem- bridges with counterparts trends that can help parlia- blies. Accordingly, the guid- around the world. It can gene r- me ntary diplomacy have a ing hand of parliaments – the ally be defined as the process strong impact in defining for- voice and conscience of the through which parliaments, or eign policy. people – has taken on a cru- individual members, as well as cial role in the oversight of their assemblies and associa- As the interest of nations foreign policy. This might in- tions, are involved in foreign af- gradually yields to the greater dicate that the traditional de- fairs. Which means that parlia- interest of the world, parlia- mocratic deficit present at mentarians can play the role of mentary diplomacy will provide the international level is no diplomat, and that parliame n- the tools we need to create longer acceptable to the peo- tary assemblies can help define greater understanding and co- ple, who are now more aware foreign policy. operation between nations, as of world issues and want well as preserve and propagate their parliamentarians to In the first case, parliamentari- the freedoms we enjoy. have a stronger voice. ans can act on behalf of their Strengthening democracy national government, or in close where it exists and encourag- The world has changed a cooperation with them. For ex- ing its development where it great deal since the collapse ample, parliamentarians can does not are among parlia- of the Berlin Wall, and with take part in diplomatic or quasi- me ntary diplomacy’s most globalization, the difference diplomatic missions to help test val uable contributions. between domestic and the ground in difficult and com- plicated situations, without Page 3 Speaker’s Report Summer 2002

Speaker Hays Travels To England and Botswana

In January of 2002 Speaker Hays and Speaker Milliken of the House of Commons, traveled to Kasane, Botswana to attend the 16th Annual Commonwealth Speakers and Presiding Officers Conference.

En route to southern Africa, Speaker Hays paid a diplo- matic working visit to London, England. He met with Lord Williams of Mostyn, Leader of the House of Lords Lord Garreth Williams and Senator Hays in the Speaker’s Chambers and Sir Michael Davies, Clerk of the Lords and of the Par- April 23, 2002 liaments. Lord Williams is a senior minister in Prime Minister Tony Blair’s government. The visit was produc- Diplomatic Meetings tive and informative. Discussions covered topics such as the administration of Upper Houses and the United King- Since the last issue, Senator Hays had the honour of dom’s ambitious reforms of the House of Lords. Their meeting with the following dignitaries while fulfilling his conversation continued in April when Lord Williams vis- diplomatic role as Speaker of the Senate: ited Ottawa.

Their Majesties King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Nor- Botswana is widely seen as an African success story. way. With an economy flourishing on sustainable tourism and His Excellency Marco Colombo value-added diamond production, Botswana has man- (Ambassador of the Italian Republic) aged to attain a relatively high level of income and His Excellency Philippe Guelluy health for its citizens. It is a parliamentary democracy (Ambassador of France) and supports an active and free press. His Excellency Wendelin Ettmayer (Ambassador of the Republic of Austria) The conference offered a valuable opportunity for speak- His Excellency Gaslan Batsukh ers to meet with their colleagues from 36 Commo n- (Ambassador of Mongolia) wealth countries and five observer regions. His Excel- His Excellency Vladimir Kotzy lency Festus Mogae, President of Botswana opened the (Ambassador of the Czech Republic) conference on January 9, 2002. A number of topics were His Excellency Ingvard Havnen debated and discussed by the delegates including: (Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway) Mr. Tian Jiyun · The development of information technology as (Senior Vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the Na- an important tool in parliamentary information tional People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China) sharing Mr. Wolfgang Thierse · The relationship between Parliament and the judi- (President of the German Bundestag) ciary His Excellency J.G.S.T.M. van Hellenberg Hubar · Parliament’s responsibility and role in raising the (Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands) political awareness of youth The Right Honourable Peter Ala Adjetey · The role of the Speaker in the administration of (Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana) His Excellency Gabriel Gafita the chamber (Ambassador of Omani) · The impartiality of the Speaker His Excellency Francis Loko · Special challenges faced by speakers in the years (Ambassador of Benin) 2001-2002 His Excellency Anthony John Hely · Challenges to the independence and relevance of (High Commissioner of Australia) parliaments His Excellency Shahid Malik (High Commissioner of Pakistan) In addition to formal meetings and discussions, the con- Her Excellency Danielle Smadja ference provided delegates with the special opportunity (Ambassador of the European Union Delegation) to experience southern Africa. This is of particular sig- His Excellency Alvaro Auniga Benavides ( Ambassador of nificance given the upcoming G8 summit in Canada and Chile) the Prime Minister’s commitment to Africa. Page 4 Speaker’s Report Summer 2002

