July 2005 Issue

ear Readers,

A great deal has happened since my last newsletter, particularly the devastating tsunami in Southeast Asia. In fact, I witnessed the tragic consequences of this natural disaster first-hand in March when I paid an official visit to Indonesia. What was obvious to me, and Canadians in general, was the unprecedented level of destruction, but what was less-so was the triumph of the human spirit. From the students in dilapidated university dorms, to the family living in temporary shelter, to the children coping with their losses, I was moved by the resilience of the Indonesian people and by their ability to cope in the most difficult circumstances. Inside, you will find a brief glimpse of that visit, among the many others my diplomatic responsibility calls on me to do.

Parliamentary diplomacy is one of my roles as Speaker of the Senate, and

one I take very seriously. Moreover, as an Alberta senator, I believe this role also involves my province. Since my appointment as Speaker, I have always looked for ways to bring Alberta to the world and the world to Alberta. Accordingly, while over the last few years, I have had the honour to proudly represent Canada in more than 30 countries, I have also taken great pride in bringing delegations of parliamentarians from across the world to my hometown of Calgary. Indeed, delegates from Southeast Asia, to Europe, to the Middle East, to South America, and points in between, have all had the chance to see this great province and this great city.

Speaking of Alberta, there is a great deal to celebrate this year. The centennial, the visit of her Majesty the Queen and a new Lieutenant-Governor! And on top of all of this, the Alberta Scene – a National Arts Centre celebration that brought the best of Alberta culture and arts to Ottawa earlier this spring. Inside, you will also find excerpts from a speech I delivered in Scotland honouring Tommy Douglas, Canada’s greatest Canadian – as voted by Canadians in a nation-wide CBC poll. As well, I am pleased to offer an article on reforming the British House of Lords, as part of my series examining parliamentary systems in other democracies. So I invite you to visit my web site at www.sen.parl.gc.ca/dhays and read about everything I have mentioned and more. Sincerely,

In this Issue ...

2

3

4

5

6

8

9

10

16

Reforming Britain’s House of Lords

New Senators

Alberta Celebrates 100 years !

Calgary Exhibition & Stampede 2005

Honouring Tommy C. Douglas

A new Lieutenant-Governor for Alberta

Staying Connected

Diplomatic Corner

News from our office

A report of activities from Senator Dan Hays

D

Page 2 S p e a k e r ’ s R e p o r t July 2005

Reforming Britain’s House of Lords n my time as Speaker of the Senate, I’ve had the opportunity

to visit several countries whose parliaments include a second chamber. While the senates in most of those countries are provided for in constitutions drafted following the Second World War, a notable exception is the British House of Lords, which dates back to the fourteenth century.

The Senate of Canada, created in 1867, was inspired to some degree by the House of Lords and shares many of its characteristics. So reforms made to the Lords since 1911 offer much to ponder for those concerned with the continuing evolution of our own Senate.

And the two parliamentary

delegations I’ve led to the United Kingdom have provided the opportunity to study Lords’ reform from a historical standpoint, as well as examine its more recent developments.

Prime Minister Tony Blair’s Labour Party was elected in 1997, promising several major constitutio-nal changes1 that included making the House of Lords more democratic and representative. Following through on this commitment, the government adopted the House of Lords Act in 1999, which removed the right of most of the 759 hereditary peers to sit and vote in the Lords, while making provision for 92 of them to retain their seats. This was seen as a transitional measure, since the government ultimately intended to remove all hereditary peers, as well as devise a new method for appointing members.

The 1999 House of Lords Act profoundly changed the upper chamber, but it was only the latest in

a series of reforms which began with the Parliament Act in 1911. Prior to this reform, the Lords, most of whom were Conservative, had unlimited power to reject legislation. However, after they blocked Chancellor David Lloyd George’s 1909 “People’s Budget,” which created a form of social insurance to be partly financed by land and income taxes, the Liberal Government introduced legislation that would for the first time restrict the upper chamber’s powers. This new act ensured that bills could become law after two years even without the Lords’ consent, provided they be passed by the Commons in three successive sessions. It also restricted the Lords’ ability to delay money bills to one month.

Though other proposals for modernizing the Lords were made in the decades that followed the 1911 reform, it was only in the forties that another significant change took place. In 1948, Clement Atlee’s Labour Government embarked on a radical program to nationalize the Bank of England, the gas, electricity, coal, iron and steel industries, as well as the railways. Fearing the Conservative majority in the Lords would block these reforms, the government introduced a bill which was to become the Parliament Act 1949. This measure further reduced the period during which the Lords could delay bills from three sessions over two years to two sessions over one year.

Reforms ushered in by the 1911 and 1949 Parliament Acts dealt with the powers of the upper chamber. However, it was only in 1958 that significant changes to its composition were made, when Harold Macmillan’s Conservative Government passed the Life Peerages Act2. Arguing that the upper chamber was “perilously

near a breakdown in its machinery,” since a “large number of peers seldom if ever attend,3” the government introduced this measure to create more “working peers.” Unlike their hereditary counterparts, however, life peers would not be able to transfer their titles to descendants.

Besides balancing representation by allowing for members to be chosen from various political parties, backgrounds and professions, this reform would for the first time allow women to sit and vote in the House of Lords. Moreover, although the 1958 Act allowed women to sit in the Lords as life peers, it was only with passage of the Peerage Act 1963 that hereditary peeresses were able to do so as well. The 1963 Act also allowed Scottish peers to sit in the Lords, and enabled hereditary peers

David Lloyd George (1863-1945) Obstruction of his 1909 "People’s Budget" launched the first major Lords’ reform Photo: National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth

I

Page 3 S p e a k e r ’ s R e p o r t July 2005

New Senators to renounce their titles.

