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Renewed Government of Canada support strengthens parliamentary action for democracy and shared prosperity

July 14, 2026 | Press Release

Strong and inclusive parliaments are essential to building a safer, more sustainable, and more prosperous hemisphere. As core democratic institutions, they play a vital role in responding to the mounting geopolitical, technological, economic, and societal pressures facing the region.

ParlAmericas welcomes the Government of Canada’s announcement, through Global Affairs Canada, of renewed five-year financial support for its Defending Democracy for a Safer, Sustainable and Prosperous Hemisphere project. The initiative aims to advance responsive, inclusive, and resilient democratic governance across the Americas and the Caribbean.

Through regional and national knowledge exchanges, technical assistance, and inclusive platforms for dialogue and cooperation, the initiative will contribute to parliaments’ efforts to enhance their effectiveness, representativeness, and responsiveness to public needs by strengthening collaboration among parliamentarians and parliamentary staff across the hemisphere and deepening engagement among legislatures, civil society organizations, women’s organizations, and young leaders.

At a time when many of today’s challenges transcend national borders, stronger and more connected parliaments can play an increasingly important role in advancing regional solutions. The project will strengthen parliamentary engagement in the inter-American system, promote multilateral cooperation and parliamentary diplomacy, and enhance the capacity of legislatures to translate shared commitments into coordinated action. By reinforcing the effectiveness, openness, and connectedness of parliaments, the initiative will advance democratic governance, support sustainable development that benefits all people, and contribute to greater prosperity, security, and resilience throughout the hemisphere.

Emphasizing the importance of strengthening democratic resilience in the face of shared regional challenges, Senator Iván Flores García (Chile), President of ParlAmericas, stated:

“At a time when our democracies are under growing pressure and many of the challenges we face extend beyond national borders, interparliamentary cooperation is more important than ever. Across our region—from northern Canada to the southernmost reaches of Chile—our security, prosperity, and well-being are deeply interconnected. This steadfast and strengthened support from the Government of Canada will enable ParlAmericas to expand its work with parliaments throughout the Americas and the Caribbean, strengthen the role of legislatures in democratic life, and contribute to a more stable, inclusive, and prosperous region. We are grateful for this expression of confidence and for this investment in our shared commitment to democracy and to building a better future for our societies.”

Inclusive participation will be central to this work. The project will promote opportunities for women and young people from diverse backgrounds in political leadership and decision-making, while strengthening connections among parliaments, civil society, multilateral organizations, and technical experts.

Highlighting the role of collaboration in advancing inclusive development, Senator the Honourable Alvina Bertram Reynolds (Saint Lucia), President of the Senate and Vice-President of ParlAmericas, noted:

“Shared prosperity depends on cooperation that connects regional knowledge with national action. The Caribbean’s experience demonstrates that lasting progress is achieved through partnership and shared solutions. By bringing parliamentarians together with civil society, multilateral organizations, and technical experts, ParlAmericas supports our work as parliamentarians to translate common development priorities into responsive legislation and public policies that improve people’s daily lives and strengthen communities across the hemisphere.”

Beyond its support for parliamentary strengthening and regional cooperation, Global Affairs Canada’s renewed investment reflects the broader value of democratic governance in fostering the stable and predictable conditions needed for sustainable development, trade, and investment.

Underscoring the benefits of hemispheric democratic cooperation for Canadians and regional partners alike, Member of Parliament Patricia Lattanzio (Canada), President of the ParlAmericas Corporation Board of Directors, emphasized:

“For Canadians, investing in stronger democratic institutions across the Americas and the Caribbean is an investment in a safer, more stable, and more prosperous hemisphere. Strong democratic governance across the hemisphere we share creates the conditions for cooperation, opportunity, and sustainable development that benefit us all. By reinforcing trusted institutions through this international assistance, we are helping improve lives and expand opportunities across the region, fostering shared prosperity, security, and democratic resilience that benefit people and communities throughout the Americas and the Caribbean, including in Canada.”

As ParlAmericas marks 25 years of parliamentary cooperation in 2026, this continued support from the Government of Canada will enable the organization to deepen its work with legislatures and regional partners. Over the next five years, these efforts will help parliaments safeguard democratic gains, deepen citizen engagement, and advance the multilateral cooperation needed to promote inclusion, security, sustainability, and shared prosperity throughout the Americas and the Caribbean.