Canada hosts parliamentarians from the Americas and the Caribbean in Victoria, B.C. to promote inclusive societies
From September 9 to 12, 2018, parliamentarians from across the Americas and the Caribbean will attend ParlAmericas’ 15th Plenary Assembly in Victoria, British Columbia. The conference will focus on fostering inclusion as an integral component of economic and social growth, and of responsible political discourse in the hemispheres’ countries.
Hosted by the Parliament of Canada, the conference will explore how Parliaments can ensure that all people – including underrepresented and marginalized groups – can fully access the resources, opportunities and rights that will enable their equal contribution to the sustainable development of their communities. International organizations and representatives of civil society will participate with the Parliamentarians in the discussion about legislative and other responses to address changing patterns of population displacement and cross-border movements in the hemisphere.
“The importance of bringing this conference to Canada is to highlight Parliamentarians’commitment to inclusion, ensuring that women and men from all backgrounds have the same opportunities to hold leadership roles,” stated the Honourable Robert Nault, Vice-President of ParlAmericas and Chair of ParlAmericas’ Canadian Section. “This conference will also provide Parliamentarians with an opportunity to share what works well in their countries and to speak with civil society and experts, while also exploring common objectives and strategies to promote inclusive societies.”
“I’m looking forward to this gathering to discuss how suitable development can only be achieved through a political environment that recognizes and promotes diversity, pluralism, solidarity and equality of opportunity for all people. The participation and leadership of women in decision-making should be a priority in order to build more inclusive societies,” added Ms. Tarcila Rivera Zea, Indigenous Quechuan activist and keynote speaker.
The agenda for the Plenary Assembly includes a training session on parliamentary budget consultations, as well as working sessions on accessible and equitable labour markets, advancing the leadership of Indigenous women, and integrating migrants and forcibly displaced populations into society.
For more information and updates on the 15th ParlAmericas Plenary Assembly, please visit www.parlamericas.org and follow @ParlAmericas on social media with the hashtag #ParlAmericas2018.
Note: The conference will be web streamed at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs7SOcK-pbS1MfDWECc8fOQ/live.
