Visit to Cambodia by the Clerk of the Canadian Senate

In January 2007, Mr. Paul Bélisle, Clerk of the Senate and Clerk of the Parliaments, travelled to Cambodia as part of the Cambodia-Canada Legislative Support Program (CCLSP). The main purpose of Mr. Bélisle’s visit was to kick-start CCLSP programming in communications by outlining different models and processes for creating a parliamentary Communications and Outreach Strategy. The Clerk’s visit also comprised briefings on the Canadian parliamentary system and best practices in parliamentary democracies; a review of the National Assembly and Senate Secretariats’ Strategic Plans; a review of the Senate of Cambodia’s strategy and workplan to open provincial offices; a roundtable with the Women’s Caucus; and a number of other discussions and roundtables with the leadership of the Parliament of Cambodia, Provincial and District Governors, and other senior officials. A highlight of the visit was a donation of books and reference materials made to the Library of the Senate of Cambodia, followed by a workshop for library staff on the importance of library and research service delivery to parliamentarians. Final Agenda for the Visit.

Overall, the visit was a tremendous success; CCLSP’s partners in both the Senate and National Assembly were pleased with all of the activities and discussions they had with Mr. Bélisle. The visit not only helped to pass on important knowledge and technical skills to partners in Cambodia, but it has also helped to raise the profile and credibility of CCLSP and Canada.