Canadian MPs to visit Assembly to share thoughts on voter engagement

A federal delegation of Canadian MPs, representing both Houses of Parliament, will visit the National Assembly for Wales this week (14 – 17 March) on an official inter-parliamentary visit.

The delegation will comprise Hon Jim Abbott PC MP - Conservative Party, Hon Senator Jim Munson - Liberal Party, Hon Senator Richard Neufeld - Conservative Party, Hon Carolyn Bennett MP MD – Liberal Party, and Stephanie Bond - Delegation Secretary.

It’s the first time the National Assembly has welcomed representatives from the Canadian Parliament.

They will take part in a three-day programme aimed at enabling the two legislatures to share best practice in areas of mutual interest, including citizen participation, e-democracy, working bilingually and minority and coalition governments.

During their visit they will learn all about Wales and devolution, how the Assembly engages with the people of Wales through education and outreach and how it makes laws and holds the Welsh Government to account.

They will also observe First Minister’s Questions and be given a formal tour of the Assembly estate, including of the iconic Grade One-listed Pierhead.

In addition, they’ll attend a Commonwealth Day reception at the Senedd, along with a number of Assembly Members.

Presiding Officer, Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas AM, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming the delegation from Canada to Wales, for what will no doubt be an informative and fulfilling exchange.

“This is the first formal visit between our two legislatures and, while there are many distinctions between the two countries, it is clear that we have many things in common and this is a positive opportunity to learn from each other.