Others proposals for reforming the Lords’ composition and powers were made in 1968 by Prime Minister Harold Wislon’s Labour government. However, these propo-sals were rejected, being deemed too radical by supporters of the status quo, and too mild by those who an-ted to abolish the House of Lords.

It wasn't until 1999, as already mentioned, that further reform took place, when the Labour Government passed the House of Lords Act. Funda-mentally changing the composition of the upper chamber, this reform was to be completed by removing all re-maining hereditary peers, devising a new appointment mechanism, and streamlining the Lords’ powers.

And on the heels of the sweeping

changes brought about by the 1999 Act, the government appointed a royal commission to study further reforms. Chaired by Lord Wakeham, the commission proposed that the House of Lords be primarily a revi-sing and advisory chamber, whose work would complement that of the Commons. It also recommended the creation of a statutory body to ap-point all members of the Lords, in-cluding those from political parties. In April 2000, the government res-ponded by creating a non-statutory commission to select non-political peers, the first of whom were ap-pointed later that month.

Since then, however, further reforms have remained at the oncep-tual stage. Moreover, progress on completing the reform is being held up by a lack of consensus on a me-thod for appointing peers. As a re-sult, Prime Minister Blair has agreed that at least some of the peers should be elected. And the Labour

Party Manifesto promises a free vote on abolishing the remaining heridita-ry peers and defining the Lords’ powers to delay legislation4. The Li-beral Democratic and Conservative parties, meanwhile, are committed to a largely elected House of Lords.

So the debate continues. And we

will have to wait and see how the new Blair Government – re-elected on May 5 – intends to complete its modernization of the Lords.

Reforms made to Britain’s upper chamber over the last hundred years illustrate how intricate and arduous the process can be, and how it must consider and balance many factors before it can be accomplished. Accordingly, to be successful, a reform of our Senate will have to consider issues such as the selection or election mechanism for senators, the distribution of seats among regions, as well as the legislative powers of the second chamber. Moreover, any change will have to carefully examine the Senate’s relationship with the executive branch, with the House of Commons, and with the premiers in regard to provincial representation.

Be that as it may, the progress made in Great Britain offers an example to all those who feel that the Canadian Senate ought to be reformed.

● ● ●

1. Other proposals included the creation of a Scot-tish Parliament and assemblies in Wales and Nor-thern Ireland, as well as a new Human Rights Act. 2. The first life peers were created by the 1876 Appellate Jurisdiction Act. However, these peerages were limited to judges, to whom the Crown would grant the rank of lord of appeal. 3. Parliamentary Debates, House of Lords, speech by the Earl of Home, December 3, 1957, pp. 610 and 612. 4. The London Guardian, “Free vote on Lords’ re-form promised,” online service, April 11, 2005, www.guardian.co.uk/.

Prime Minister Paul Martin announced the following appointments to the Senate on March 24, 2005: The Honorable Art Eggleton, has served in public office at the municipal level at the City of Toronto and in the Canadian House of Commons for over thirty years. Elaine McCoy, Q.C., is President of the Macleod Institute at the University of Calgary. A lawyer and former Alberta cabinet minister, Ms. McCoy has had over thirty years professional experience in regulation and policy development in both the private and public sectors. Grant Mitchell has long-been recognized as one of Alberta’s foremost political,community and business leaders. Robert W. Peterson is widely recognized as one of Saskatchewan’s leading entrepreneurs and community activists. Nancy Ruth has spoken authoritavely about the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and on a myriad of issues concerning women’s rights, poverty, politics and economics. James S. Cowan, Q.C. has made an indelible imprint on the legal, educational and community landscape of Nova Scotia. Dr. Lillian Eva Dyck is well-known as an advocate for women and Aboriginals and is a leading figure and role model in Canada’s scientific community. Lieutenant-General Roméo A. Dallaire, O.C., C.M.M., M.S.C, C.D. (Retired) is one of Canada’s foremost military leaders. Dr. Claudette Tardif has long been recognized as one of Canada’s foremost advocates and defenders of minority linguistic and cultural rights and for her considerable contribution to both secondary and post-secondary education.

Page 4 S p e a k e r ’ s R e p o r t July 2005

Alberta Celebrates 100 years ! n honour of the Centennial celebrations, Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of

Edinburgh have officially accepted the invitation to visit Alberta.

The visit took place from May 17 to May 25,

during which time the Royal Couple visied Saskatchewan and Alberta to commemorate the centenary of the entry of those two provinces into Confederation. The visit was the Queen’s first to Alberta since 1990 and her fifth in Canada since becoming Queen in 1952. I invite all Alber-tans to take advantage of this unique opportunity to celebrate our Queen for her unfaltering dedication and service.

To show the Government of Canada’s commitment

towards the celebration of the centennial of Saskatchewan and Alberta on January 17, 2005, Deputy Prime Minister Anne McLellan was in Edmonton to announce of up to $60 million to projects and programs during the centennial. This contribution complements programs already announced by the Government of Canada and the City of Calgary.

This initiative, known as the Capital Legacy Project,

includes a $55.2 million investment, to be allocated over two-years to support legacy projects that will have a significant impact on the sustainability and quality of life in the province. The balance of the funding will support centennial celebrations and commemorative activities.

Institutions and projects selected for funding include:

the Provincial Museum of Alberta, the Edmonton Art Gallery, the Glenbow Museum, the Heritage Park Pavillion, the Museum of the Regiments, the Healing Gardens (Alberta Children’s Hospital), and the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Awards Program.

