Recently, a delegation from Bermuda consisting of Members of Parliament, Ms. Susan Jackson and Mr. Jamahl Simmons, and Clerk to the Legislature, Mrs. Shernette Wolffe recently attended the 65th CPC Conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia from August 21 – 26. 

This year’s theme was “Inclusive, Accessible, Accountable and Strong Parliaments: The Cornerstone of Democracy and Essential for Development”. 

Workshop topics included, “Disaster Risk Preparedness for Small Jurisdictions, “Methods by which Small Parliaments can ensure effective accountability, “Well Being Indicators for Small Countries”, “Building Sustainable Economies for Small Island Nations”, and “Professional Development for Parliamentarians and challenges for Small Parliaments”. 

There were a number of commonalities. As an example, jurisdictions are all examining green energy/technology, the blue economy, climate change, the lack of natural resources, grappling with population retention and the cost of living to name a few. 

MP Jackson attended workshops hosted by the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP).  

Topics included, “Financial Empowerment of Women and Gender-Sensitive Budgeting”, and “Effectively Combating all forms of Abuse and Harassment in Parliament”. 

Also this year’s conference included the launch of the free app “EventGuide’, where delegates could search highlights of the conference, data papers and other information. 

Mrs. Wolffe also had the opportunity to participate at the “Society of Clerks-at-the-Table” meetings.  

Topics included, “Capital projects delivery in Parliaments”, “The E-Parliament, a novel digital approach”, and the “Parliament of Victoria’s gender equality action plan”. 

The parliamentary conference concludes today.