Tilson addresses the council of Europe
In the photo (from left to right): Maxime Ricard; Philippe Mela; Senator Joan Fraser; David Tilson, M.P.; Joyce Bateman, M.P.; Scott Simms, M.P.; and Senator David Tkachuk.
Presents Canadian Position on a number of global issues
OTTAWA, ON – David Tilson, Member of Parliament for Dufferin-Caledon, addressed the Council of Europe earlier this month, while leading an all-party parliamentary delegation in his role as President of the Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association.
Headquartered in Strasbourg, France, the Council of Europe with its 47 member countries, aims to develop common and democratic principles across Europe, based on the European Convention on Human Rights and other reference texts on the protection of individuals. Canada has had observer status since April 1996, as well as observer status with the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) since May 1997, and is represented by the delegation which Mr. Tilson recently led.
During his time leading the Canadian delegation, Mr. Tilson addressed the Parliamentary Assembly on several issues of global importance including: the role of human rights in Canadian foreign policy, Canada’s opposition to the European Union’s introduction of a Financial Transaction Tax (FTT), and the Canadian response to the global economic recession.
When asked for comment on his impression of the Canadian delegation’s contributions to the recent session of PACE, he stated, “The issues raised during this session are of immense importance to both Canada and the European Union. We, as Canadians, can offer a unique perspective to our European colleagues by sharing our experiences and expertise on these issues, such as the successful stewardship of the Canadian economy our Government has shown during the global economic recession.”
In addition to the presentations Mr. Tilson made to PACE, he also led meetings with the Mexican delegation and the Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
The Canadian delegation concluded its meetings in Strasbourg and travelled to Dublin, Ireland, to meet with members of the Irish Parliament, as Ireland prepares for its presidency of the European Union (EU) next year. Mr. Tilson and the delegation met with their Irish counterparts, bureaucrats, and think tanks to discuss Canada’s relations with the EU. He also led discussions on the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic & Trade Agreement (CETA), the fuel directive between Canada and the EU, and the European recession and its effect on the Canada.