In Calgary, several projects will get funding. The

Glenbow Museum will receive up to $5 million, which will be used to improve facilities, create spaces for new permanent exhibits, including the much anticipated “Mavericks: An Incorrigible History of Alberta.” This exhibit will tell the story of what it means to be “Albertan” by tracing the development of our history from the time of the First Nations to the present.

Heritage Park will receive $3 million, money that will

go towards construction of a new entry pavilion. The pavillion will include a hands-on interpretive learning

centre for children and a variety of new and refurbished exhibits. The funding will allow Heritage Park to continue providing a broader understanding of the rich heritage of Western Canada. The Museum of the Regiments, for its portion, will receive $3 million, and plans to use the funds to renovate and expand the museum, and to support ongoing educational programs at the military heritage and education centre.

The new Alberta Children’s Hospital, located in

Calgary, will receive up to $2 million which it will dedicate to its Healing Gardens project. The gardens and plays areas are being designed to provide and create a warm, inviting, and child-friendly site. This project will promote health and healing and will help to reduce stress for both children and their parents.

In addition to the Capital Legacy Projects and

celebration funding, the Government of Canada will invest in projects that will showcase Alberta throughout 2005. These initiatives include the stamping of a commemorative coin, and an exhibition of emerging Alberta artists called “Alberta Scene,” took place at the National Arts Centre, and in venues around Ottawa between April 28 and May 10, 2005.

There is much to see and do as our province under-

takes the celebration of its centennial. As a proud Albertan, and proud Canadian, I will certainly take in many of these events and check in on several of these projects.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II , Queen of Canada, and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh

I

Page 5 S p e a k e r ’ s R e p o r t July 2005

Senator Hays invites you to visit these web sites ... www.albertacentennial.ca

The official web site of Alberta’s Centennial Celebration. You can catch up on current events, read important news, learn about Alberta history, send invitations for others to attend, or link to other great web sites related to the province’s birthday.

www.albertascene.ca

Presented by the National Arts Center (nac-cna.ca), the Alberta Scene was 13 days of living arts celebrating the Alberta Centennial throughout the nation’s Capital. The line-up offered a unique chance to over 600 artists to perform their magic.

www.lieutenantgovernor.ab.ca

Access information on the Honourable Norman L. Kwong, Alberta’s 16th Lieutenant Governor. The site also explains various topics such as the role of the Lieutenant Governor as the Queen’s provincial representative.

www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/royalvisit2005 Albertans are delighted to host Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh from May 23 to 25 as part of Alberta's centennial celebrations in 2005. This web site includes pictures of past visits, the itiniary of the Queen, as well as current photos of her visit.

Calgary Exhibition & Stampede 2005 ahoo! We are already beginning to gear up for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, the Calgary Stampede.

In order to showcase the Stampede to the world, we have invited a number of ambassadors, high commissioners, and diplomats to Calgary in July. We have already received many RSVPs including ambassadors and high commissioners from various countries such as Pakistan, Belgium, Thailand, India, Israel, Kuwait and France. This year the Speaker and his wife Kathy will be co-hosting a reception with Speaker Milliken in Calgary for these invited guests during the Stampede. Alberta beef will be on the menu and local entertainment will be featured.

This year is the 55th Annual Hays Breakfast, co-hosted by Roy Jennings,

Bud and Don Watson, and Graham and Larry O’Connor. The invited dignitaries and guests will be celebrating the 2005 Stampede as members of the Calgary Rotary Club will be serving up a hearty breakfast for everyone in attendance. Of course, no Hays’ Breakfast is complete without a drink of sillabub!

The Calgary Exhibition & Stampede is a great opportunity to

experience true western hospitality. The Stampede is being held on July 8-17, 2005. The official kick-off is 4.5 km Stampede Parade on Friday, July 8, 2005. For tickets to the Rodeo & Chuckwagon Races and other Stampede information, check out www.calgarystampede.com.

Put on those western duds and come on out to the Calgary Stampede. Happy Stampeding!

Mrs. Kathy Hays and Speaker Dan Hays

Y

Page 6 S p e a k e r ’ s R e p o r t July 2005

As leader of the CCF and premier of Saskatchewan, he won five straight majority governments, and pioneered in several areas which included the creation of publicly owned telephone and power utilities, as well as Canada’s first public automobile no-fault insurance program. And perhaps most significantly, under his stewardship, Saskatchewan enacted legislation allowing collective bargaining in the public service, and established the first Medicare program in Canada, thereby laying the groundwork that would later ensure accessible health care for all Canadians. Although faced with the opposition of the North American Medical Establishment, as well as with a doctors’ strike which saw Saskatchewan become the battleground on which the fate of Medicare would be decided, Douglas prevailed, and proved that it was possible to develop and finance a universal healthcare system. And for this, all Canadians are deeply indebted to him.

His years in office were marked by countless other achie-vements. As one observer noted: “Thousands of miles of roads and highways were paved … electricity was brought to most farmyards. Health and education improved; incomes rose, and thousands of people enjoyed a sense of security they’d only dreamed of before.” And confirming that Tommy Douglas was a shrewd and clear-headed pragmatist, besides being a blue-eyed idealist, his administration did all this by exercising careful financial management, while paying off the huge public debt, and bringing the province into budgetary surplus.

n November 29, 2004, Canadians crowned Tommy Douglas as "the greatest Canadian of all time"

through a nation-wide CBC television poll. On October 10, 2004, Senator Hays delivered a speech in Falkirk, Scotland, Douglas’s home town, at a ceremony commemorating the centenary of his birth. (Read the entire speech on www.sen.parl.gc.ca/dhays)

● ● ● In preserving memories of the past by erecting

monuments honouring great individuals and their achievements, we highlight the milestones that seek to guide humanity along its journey towards progress.