S-20, An Act to provide for increased transparency and Senate Business objectivity in the selection of suitable individuals to be named to certain high public positions . The Honourable This section is a list of some of the private legislation cur- Senator Terry Stratton (PC). rently before the chamber. A complete list of legislative business can be accessed through the parliamentary web- S-26, An Act concerning personal watercraft in navigable site: www.parl.gc.ca waters . The Honourable Senator Mira Spivak (PC).

Private Public Bills S-29, An Act to amend the Broadcasting Act (review of de- cisions). The Honourable Senator Jean-Robert Gauthier Royal Assent (Lib). This act would allow the CRTC to review, rescind or vary its decisions and would allow it to re-hear a matter S-14, An Act respecting Sir John A. Macdonald Day before rendering a decision. (January 11) and Sir Wilfrid Laurier Day (November 20). The Honourable Senator Lynch-Staunton, Leader of the Of- S-30, An Act to amend the Canada Corporations Act ficial Opposition in the Senate (PC). The bill was given (corporations sale). The Honourable Senator Norm Atkins royal assent on March 21st, 2002. (PC). This act would amend the Corporations Act whereby office holders in non-profit corporations are viewed sepa- S-22, An Act to provide for the recognition of the Cana- rately and distinctly from office holders in for-profit corpo- dian horse as the national horse of Canada. The Honour- rations. able Lowell Murray, P.C. (PC). The bill was given royal as- sent on April 30th, 2002. S-32, An Act to amend the Official Languages Act (fostering French and English). The Honourable Senator Bills in the Chamber Jean-Robert Gauthier (Lib).

S-6, An Act to assist in the prevention of wrongdoing in S-35, An Act to honour Louis Riel and the Metis People. the Public Service by establishing a framework for educa- The Honourable Senator Thelma Chalifoux (Lib). This bill tion on ethical practices in the workplace, for dealing with honours Louis Riel as a patriot, vacates his conviction for allegations of wrongdoing and for protecting whistleblow- high treason and establishes May 12th, as Louis Riel Day. ers . The Honourable Senator Noël Kinsella, Deputy Leader It also recognizes the arrowhead sash as a symbol of the of the Official Opposition in the Senate (PC). Metis people.

S-7, An Act to amend the Broadcasting Act. The Honour- S-36, An Act Respecting Canadian Citizenship. The Hon- able Senator Sheila Finestone, P.C. (Lib). This amendment ourable Senator Noël Kinsella, Deputy Leader of the Offi- would allow the CRTC to review and award costs to parties cial Opposition in the Senate (PC). appearing before CRTC hearings. S-37, An Act Respecting a National Acadian Day. The S-8, An Act to maintain the principles relating to the role Honourable Senator Gerald Comeau (PC). of the Senate as established by the Constitution of Canada. The Honourable Senator Serge Joyal, P.C. (Lib). S-38, An Act declaring the Crown’s recognition of self- This Act would allow for the involvement of the Senate to government for the First Nations of Canada. The Honour- the same degree as the House of Commons in certain leg- able Senator Gerry St. Germain (Independent). islative processes. S-39, An Act to Amend the National Anthem Act to include S-9, An Act to remove certain doubts regarding the mean- all . The Honourable Senator Vivien Poy (Lib). ing of marriage. The Honourable Senator Anne Cools (Lib). S-42, An Act to amend the Canada Post Corporations Act (Householder mailings) . The Honourable Nicolas Taylor, S-12, An Act to amend the Statistics Act and the National (Lib). Archives Act (Census records). The Honourable Senator Lorna Milne (Lib). This Act authorizes the transfer of cen- S-43, An Act to protect heritage lighthouses. The Honour- sus records from Statisitics Canada to the National A r- able Michael Forrestall (PC). chives for permanent safekeeping 92 years after the cen- sus year in question. Government Bills Introduced in the Senate

S-18, An Act to amend the Food and Drug Act (clean drink- S-34, An Act respecting royal assent to bills passed by the ing water). The Honourable Senator Jerahmiel Grafstein Houses of Parliament. (Lib).

