Carleton’s Initiative for Parliamentary and Diplomatic Engagement Organizes a Weekend Orientation for Newly Elected Members of Parliament September 17 – 18, 2011.
Photo Gallery:
This two-day dynamic orientation combined briefings and tours, including at Rideau Hall and the Supreme Court of Canada, with panels comprised of former parliamentarians, heads of national organizations, individuals who worked at the most senior levels of government and distinguished Carleton professors. All shared their experience and working knowledge in an interactive discussion format.
Following wide consultation, the orientation was developed with the official support of the Conservative, New Democratic and Liberal parties.
“Carleton is uniquely placed to offer this kind of non-partisan and wide-ranging introduction for new MPs,’’ said President Roseann O’Reilly Runte. “As Canada’s capital university, we are intent on assisting the men and women who serve our country and we look forward to offering additional panels, seminars and networking occasions on topics of interest and relevance in the coming months.’’
The Carleton Initiative proudly recognizes and thanks our orientation sponsors: Cenovus Energy, Inc; GlaxoSmithKline; and TD BankGroup and our program sponsors: IAMGOLD Corporation and Prospectus Associates.
News coverage of the weekend can be seen at:
CP and CTV
http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/TopStories/20110918/mps-gather-parliament-fall-session-110918/
Ipolitics.ca
http://www.ipolitics.ca/2011/09/18/new-kids-on-the-block-schooled-on-ins-and-outs-of-parliament-hill/
Orientation Weekend Schedule and Panelist/Moderator Bios Follow:
Saturday, September 17, 2011
9:30 – Departure from Capital Info Centre for Rideau Hall, the residence of the Governor General of Canada in Ottawa
9:45 – The Governor General welcomes the newly elected MPs and spouses and speaks to them about his role and responsibilities as well as about the work of the Office of Secretary to the Governor General. His remarks are followed by a question and answer session.
10:30 – MPs and spouses move to the Tent Room for an information fair and reception. The fair provides MPs with information on the programmes and services provided to Canadians, including national honours and awards, heraldry, events in Ottawa and in constituencies, congratulatory letters and guided tours of the official residences in Ottawa and in Québec City for constituents. Guided tours of Rideau Hall follow.
11:30 – Departure from Rideau Hall on National Capital Commission tour route
12:15 – Arrival at the Canadian Museum of Civilization for tour of Canada Hall, welcome from President and CEO Mark O’Neill and lunch reception in the Café du Musée
2:15 – Departure from Canadian Museum of Civilization for continuation of NCC tour route
2:45 – Arrival at the Supreme Court of Canada for a tour followed by a briefing/question and answer session with the Registrar, Roger Bilodeau, on the status and role of the Supreme Court
4:15 – Departure from the Supreme Court for completion of NCC tour
5:00 – Arrival at Earnscliffe for greeting and reception hosted by British High Commissioner Andrew Pocock and Mrs. Julie Pocock
Sunday, September 18, 2011
8:45 – Welcoming Remarks
Carleton President Roseann O’Reilly Runte
9:00 – How Ottawa Works
Moderator: André Plourde
Panelists: Chantal Hébert, Alex Himelfarb, Paul Wilson
Topics: Federal government structures and institutions; role of public service and relationship with the political system; federal vs provincial/ territorial and municipal responsibilities; how the political system works to get things done
10:15 – Break
10:45 – How to Work Effectively in Ottawa
Moderator: Bruce Hartley
Panelists: Jean-Jacques Blais, Derek Burney, Judy Wasylycia-Leis
Topics: Understanding/developing/using sources of influence; role of media, lobbyists and stakeholder interest groups; building support for an issue; caucus; being in opposition
12:00 – Luncheon in the Railway Committee Room
Formal seating mixing MPs from different regions and parties at hosted tables
1:30 – Canada: Challenges and Opportunities
Moderator: Emmanuelle Latraverse
Presenter: Donna Dasko
Panelists: Shawn Atleo, Manon Cornellier, Ken Georgetti, Naheed Nenshi
Topics: Canada’s demographic reality and the challenges and opportunities that presents from a First Nations, municipal, western, labour, multicultural, and Quebec perspective
3:00 – Break
3:30 – Accountability: Political and Personal
Moderator: Marlene Jennings
Panelists: Léo Duguay, John Manley, Alexa McDonough
Topics: Role of MPs in understanding government spending, budget, and estimates, audit and program evaluation; need for MPs to engage in continual learning, develop leadership skills, manage time, and set and review goals; MPs and family life
4:45 – Orientation Evaluation and Conference Close
Dr. André Plourde, Dean, Faculty of Public Affairs, Carleton University
5:00 – Closing Reception in the Speaker’s Salon
Hosted by Barry Devolin, MP and Deputy Chair of Committees of the Whole
Moderators and Panelists
Shawn A-in-chut Atleo, National Chief to the Assembly of First Nations
Jean-Jacques Blais, former Liberal Cabinet Minister and Vice-Chair of the Canadian Parliamentary Centre
Derek Burney, former Head of Prime Minister Harper’s transition team, former Ambassador to the U.S. and former chief of staff to Prime Minister Mulroney
Manon Cornellier, Le Devoir columnist
Donna Dasko, Senior VP of Environics Research Group, National Chair of Equal Voice
Léo Duguay, former Conservative MP and President of the Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians
Ken Georgetti, President of the Canadian Labour Congress
Bruce Hartley, former Executive Assistant to Prime Minister Chrétien
Chantal Hébert, national affairs writer with the Toronto Star and political commentator
Alex Himelfarb, former Clerk of the Privy Council and current Director of the Glendon School of Public and International Affairs, at York University
Marlene Jennings, former MP, Deputy House Leader and Parliamentary Secretary
Emmanuelle Latraverse, Parliamentary Bureau Chief, Radio-Canada
John Manley, former Liberal Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and current CEO of Canadian Council of Chief Executives
Alexa McDonough, former Leader of the New Democratic Party
Naheed Nenshi, Mayor of Calgary
André Plourde, Dean of the Faculty of Public Affairs at Carleton University and a Professor in the Department of Economics
Judy Wasylycia-Leis, former MP, NDP caucus chair and former Manitoba cabinet minister
Paul Wilson, Associate Professor in Carleton University’s Clayton H. Riddell Graduate Program in Political Management and former director of policy for Prime Minister Harper