By dedicating a plaque to the memory of Tommy Douglas, we not only honour the man but also celebrate his pioneering work in establishing the social programs that are now a cornerstone of Canadian society.

An outstanding orator, debater and political organizer, Tommy Douglas claimed as his constituency the underprivileged and exploited. He spared no effort in the defense of civil liberties, and pledged his life to raising the living standards of his fellow citizens.

If Canada is today a just, caring and compassionate society, it is in large measure as a result of his vision, efforts and dedication. Often referred to as the “catalyst and conscience of Canada’s Parliament,” he once argued, with his earmark passion and only slight exaggeration – something I have to say, since I am a Liberal – that: “There is not a single piece of progressive legislation designed to improve the lot of the people of this country ... that didn’t grow out of the demands and persistent requests of our party.”

Elected to the House of Commons in 1935 as a member of the newly founded Cooperative Commonwealth Federation (CCF), he went on to serve as premier of Saskatchewan from 1944 to 1961. Something that earned him the distinction of being leader of the first democratically elected socialist government in North America, a government that lasted an unprecedented 17 years. And from 1961 to 1971, he led Canada’s New Democratic Party, the successor to the CCF, retaining his seat in the Commons until he retired in 1979. The record of his achievements is outstanding, since the reforms he implemented in the course of his public life fundamentally changed the nature of Canada and immeasurably improved the lot of his fellow citizens.

Pho

to C

redi

t: Jo

di T

urne

r. C

ompo

site

pic

ture

.

Unveiling a plaque honouring Tommy Douglas. Left to right: Senator Hays, young citizens of Falkirk, Mayor James Johnson, as well as Mr. Ken Shirra, Grand Prior of the Knight Templars in Scotland standing before the Falkirk Wheel

Honouring Tommy C. Douglas O

Page 7 S p e a k e r ’ s R e p o r t July 2005

At the federal level, though Tommy Douglas and his party never managed to achieve the same electoral success they’d known in Saskatchewan, they were nonetheless instrumental in helping implement significant reforms that include Medicare, old age pensions, the Canada Labour Code and unemployment insurance.

And among his other achievements are his persuading the federal government to create a landmark royal commission on bilingualism and multiculturalism, and his brokering of a compromise in the bitter 1965 debate over the new Canadian Flag.

During a 1970 speech, asking rhetorically whether his federal political involvement had been wasted, since the NDP had never even come close to power, he said: “I look back and think that a boy from a poor home on the wrong side of the tracks in Winnipeg was given the privilege of being part of a movement that has changed Canada. In my lifetime, I have seen it change Canada.”

And changing Canada as fundamentally as he did, and being an architect of a new, different and more compassionate society, took not only dedication and effort, but a great deal of hardiness.

Given the extent and significance of the changes he helped

usher in, it is no small homage to Tommy Douglas to say that even those who disagreed with him respected his integrity and dedication to building a better world. Though he was a product of his time, he also shaped that time. Not only did he question the injustices afflicting society, he did something to alleviate them. He never lost sight of his dream for a better world, and Canada’s social programs are a testament to his determination, decency and common sense.

So as we gather to dedicate a memorial to this proud son of Scotland and architect of the modern Canada, I am remin-ded of words by the American poet Longfellow, who said: Lives of great men all remind us We can make our lives sublime, And, departing, leave behind us Footprints on the sands of time.

Though the shifting sands of time may erase some of those footprints, the sturdy material from which this memorial is fashioned will secure the memory and legacy of Tommy Douglas through the ages, and stand as a beacon pointing towards the New Society he dreamed of.

www.cbc.ca/greatest CBC challenged Canadians to answer the provocative question: If you had to pick just one person, who would you name the greatest Canadian? Over 1.2 million voted, and Tommy C. Douglas was declared The Greatest Canadian on November 29, 2004.

www.scottish.parliament.uk The new Scottish Parliament, designed by Catalan architect Enrico Miralles, was officially opened by Her Majesty the Queen on October 9, 2004. The web site offers a great view of the new building, pictures of the opening, and all informations related to their parliamentary process.

Photo Credit: CBC Television

Related Links

Page 8 S p e a k e r ’ s R e p o r t July 2005

A new Lieutenant-Governor for Alberta

orman Kwong was sworn in as Alberta’s 16th lieutenant governor, succeeding the Honourable Lois Hole, who passed away following a

battle with cancer on January 6, 2005.

Shortly before being sworn in, Mr. Kwong said: “I have taken on many challenges in my lifetime, from childhood battles over my ethnic background, to restoring faith and support for the Calgary Stampeders in the 1980s. The biggest challenge, however, will be taking over a position held by such a beloved person as Lois Hole.”

Born in Calgary in 1929 to Chinese immigrant parents, Mr. Kwong was the first Chinese-Canadian to play in the Canadian Football League from 1948 to 1960. His outstanding talent as a running back earned the nicknames "China Clipper" and "Living Legend". In his 13 years with the CFL, he was a member of four Grey Cup winning teams, once with the Calgary Stampeders and three times with Edmonton Eskimos. Mr. Kwong holds 30 records in the CFL, and some of his football accomplishments include being the youngest member of a Grey Cup winning team. He was named Canada’s athlete of the year in 1955, and remains the third all-time CFL rusher.

After retiring from football in 1960, Mr. Kwong pursued a successful career in real estate, going on to be part owner and director of the Calgary Flames. In 1988, Mr. Kwong became president and general manager of the Calgary Stampeders.

Mr. Kwong’s numerous other accomplishments include being national chairman of the Canadian Consultative Council on Multiculturalism, as well as an honorary chairman of the Calgary Easter Seal campaign. In 1998, Mr. Kwong was appointed a member of the Order of Canada.