S-40, An Act to amend the Payment Clearing and Settle- S-19, An Act to amend the Canada Transportation Act. ment Act. The Honourable Senator Michael Kirby (Lib). This act

would require domestic and foreign air carriers to file pub- S-41, An Act to re-enact legislative instruments enacted in lic reports on matters of public interest. only one official language.

Page 5 Speaker’s Report Summer 2002 Senate News ... Senate Studies the State of The Special Senate Commit- The NAC has undertaken sev- Health Care in Canada tee on Illegal Drugs eral new initiatives to enhance performing arts throughout the To date, the committee on So- The Special Committee on Ille- country, as prescribed in its cial Affairs, Science, and Tech- gal Drugs is scheduled to table strategic plan to increase out- nology has tabled five volumes its report in August. The com- reach efforts for the benefit of on the state of health care in mittee was given a mandate to all Canadians. The NAC’s Music Canada and is set to release a investigate Canada’s soft drug Director, world-renowned con- sixth volume in October. legislation and policies. Co m- ductor and violinist Pinchas Zu- Chaired by Senator Michael mittee hearings have focused kerman and NAC principal cel- Kirby, the committee con- on their national and interna- list Amanda Forsyth, donated cludes that the current system tional consequences. Accord- their services to a fundraising is not fiscally sustainable. The ingly, the report considers var- concert for the Philhar- report endorses the principle ied approaches towards drug monic Orchestra in early May. of a single-funder, either the policy and legislation. The government or an agency, for committee heard from a vari- As well, the innovative Live services covered under the ety of high profile witnesses Rush program is coming to Cal- Canada Health Act. The report including the U.S. State Depart- gary in September 2002, offer- also addresses several related ment and David Beall, the Ex- ing low cost, last-minute thea- issues including: health tech- ecutive Secretary of the Inter- tre, dance and music tickets to nology; health information sy s- American Drug Abuse Control students as a contemporary tems; health research; the hu- Commission. way to develop young audi- man resources crisis in health ences. care; and the need for popula- Committee reports are available tion health strategies. at www.parl.gc.ca under the New Senators

heading “Committee Business” Since the last Speaker’s Report, Prime Minister Chrétien has ap- Senate Committee on The Senate Celebrates the pointed five new members to National Security & Defence National Arts Centre the Senate:

Focusing on artistic excel- The Committee on National Se- lence, diversity and youth, the Senator Gerard A. Phalen of curity and Defence recently ta- National Arts Centre has Nova Scotia, teacher and union bled a report warning that Ca- played an important role in the leader. nadian security and defence development of Canadian art- should be a serious concern to ists, since its inception in Senator Joseph A. Day of New Canadians. The chair , Senator 1969. The NAC’s mandate is Brunswick, lawyer and engi- Colin Kenny, passionately ar- to foster artistic excellence in neer. gues that Canada must not ig- the performing arts. nore the real possibility of a Senator Michel Biron of Quebec, security crisis. To combat this “It’s an honour for me to be telecommunications and a threat, he says that Canada hosting a reception recogniz- me mber of the Order of Can- must reassess its defence ca- ing the artistic leaders who are ada. pacity and policies. It will take dedicated to making the NAC a time and commitment to the hub of creativity, a showcase Senator George Baker of New- Armed Forces to strengthen for talent and a source of na- foundland, former MP and Mi n- Canadian defence. “It takes tional pride,” said Senator Hays ister. as long to train an intelligence at a reception honouring the officer as it takes to train a NAC’s artistic leaders and its Senator Raymond Lavigne of surgeon.” President, Peter Herrndorf. Quebec, businessman and for- mer MP. Page 6 Speaker’s Report Summer 2002

Speaker and Senate Cele- brate the 250th Anniversary of Canada’s First Newspaper

In celebration of the found- ing of the first newspaper in Canada, Senator Hays hosted a reception on March 19, 2002, for the 250th anniver- sary of the Halifax Gazette.

