VIEW FROM THE CHAIR
I feel would benefit our membership. At the same time, there is a need to include greater representation for the CPA’s Small Branches. The issues encountered and shared by Small States are distinct and I feel their Legislatures should be represented better within our Executive Committee. I know there is support for a Small Branches’ Chairperson to be established and I hope that initiative is taken forward following the Annual Conference. Recently, I was approached regarding the creation of a network for disabled Parliamentarians. In many Commonwealth Legislatures, there are seats reserved for colleagues with disabilities who are mandated to champion the rights of the disabled. Representation of the disabled in many societies has been woefully inadequate for too long. Our buildings also must make access easy for visiting members of the public who are disabled. A grouping of disabled parliamentary colleagues should share experiences and promote a charter of best practice. This is an area in which the
CPA should be a world leader and I wholeheartedly support the establishment of this network. The regions of the CPA are its greatest strength, representing the aspirations of Members from similar backgrounds who share similar experiences. It is in the regions that work can be intensified most expeditiously. I hope that the regional CPA structures continue to grow, delivering ambitious programmes that focus on issues of particular interest to Members in each region. I have mentioned these areas where I believe the CPA could develop as a suggested work plan for my successor. The CPA is blessed to have an active, dynamic and enthusiastic membership where ideas flow freely between colleagues, Legislatures and countries. I am certain that this vibrant membership will continue to propel the Association forward into a new period of growth and development which will lift its profile and command wider attention.
The Chairperson, Rt Hon. Sir Alan Haselhurst, MP, with delegates from the Commonwealth Youth Parliament in 2012
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