Thirty-ninth CPA Canadian Regional Conference

The 39^th Canadian Regional Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association took place in Prince Edward Island from July 14 to 21, 2000.  The Conference was opened by His Royal Highness Prince Edward. In as short speech the Prince reminded delegates of the many opportunities they have to assist legislators in other countries about how the parliamentary system works.  At the same time he cautioned them to remember that the Westminster system was not the only form of democratic government and they should always be open to learning from others.

Every Canadian jurisdiction was represented at the Conference.  Special guests included British MPs Norman Godman, Peter Pike and Bowen Wells along with Speaker Matthew Roberts from St. Lucia and Arthur Donahoe, Secretary General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.  

The host of the Conference was Speaker Mildred Dover of Prince Edward island.  Other Speakers in attendance included Gilbert Parent (House of Commons); Bill Hartley (British Columbia); Ken Kowalski (Alberta); Ron Osika (Saskatchewan); Gary Carr (Ontario); Bev Harrison (New Brunswick); Murray Scott (Nova Scotia); and Kevin O’Brien (Nunavut).

The format for the business sessions was to have a lead speaker from one of the delegations. Following the presentation the floor was opened for questions or comments by any of the delegates.

Four sessions dealt with aspects of parliamentary reform.  Speaker Osika made a presentation on the “Public Perceptions of Elected Office Holders. He and others observed that the publics’ perception does not seem to have improved since this topic was last discussed several years ago.  A number of factors were cited but there was little consensus on what could be done to improve the situation.  

Wilbur MacDonald, (PEI) drawing on his experience in federal and provincial politics, made an interesting  presentation on “Enhancing the Role of Private Members” which touched reforms that have been made in various jurisdictions.  Speaker Hartley addressed the topic “Parliamentary Reform Going it Alone”. Conrad Santos (Manitoba) made a presentation on “Technology and the Legislature.”

In a session devoted to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Mr. Donahoe spoke about the various projects underway by the Association and the opportunities for Canadian participation. In another session Cecile Vermette (Quebec) made a presentation on the role of women in the Association.

Three sessions were held on public policy issues.  Sarmite Bulte (House of Commons)  examined the issue of Globalization and made the point that there are many issues besides trade that demand the attention of governments and legislators.  David Christopherson (Ontario) outlined the dilemma faced by all jurisdictions in his presentation on the topic of “State Sanctioned Gambling”.  Finally Guy Boutilier (Alberta) made a presentation on “Building Stakeholder Support in Formulating Public Policy”  As examples of how governments could co-operate he referred to the Alberta Oils Sands Development project.  As an example of the failure of governments to co-operate he cited Health Policy and particularly Alberta’s experience with Bill 11. While all topics generated much discussion this one in particular led to some pointed and emotional exchanges over health care policy.   A complete transcript of the proceedings will be available from the Clerk of the Prince Edward Island Legislative Assembly.

Aside from the business session Prince Edward Island offered a very interesting social programme which gave delegates an opportunity to experience Island history and hospitality.  Lieutenant Governor Gilbert Clements hosted a reception where delegates could meet Prince Edward.  Delegates attended a production of Anne of Green Gables at the Confederation Centre of the Arts.  There was also time built into the programme for either a tour of the Island or golf at one of the Island’s famous courses. Finally delegates were treated to a variety of local entertainers during a BBQ at the Sir Andrew MacPhail Homestead and at the closing banquet held at the Rod Brundenell River Resort.  Everyone present will remember the impromptu but stirring rendition of Me and Bobby McGee by Speaker Dover.  

Delegates were unanimous in their praise for Speaker Dover and her staff for organizing such a successful event.  Next year the Regional Conference will be held in Alberta from July 17-22, 2001

New Speaker in Yukon

Dennis L. Schneider was born on June 10, 1942 at Flin Flon, Manitoba. He began his early education in the one room school at Denare Beach, Saskatchewan, an aboriginal and recreational community approximately 16 kms. southwest of Flin Flon.  The family returned to Flin Flon where Dennis completed his secondary education at Sir Maurice Roche High School.

After high school, Dennis was employed by Hudson Bay Mining & Smelting Co. Ltd. in the smelter powerhouse.  In January 1961 he was engaged by the R.C.M.P. and posted to Ottawa for 10 months basic and equitation training.  Upon completing recruit training, he was posted to Saskatchewan in November 1961 where he served until July 1986.  He served in a number of different locations and received his first command in 1971 at Climax, Sask., at which time he was promoted to the rank of Corporal.

 In 1980 he was promoted to Sergeant and posted in Charge of the Uranium City Detachment.  While serving at Uranium City. He was appointed as a Canadian Citizenship Court Judge.  He was the last Senior N.C.O. to serve at Uranium City and  prepared this detachment for downsizing and eventual closure with the demise of the community resulting from the closing of the Eldorado Nuclear Mine.  In 1986, he transferred to the Yukon for a three year posting to co-ordinate the “M” Division Community/Aboriginal Policing Services.  In 1987 he was promoted to Staff Sergeant and became the Non Commissioned Officer in Charge of Criminal Operations for Yukon.  

In 1990 he transferred to the Section N.C.O. duties, which is the first line supervisor to all the detachments in Yukon. On April 10^th 1996 he retired from the R.C.M.P. with slightly more than 35 years of service.

In September, 1996 he enrolled in the Real Estate Salesperson’s and Sub-Mortgage Broker’s Course at the University of British Columbia, Faculty of Commerce and Business Administration.

In April 1997, he received his Yukon Real Estate Salesperson’s License and practiced in the real estate industry until becoming involved in politics in 1999.  During this time, he also drove a school bus.

He was elected as the MLA for Whitehorse West in the Yukon general election on April 17, 2000 and on June 5, 2000 was elected as the Speaker of the Yukon Legislature.

New Clerk in PEI

The new Clerk of the Prince Edward Island Legislature is Charles MacKay. A native of Tyne Valley, Prince Edward Island, he is a graduate in Political Science from the University of New Brunswick. He has served with the Legislative Assembly since 1986 as Clerk of Committees and Clerk Assistant. He is the Secretary of the Order of Prince Edward Island and Secretary of the Prince Edward Island Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentry Association. He was appointed Clerk on May 18, 2000.

New Clerk of the House of Commons

The new Clerk of the House of Commons is William Corbett.  He  has served on the Hill since 1976 when he started as a House committee clerk. He left the Hill for three years to work for the Canadian International Development Agency from 1977 to 1980. At CIDA, he worked on a Canadian aid program in Colombia as the administrator of a large integrated rural development project.

He returned to Parliament Hill in 1980, as House committee clerk and in 1987 was promoted to Principal Clerk in charge of the House Committees Directorate. He has held a number of other senior administrative positions and in October 1999 was named Deputy Clerk.

He replaced Robert Marleau who had held the Office of Clerk since 1987 and who was named Special Advisor to the Speaker of the House of Common.