June 24, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that the Honourable Rob Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, will travel to Asunción, Paraguay, from June 26 to 29 to participate in the 54th regular session of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS).

While in Asunción, Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant will reaffirm Canada’s commitment to supporting democratic governance, the rule of law and the protection of human rights in the Western Hemisphere, including gender equality, inclusion and respect for diversity. He will engage with heads of delegation from other OAS member states to discuss regional challenges, including the situations in Haiti and Nicaragua and the need to defend democratic institutions and strengthen regional security.

The Parliamentary Secretary will also engage with OAS and government officials, civil society organizations and other stakeholders to discuss Canada’s key priorities in the Americas, including the peacebuilding process in Colombia, supporting the OAS Voluntary Group on the Inter-American Democratic Charter, promoting the rights of LGBTQI+ individuals and reaffirming the rights of Indigenous peoples.