FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 17, 2022
UPDATE: Accreditation requests will be accepted onsite (photo ID required). Please visit the registration desk (Argyle St. entrance) between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to be directed to the media accreditation office.
MEDIA ADVISORY
Governor General, Speaker of the House of Commons to open global conference of Commonwealth parliamentarians
HALIFAX – The Honourable Anthony Rota, Speaker of the House of Commons and President of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), looks forward to welcoming the 65th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) to Halifax, Nova Scotia, August 20 to 26, 2022. This flagship event serves as an annual forum on global political issues and developments in the parliamentary system for representatives of Commonwealth parliaments and legislatures.
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada and Vice-Patron of the CPA, will join Mr. Rota in delivering opening remarks at the official opening on Tuesday, August 23, at 5:30 p.m. ADT. The Honourable George Furey, Speaker of the Senate, will also be in attendance.
The conference will be hosted by the Canada Region of the CPA, which is composed of the branches representing the federal Parliament and all provincial and territorial legislatures. The event will bring together close to 400 Commonwealth parliamentarians, with delegations from 126 national and subnational legislatures representing 42 Commonwealth countries, under the theme “Inclusive, Accessible, Accountable and Strong Parliaments: the Cornerstone of Democracy and Essential for Development.”
The Speakers will be joined by a federal delegation of the CPA Canadian Branch led by Ms. Alexandra Mendès, M.P., and several provincial and territorial delegations.
The CPA International Executive Committee and its Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg, will also be present. Mr. Twigg will be available for interviews throughout the conference.
Speaker Rota stated: “As CPA President, I am pleased to welcome parliamentarians and their staff from across the Commonwealth to Halifax, one of Canada’s historic cities. In the days ahead, I look forward to renewing and strengthening our relationships with kindred parliaments united by the Commonwealth’s enduring values.”
Conference sessions open to the media:
Media are invited to attend the sessions outlined below and are asked to apply for accreditation by Saturday, August 20, 8:00 p.m. ADT. Detailed instructions and resources are available in the media guide (PDF).
CPC official opening – photo opportunity
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada and Vice-Patron of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), and the Honourable Anthony Rota, M.P., Speaker of the House of Commons and President of the CPA, will deliver opening remarks to the assembly of dignitaries and delegates.
Date: | Tuesday, August 23, 2022 |
Time: | 5:30 p.m. ADT |
Location: | Halifax Convention Centre, 1650 Argyle St., Halifax, Nova Scotia
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Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians conference opening
Date: | Sunday, August 21, 2022 |
Time: | 3:00 p.m. ADT |
Location: | Halifax Convention Centre, 1650 Argyle St., Halifax, Nova Scotia
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Small branches conference opening
Date: | Sunday, August 21, 2022 |
Time: | 3:00 p.m. ADT |
Location: | Halifax Convention Centre, 1650 Argyle St., Halifax, Nova Scotia
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For additional information—including the official program, delegate biographies, workshops, photos, and regular updates—please visit the 65th CPC website.
For more information
Heather Bradley
Director of Communications
Office of the Speaker of the House of Commons
613-292-0881
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Daniel Martineau
Communications Officer
International and Interparliamentary Affairs
613-296-1218
daniel.martineau@parl.gc.ca