The Honourable Norman Kwong is Alberta’s first lieutenant governor of Asian heritage. He has been married to Mary Kwong for 44 years. Together they have four sons and five grandchildren.

“I know Mr. Kwong will serve Alberta very well as Lieutenant Governor, and will bring his good humour and warm heartedness with him into the role.” - The Honourable Ralph P. Klein, Premier of Alberta, speaking at the installation ceremony of Alberta’s 16th Lieutenant Governor, January 20 2005.

"Norman Kwong is an inspiration for many Canadians. His many contributions, as a professional athlete, as a business person and as a prominent figure in society, speak to his commitment to the people of Alberta." - The Right Honourable Paul Martin, Prime Minister of Canada, on the appointment of Mr. Norman Kwong, January 19 2005.

N

Page 9 S p e a k e r ’ s R e p o r t July 2005

A new, redesigned web site to serve you better

« To better communicate with constituents in Alberta using an innovative medium » was the objective behind the launching of the Speaker’s new and improved redesigned web site.

Launched in November 2004, our web site features new and exiting additions created to put the user first. The site allows the users to: • Read reports from all official visits as well as current

speeches; • View all rulings pronounced in the Senate Chamber; • Request an e-mail notification to know when new

information is posted; • Learn what the Speaker has been up to recently by

consulting our Online Agenda; • Add, modify or substract your address from our

mailing list; • Voice your comments/questions using our integrated

online webform, and much much more. We look forward to hearing from you.

If you would like more information ... We strive to give our online audience the most

accurate, time-sensitive and concise information. However, if you have a question needing special attention, or would like to know more about Parliament, feel free to contact us and we will gladly answer or re-direct your inquiry to the appropreate party.

If your question pertains to the government of

Canada or its services, feel free to call 1-800-Ô-Canada.

www.senate-senat.ca/senatereport.asp

The Senate Report is a quarterly newsletter that informs Canadians of the activities of Senators in the Red Chamber, in Committees and in the community at large. Read about the work that Senators do. www.parl.gc.ca

Visit the official web site of Parliament. Research a current Bill, read upon the Senators’ biographies, or simply search a specific word from the latest debates. www.parl.gc.ca/Information/ about/people/poet/index-e.htm

Mrs. Pauline Michel became the second Parliamentary Poet Laureate on November 17, 2004. This web site explains the duties related to her work, as well as serves as a medium to display great poems from canadian authors. www.clrc.ca

The Canadian Livestock

Records Corporation celebrates its 100th birthday this year. Created with the objective to offer breeders a firm foundation to have reliable and accurate records, the firm holds records for all types of animals, including cattle, horse, sheep, swine, etc. www.thefalkirkwheel.com A marvel of modern engineering, The Falkirk Wheel, the world’s first and only rotating boat lift, is an accomplishment which demonstrates the ingenuity of the Scots. View the web site for more details.

Staying Connected

Page 10 S p e a k e r ’ s R e p o r t July 2005

Diplomatic Corner

H.E. Musaed Rashed A. Al-Haroun Ambassador, State of Kuwait

H.E. Dr. M. R. Al-Hussaini Al-Sharif Ambassador, Saudi Arabia

Mr. Abbas Assemi Chargé d'Affaires, Embassy, Islamic Republic of Iran

H.E. Alan Baker Ambassador, Israel

M. Ante Barbir Chargé d'Affaires, Embassy, Republic of Croatia

H.E. Donald Bobiash High Commissioner, Republic of Ghana

H.E. Juliette Bonkoungou Ambassador, Burkina Faso

H.E. Martin Burke Ambassador, Ireland

H.E. Marco Colombo Ambassador, Italy

H.E. José Miguel Cruz Sánchez Ambassador, Chile

H.E. William N. Fisher High Commissioner, Australia

H.E. Fakhraddin Gurbanov Ambassador, Republic of Azerbaijan

H.E. Eric Hayes Ambassador, European Commission

H.E. Anthony John Hely Former High Commissioner, Australia

H.E. J. GSTM Van Hellenberg Hubar Ambassador, Netherlands

H.E. Kensaku Hogen Former Ambassador, Japan

H.E. Daniel P.-H. Jouanneau Ambassador, France

H.E. Graham D. Kelly High Commissioner, New Zealand

H.E. Poul Erik Dam Kristensen Ambassador, Denmark

Mr. Argo Küünemäe Chargé d'Affaires, Embassy, Estonia

H.E. Daniel P.M.N.R. Leroy Ambassador, Belgium

H.E. Shumin Lu Ambassador, People's Republic of China

H.E. Alvaro M. Moerzinger Pagani Ambassador, Uruguay

H.E. Yiannis Mourikis Ambassador, Greece

H.E. Sasko Nasev Ambassador, former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