Surrounded by members of the National Library of Can- ada, the Library of Parlia- ment, the House of Com- mons, the Senate, and Na- tional Librarian, Roch Carrier, Senator Hays unveiled a re p- Speaker Hays met with the Pope John Paul II on March 11th, 2002. His Holiness will be lica of the first edition of attending World Youth Day in Toronto from July 18th to 28th. For more information see Canada’s founding newspa- the following web site: www.wyd2002.org/index.php per.

Passages “Newspapers are the life- blood of our system. They The Honourable , former Speaker of the Senate (1927 - 2001) chronicle the story of our people, provide a window The Honourable Melvin Perry (1915 - 2001) onto a complex world, and dispense information and The Honourable John Morrow Godfrey, Q.C. (1912 - 2001) opinions that help us keep

The Honourable Jean-Maurice Simard, Q.C., O.N.Q. (1931- 2001) governments accountable. By celebrating the founding The Honourable Sidney Labe Buckwold (1916 - 2001) of the first newspaper in our country’s history, we are also The Honourable Joseph P. Guay, P.C. (1912 - 2001) hailing the tradition of the free press and the idea of de- The Honourable Solange Chaput-Rolland, Q.C. ( 1919 - 2001) mocracy itself,” said Senator Hays. The Honourable Heath Nelson MacQuarrie (1919 - 2002)

The Honourable Bud Olson, P.C. (1925 - 2002) The National Library of Can- ada is responsible for ensur- The Honourable Finlay MacDonald, Q.C. (1923 - 2002) ing that Canadians have ac- cess to their newspaper heri- The Honourable Renaud Lapointe, former Speaker of the Senate (1912 - 2002) tage. Events such as the an- niversary reception offer an Diplomatic Postings in opportunity for Senators, Alberta other Parliamentarians and the general public to meet Thank you and farewell to Consul General Kiyoshi Shidara for his years of service with the Japa- the people and organizations nese Consulate in Edmonton. • Welcome and congratulations to Mr. Hideo Shimane on his that make such a valuable recent appointment to the Consulate of Japan in Edmonton. • Thank you and farewell to Con- contribution to Canadian sul General Huaming Gu for his years of service with the Calgary Consulate of the People’s Re- heritage. public of China. • Welcome and congratulations to Consul General Xizhu Song on his recent appointment to the Consulate of the People's Republic of China in Calgary. Page 7 Speaker’s Report Summer 2002

Alberta Round-up Here are some events that Senator Hays participated in since the last edition of the Speaker’s Report.

IMMIGRANTS OF Senator Dan Hays Announces Community DISTINCTION AWARDS Access Program Initiative with SAIT

The Calgary Immigrant Aid Society held it sixth an- Thanks to co-operation between Industry Canada and nual Immigrants of Distinction Awards on March local Calgary partners such as Southern Alberta Institute 22, 2002. The purpose of the awards is to recog- of Technology (SAIT), Calgary now has 58 new free nize the outstanding achievements of immigrants. Internet access points to help Albertans and all Canadi- ans be better connected through a leading-edge infor- In addition, the funds raised at the event benefit mation infrastructure. Each new center will have a mini- immigrant and refugee children at the Mosaic Cen- mum of 2 computers, a printer and Internet access, tre of the Calgary Immigrant Aid Society. bringing untold benefits to Calgarians.

