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Released: November
25th, 2020
For publication for St. Andrew’s Day on November 30th 2020
Ottawa, ON – The Canada-Scotland Friendship Group has been reconstituted
on Parliament Hill.
Originally founded in 2011 and relaunched on October 27th, 2020, the
group is a nonpartisan committee consisting of over 40 Members of
Parliament and Senators, chaired by MP John Barlow (CPC), with executive
committee members represented by MP John McKay (Lib), MP Marie-France
Lalonde (Lib), MP Daniel Blaikie (NDP), MP Xavier Barsalou-Duval (Bloc),
MP James Cumming (CPC), and Senator David Wells.
At the first meeting, members brought forward important topics of
discussions for the group on which to focus. The topics include the
upcoming election in Scotland, partnerships between Universities,
agriculture, trade and economic partnerships as well as learning more
about how Scottish Parliament functions.
“Canada and Scotland share a profound relationship joined together by
family links, strong business and trade relationships as well as shared
values, culture and history. Through meaningful work and discussions,
the Canada-Scotland Friendship Group will embark on strengthening the
bond between our proud countries. During challenging times, friends
support one another. This could not be more true than it is today and is
certainly symbolized through the reconstitution of the Canada-Scotland
Friendship group in 2020. It underpins our deep and meaningful
friendship between our two countries, and continued support during the
most trying of times.”
John Barlow, Member of Parliament for Foothills, Friendship Chair (2020)
“As a proud Canadian with strong Scottish roots, I am delighted that the
Canada-Scotland (Parliamentary) Friendship Group will support our
enduring friendship, shared cultural history and values, with a strong
commitment to forging new relationships. I am looking forward to being
part of this effort and welcome it as new beginnings of a wonderful
opportunity that will allow Canadian and Scottish parliamentarians to
work together”
Hon. Kirsty Duncan, Member of Parliament for Etobicoke North, inaugural
Friendship Group Chair (2011)
“During these uncertain times, it is more important than ever to be able
to rely on long established international friendships. Scotland and
Canada are proudly and inextricably linked. It is wonderful that 40 MPs
and Senators from across Canada and the political spectrum, have come
together to recognise the importance of re-establishing this
partnership. Our enduring friendship through this Group allows both
countries to look at our modern-day relationship and identify
opportunities of mutual benefit, including how we build back better.”
Mike Russell, Scottish Government External Affairs Minister
“The setting up this Group between our two parliaments is such good
news. The friendships between our countries and our parliaments is real
and deep. Indeed, when this Parliament was set up in 1999 we looked at
how other legislatures across the world work so there is a little bit of
Ottawa’s procedures and practices here in Edinburgh. I very much look
forward to meeting with the Group members at the earliest opportunity.”
Rt Hon Ken Macintosh MSP, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament
At the end of the meeting, the friendship group reiterated the
importance of further advancing the ties between Canada and Scotland,
and strengthening our shared values though the work of this committee.
For more information:
Carley Williamson
Office of MP John Barlow
John.Barlow@parl.gc.ca
613-995-8471
Catriona Little
Head of Scottish Affairs for Canada
Scottish Government Office
Catriona.little@fcdo.gov.uk
Good afternoon Mr. McIntyre,
On behalf of MP John Barlow, thank you kindly for your email and
interest in learning more about this Parliamentary friendship group.
The intention of a Parliamentary friendship group is to expand on
and deepen connection between our two countries from a political and
governing perspective. Group membership is limited to Members of
Parliament and Senators as Parliamentarians for Canada.
That being said, the group meets with organizations and stakeholders
from across Canada and Scotland, and we certainly welcome the
perspective of those interested on items of importance. If there is
a subject or focus you would like Members to be made aware of or
focus on (for example expanding student exchange opportunities
between our countries, sharing environmental stewardship
achievements from one country to another etc) we welcome those
suggestions, comments and concerns.
You can email me directly at this email so your comments and
suggestions can be brought to the attention of the group executive
for consideration for upcoming meeting agendas.
Thanks again for your interest in learning more,
Carley Williamson
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