H.E. Dr. Abdulla Abdulwali Nasher Ambassador, Republic of Yemen

H.E. Sadaaki Numata Ambassador, Japan

H.E. Piotr Ogrodzinski Ambassador, Poland

H.E. Alvaro M. Moerzinger Pagani Ambassador, Uruguay

H.E. Pasi M. Patokallio Ambassador, Finland

H.E. David N. Reddaway High Commissioner, United Kingdom

H.E. Jose E. Romero Ambassador, Republic of Peru

H.E. Jamil Sakr Ambassador, Syrian Arab Republic

H.E. Omar Samad Ambassador, Afghanistan

H.E. Ernesto A. Senti Darias Ambassador, Cuba

H.E. Eki Syachrudin Former Ambassador, Indonesia

H.E. Mohamed Tangi Ambassador, Kingdom of Morocco

H.E. Perko Vukotic Ambassador, Serbia & Montenegro

H.E. Pavel Vosalik Ambassador, Czech Republic

H.E. Howar M. Ziad Ambassador, Republic of Iraq

President Natsagiyn Bagabandi President, Mongolia

President George W. Bush President, United States of America

President Vicente Fox Quesada President, United Mexican States

President Amadou Toumani Touré President, Mali

● ● ● Mr. Max Binder

Speaker, Ntl Council of Switzerland Mr. Paul Delorey

Speaker, Leg. Assembly of NWT H.E. Ene Ergma

President, Riigikogu, Rep. of Estonia Sen. Raymundo Cardenas Hernandez

Vice-President, Senate of Mexico Hon. Kolawolé Idji

Speaker, Ntl Assembly of the Republic of Benin

Honourable Matlapeng Ray Molomo Speaker, Ntl Assembly, Republic of Botswana

H. E. Longin Hieronim Pastusiak Senate President, Republic of Poland

H.E. Arturas Paulauskas Chairman, Seimas, Republic of Lithuania

H.E. Tan Sri Dr. Abdul H. Pawanteh President, Dewan Negara (Senate of Malaysia)

Mr. Oum Sarith Secretary-General, Senate of Cambodia

H.E. Chan Ven Deputy Secretary-General of the National Assembly of Cambodia

Hon. Margaret Wilson Speaker, House of Representatives of New Zealand

The Speaker has had the priviledge of meeting with many distinguished diplomatic representative since the last issue of the Speaker’s Report.

Speaker Hays was honoured to discuss Parliamentary issues with the following heads of state, as well as with his foreign couterparts.

Page 11 S p e a k e r ’ s R e p o r t July 2005

Diplomatic Corner

n the occasion of the first official visit to Canada of the President of the United States and Mrs. Laura

Bush, the Speaker of the Senate, the Honourable Dan Hays and the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Honourable Peter Milliken had the honour of greeting the President and Mrs. Laura Bush upon their arrival to Parliament and host a welcoming ceremony in the Rotunda of Centre Block.

The President and Mrs. Bush signed the Distinguished Visitors Book of the Senate and of the House of Com-mons. The Prime Minister and Mrs. Sheila Martin were also in attendance to witness the signature of the books.

Following the Welcoming Ceremony, Speaker Hays and Mrs. Hays accompanied Mrs. Bush to the Famous Five Monument on the grounds of Parliament Hill.

he President of the United Mexican States and Mrs. Marta Sahagun de Fox were officially received to

Parliament by the Speaker of the Senate, the Honourable Dan Hays and the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Honourable Peter Milliken on October 25, 2004.

President Fox proceeded to address the Members of the Senate and Members of Parliament in a Joint Session in the House of Commons Chamber.

President Vicente Fox Quesada

President George W. Bush

pon the occasion of his first visit to Canada, the Speaker of the Senate, the Honourable Dan Hays

and the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Honourable Peter Milliken welcomed the President of Mongolia to Parliament in the Rotunda of Centre Block.

Speaker Hays met privately with President Bagabandi and the Foreign Minister, His Excellency Tsend Munh-Orgil in order to discuss the many challenges Mongolia faces today. Following the meeting, the Speaker and Mrs. Hays hosted a luncheon for the President and Mrs. Oyunbileg.

President Natsagiyn Bagabandi

Left to right: The Usher of the Black Rod, LCdr Terrence J. Christopher, Clerk of the Senate and Clerk of the Parliaments, Mr. Paul C. Bélisle, Speaker Dan Hays, President Bagabandi, Speaker Peter Milliken, Clerk of the House of Commons, Mr. William Corbett & the Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel of the House of Commons, Mr. R.ob Walsh

President Vicente Fox Quesada with Speaker Dan Hays.

O

Background: The Usher of the Black Rod, LCdr Terrence J. Christopher, the Clerk of the Senate and Clerk of the Parliaments, Mr. Paul C. Bélisle, Senator Dan Hays, Mrs. Kathy Hays, Mrs. Sheila Martin, the Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Hon. Paul Martin, the Speaker of the House of Commons, Hon. Peter Milliken, the Clerk of the House of Commons, Mr. William Corbett, the Sergeant-at-Arms of the House of Commons, Major General Maurice Gaston Cloutier At the table: First Lady Laura Bush & President George W. Bush

A

T

Page 12 S p e a k e r ’ s R e p o r t July 2005

Diplomatic Corner

Belgium (September 2004)

From September 19 to 21, 2004 Speaker Hays led a parliamentary delegation to Belgium, at the invitation of the Speaker of the Belgian Senate, Ms Anne-Marie Lizin.

While in Belgium, the delegation was hosted by the

Deputy Speaker of the Senate, Mr. Staf Nimmegeers (in the absence of the Speaker of the Belgian Senate, Ms Anne-Marie Lizin). The delegration met with members of the Belgian Federal Inter-Parliamentary Delegation for Canada; the Chair of the Committee on Agriculture of the European Parliament and French European Parlia-ment Member, Mr. Joseph Daul; and the President of the “Cour d’Arbitrage” [court of arbitration], Mr. Alex Arts.

At a time of European Union expansion, the Canadian delegation was interested in hearing the perspective of one of the smallest EU members. The visit was also an occasion to compare Belgian, European, and Canadian agriculture policies.

n the occasion of his first official visit to Canada, the Speaker of the Senate, the Honourable Dan

Hays, and the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Honourable Peter Milliken, welcomed the President of Mali to Parliament in the Rotunda of Centre Block.

Speaker Hays met privately with President Amadou

Toumani Touré to discuss the economic challenges facing Mali today, as well as the excellent relations shared bet-ween the two countries. Following the meeting the Speaker and Mrs. Hays attended a formal state luncheon hosted by Governor General Adrienne Clarkson at Rideau Hall.