The Honourable Ralph Klein, Premier of Alberta, “It’s no secret that the Internet has had a tremendous was the honourary chair for this year’s celebra- impact on our lives,” said Senator Hays on March 22, tions. Senator Hays, Mayor Bronconnier, and other 2002, during the announcement of the Community Ac- cess Program Initiative with SAIT President and CEO, local and provincial politicians presented the fo l- Irene Lewis. “Thanks to these new centers, people of all lo wing awards: ages will be able to access federal, provincial and mu- nicipal services; find domestic and international busi- Arts and Culture - Mrs. Joan Xauen & Siegfried ness opportunities; access learning materials and educa- Weiser tional products on the Internet; and learn valuable infor- mation technology skills.” Business - Mr. Chang Yeal Kim Since its creation in 1995, the Community Access Pro- gram has established or approved 8,600 public Internet Community Service - Ms. Baljinder Mann & Mr. Mi- access centers in rural, remote and urban communities chael Ernbaie across Canada. Calgary has benefited greatly from this program and has the most access points in Alberta. Distinguished Professional - Dr. W. Duffie Van- balkom For more information, please visit the Community Ac- cess Program at http://cap.ic.gc.ca/ Diversity Award - Calgary Police Service

Youth Scholarships Recipients - Mr. Pascal Yu, Mr. Steven Cheng, Mr. Genesis Juat, Ms. Eisha Ale- Visit the Speaker’s Web Site: mao, Mr. David Whi Taik Lee.

www.sen.parl.gc.ca/dhays

Write, phone, email or fax us at

Senator Dan Hays Senator Dan Hays Speaker of the Senate 650, 1207-11 Ave.SW Parliament Hill Calgary, Alberta Ottawa, Ontario T3C 0M5 K1A 0A4 1-800-267-7362 (403) 244-3111 (613)995-3286 [Fax] (403) 244-3128 [Fax]

Email: [email protected] Royal Canadian Air Cadets Squadron visits Parliament and the Speaker’s Chambers on March 13, 2002. Page 8 Speaker’s Report Summer 2002

Speaker Hays’ Notes ...

Senator Hays would like to welcome two new employees to his staff.

Tracy Lynn Shaw is the new assistant in the Calgary of- fice .

Jodi Turner joined the Speaker’s Office in Ottawa as a new special assistant to the Senator. She will be responsi- ble for outreach projects and communications. Senator Hays signing the guest book at the ceremony for the closing of the Library of Parliament. The Honourable Peter Milliken, Speaker of the Commons, looks on. ~ The Library of Parliament Congratulations to Senator Hays’ assistant Christine and Undergoes Major Renovations her husband Paul-Andre on expecting their first baby. Precisely 96 years after surviving the famous fire of 1916, the Li- brary of Parliament was officially closed for renovations by the ~ speakers of the Senate and House of Commons and the minister Congratulations to Scott Mac- of Public Works on February 4, 2002. Kay, Senator Hays’ former Cal- gary assistant, as he unde r- takes his new role as an assis- “Closely linked to the history of our country, the Library of tant to the Minister of Health Parliament has survived fires and floods, serving parliamentarians Anne McLellan. without fail for over 126 years,” Senator Hays said during the cere- mony. “Today, bearing the scars of that lengthy and noble battle, it’s taking a well-deserved rest, to be rejuvenated and restored to its former splendour.” In Memoriam The Library is the only remaining part of the original Centre In memory of the late Honoura- Block built in 1876 and destroyed by fire in 1916. However, time has caused extensive damage to the structure, which now suffers ble , P.C., a portrait from deteriorating stonework and masonry, leaking windows and of King William IV was unveiled dilapidated floors. Over the next two years, the Canadian govern- in the Senate Foyer on June ment will fund renovations that will include a new roof, as well as 11th, 2002. state of the art heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems.

“The resources of the Library have informed the debates that helped give shape to our nation. Though all parliamentarians Moving? are somewhat saddened by its closing, we’re all nonetheless de- lighted that the government is dedicating the time, effort and funds We are constantly updating and revising our needed to upgrade and restore it. Moreover, I very much look for- database. Please let us know of any changes to your mailing address so we can continue to ward to its reopening in 2004,” Senator Hays said. stay in touch. For the renovation period, the Library has moved to the old Speaker’s Report is available in both English and French. If you would like to receive it in Bank of Nova Scotia building on Sparks Street, and parliamentari- both languages, please contact the Ottawa ans will continue to have access to its services. office.