President Amadou Toumani Touré

O

Speaker Hays with the President of Mali, Amadou Toumani Touré

Germany (September 2004)

From September 21 to 26, 2004 Speaker Hays led a parliamentary delegation to Germany at the invitation of the President of the Bundesrat, Mr. Dieter Althaus, also the Premier of Thuringia.

Cooperation between Canadian provinces and German Laender is excellent and resulted in the following partnerships: Quebec and Bavaria, Alberta and Saxony, and Ontario and Baden-Wuerttemberg are formally twinned. Four Canadian provinces are studying the German model of proportional representation as a consideration of electoral reform. There was opportunity to discuss issues of interest to Canadian and German parliamentarians: constitutional reform; federalism; multiculturalism; and agriculture.

While in Germany, Speaker Hays discussed Canadian interests and exchanged ideas on political issues with Mr. Dieter Althaus, President of the Bundesrat, Dr. Herbert Knoblich, President of the Brandenburg’s Parliament and Dr. Norbert Lammert, Vice-President of the Bundestag.

Scotland (October 2004)

On October 9, 2004 Speaker Hays attended the offi-cial opening of the new Scottish Parliament, representing the Parliament of Canada. During this visit, he also had an opportunity to travel to Falkirk, Scotland to speak at a ceremony commemorating the centenary of the birth of Tommy Douglas.

The German Reichstag in Berlin

Page 13 S p e a k e r ’ s R e p o r t July 2005

Afghanistan (December 2004)

On December 7, 2004 Speaker Hays attended the inauguration of the President of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai in Kabul on behalf of the Government of Canada.

While in attendance at the Presidential inauguration,

and through his formal and informal meetings with members of the outgoing Afghanistan Transitional Administration and with representatives of various other countries, Speaker Hays helped to reinforce Canada’s fundamental support for the Afghan people to build a democratic, stable, and peaceful country.

The Speaker had the honour to meet with H.E. Hamid Karzai, President of Afghanistan and Mr. Hedayat Arsala, Vice-President of Afghanistan.

United Arab Emirates (January 2005)

For the first time ever, Speaker Hays led a parliamentary delegation to the United Arab Emirates, from January 13-16, 2005.

The visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) provided the delegation with a better understanding of the socio political and economic dynamics of this Gulf States situated in the Middle East. The Speaker met with H.E. Mohammed Saeed Al-Kindi, Speaker of the Federation Council.

Kingdom of Bahrain (January 2005)

From January 16-19 2005, Speaker Hays led a parliamentary delegation to the Kingdom of Bahrain.

It was a chance for the Canadian delegation to gain insight about the substantive democratic reforms that the Kingdom of Bahrain has undergone. In February 2002, King Hamad bin Isa AL Khalifa transformed Bahrain from an emirate to a constitutional monarchy and established a National Assembly with an elected chamber and an appointed council each with 40 members. Elections were held in 2002 for the first time in nearly thirty years and women were allowed to vote and run as candidates.

Speaker Hays had the opportunity to better

understand the new constitutional monarchy during his conversation with H.E. Mr. Mohammed Bin Mubarak Al-Khalifa, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of

Foreign Affairs. The Canadian delegation gained valuable insight into the challenges facing societies wishing to embrace democratic reforms.

United Kingdom (January 2005)

From January 19-21, 2005 Speaker Hays led a parliamentary delegation travelled to the United Kingdom.

The Canadian delegation gained knowledge and understanding based on the information provided on the new security policies and practices implemented at the Palace of Westminster. The delegation was also able to compare the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act in the United Kingdom to those in place in Canada.

Speaker Hays met with many very interesting people, including The Lord Brabazon of Tara, DL, The Right Hon. the Lord Carter, The Right Hon. the Lord Cope of Berkeley, Mr. Paul Hayter, Clerk of the Parliaments and Clerk of the House of Lords, Lord Falconer of Thoroton, Secretary of State and for Constitutional Affairs and Lord Chancellor, Lord Michael Levy, Personal Envoy on the Middle East for Prime Minister Tony Blair and Sir Michael Willcocks, KCB, Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod at the Palace of Westminster.

United Mexican States (January 2005)

From January 24-27, 2005 Speaker Hays and Speaker Peter Milliken, of the House of Commons, led a joint parliamentary delegation to the XIIIth Mexico-Canada Inter-Parliamentary Meeting, held in Mexico City.

In November 2004, following the visit of His Excellency Vicente Fox, President of Mexico to Canada, it was decided among Canadian and Mexican parliamentarians that there was a need to raise the level of the existing parliamentary relations between the two countries. As a result of this for the first time since the inaugural meeting in 1975, both Canadian Speakers and both Mexican Speakers were present at the Mexico City Meeting.

Speaker Hays was honoured to be able to visit Mr. Vicente Fox Quesada, President of the United Mexican States during his time in Mexico.

Diplomatic Corner

Page 14 S p e a k e r ’ s R e p o r t July 2005

Diplomatic Corner H.E. Drs. H. Muhammad Jusuf Kalla, Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia; Prof. Dr. Ir. Ginandjar Kartasas-mita, Chairman of the Regional Representative Assembly; H.E. Mr. Agung Laksono, Chairman of the People’s Representative Assembly; as well as religious leaders, members of the business community, and media representatives.

United Mexican States (April 2005)

From April 27 to 29, Speaker Hays traveled to Mexico City to represent the Government of Canada at the annual Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Mexico Day 2005. This year’s theme was Competitiveness and the Canada-Mexico Business Relationship.

The event, which was widely reported upon in local media, was given even further status by the participation of President Vicente Fox Quesada, who communicated the importance and significance which Mexico attaches to bilateral relations with Canada and with our business community.

In his speech at the Chamber, Speaker Hays applauded the efforts that Canada and Mexico have made to improve their relationship, and noted that these relations have never been more promising.

While in Mexico City Speaker Hays also attended a lunch meeting at the official residence of Canada’s Ambassador to Mexico, Gaëtan Lavertu, with members of Canada’s business community in Mexico.

Please note that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Diplomatic Trade offers a complete list of Canadian Representatives Abroad at the following web address: www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/world/embassies/cra-en.asp .

As part of an ongoing effort to improve the process of accountability and transparency, the Speaker invites you to read the Official Visits Reports on his web site: www.sen.parl.gc.ca/dhays/visits-en.htm . You may also wish to register online to obtain an e-mail notification on the tabling of upcoming Official Visits reports.

Trinidad and Tobago (February 2005)

From February 21 to 22, 2005, Speaker Hays attended the 13th Biennial Conference of Presiding Officers and Clerks of the Caribbean, the Americas and the Atlantic Region of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in Port-of-Spain in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

This conference helped to reinforce Canada’s fundamental support of enhancing the Parliamentary process and its belief in the positive outcome that participation in such events can bring. It also highlighted the importance that Canada places on its relationship with its counterparts from the Caribbean.

Uruguay (February & March 2005)

From February 28 to March Speaker Hays traveled to Uruguay to represent Canada at the investiture of new Uruguayan President, Tabaré Vazquez, on March 1, 2005. The Speaker held a number of meetings with the new authorities the President of the Permanent Commission of Mercosur, Mr. Eduardo Duhalde, and with Canadian and Uruguayan business representatives.

Uruguay’s new centre-left government is made up of

various coalition parties. The Encuentro Progresista-Frente Amplio (EP-FA) successfully gained control of government from Uruguay’s two traditional ruling political parties for the first time.

Republic of Indonesia (March 2005)

From March 14 to 17, 2005 Speaker Hays led a parliamentary delegation to the Republic of Indonesia at the invitation of H.E. Dr. Hidayat Nur Wahid, Chairman of the People’s Consultative Assembly of the Republic of Indonesia.

The international response to the tsunami was rapid

and generous. The Canadian government committed $425 million toward a comprehensive response to the tsunami devastation in South and Southeast Asia. Canada is the seventh-largest bilateral donor placing it ahead of all other G8 countries.

While in Jakarta, the Canadian delegation had the

honour to meet with: H.E. Dr. Hidayat Nur Wahid, Chairman of the People’s Consultative Assembly;

Page 15 S p e a k e r ’ s R e p o r t July 2005

1. Address to the Inauguration Ceremony, Salón de Actos, Palacio de Minería (Mexico) 2. Official book signing with the President of the House of Representatives in Berlin, Mr. Walter Momper 3. While on visit of the Branitz Castle in Germany 4. Speaker Milliken and Speaker Hays at the XIIIth Mexico-Canada Inter-Parliamentary Meeting 5. Meeting with H.E. Dr. Hidayat Nur Wahid, Chairman of the People’s Consul-tative Assembly of the Republic of Indonesia 6. Helping out in the Republic of Indonesia 7. With Canadian Ambassador in Mexico Gaëtan Lavertu and Mrs. Donate Lavertu.

Page 16 S p e a k e r ’ s R e p o r t July 2005

News from our office

Questions? Comments? Contact us in Ottawa, Calgary or Online.

Ottawa: Senator Dan Hays Speaker of the Senate Parliament Hill Ottawa, ON K1A 0A4 1.800.267.7362 [Toll Free] 1.613.992.4416 1.613.995.3286 [Fax]

Calgary: Senator Dan Hays Speaker of the Senate 650, 1207-11th Avenue SW Calgary, AB T3C 0M5 1.403.244.3111 1.403.244.3128 [Fax]

Online:

www.sen.parl.gc.ca/dhays haysd@sen.parl.gc.ca

Jodi Turner

Jodi was the Speaker’s Chief of Staff from April 2002 to December 2005. She now works as a Committee Clerk in the Senate. Justin Thind

Justin was the Speaker’s Special Assistant in Calgary from May 2003 to April 2005. Justin has moved to Vancouver where he is completing his law articles. Christine Holke David

Christine worked as the Speaker’s Special Assistant until September 2004, when she accepted a position with International and Interparliamentary Affairs as a Parliamentary Exchanges Officer. Grant Holly

Grant worked for the Speaker from May 2003 to October 2004 and was primarily responsible for the Speaker’s web site, the Speaker’s report and assisting with the annual diplomatic corps event in Calgary Kevin Guérin

Kevin took over as the Chief of staff in January 2005. On detachment from the Ministry of the Environment, Kevin’s responsibilities revolve around all major office decisions and managing the Speaker’s office staff. Jolène Savoie

Jolène became the Speaker’s Special Assistant in September 2004. Her duties include coordinating the Speaker’s schedule, handling all correspondence, as well as directing the calls in the office. Matthieu Boulianne

Matthieu joined our team in October 2004. His responsibilities include updating the Speaker’s web site, coordinating with the printing of the Speaker’s Report, and dealing with technical calls in the office. Bryndis Whitson

Bryndis became the new Special Assistant to Senaor Hays in Calgary, Alberta. Bryndis brings to the position an indepth understanding of Canada and of the Calgary community.

Il y eu plusieurs changements dans mon cabinet depuis mon dernier bulletin. To those who have who have served and moved on to other jobs I offer them my my gratitude for a job well-done and wish them well in their future