Juliet Holness attends ParlAmericas parliamentary meetings in Ottawa

Juliet Holness, Speaker of the House of Representatives, is in Canada on official business for the 22nd ParlAmericas Plenary Assembly and the 10th Gathering of the Open Parliament Network in Ottawa.

The sessions run from May 18 to 22 under the theme “Parliamentary Leadership for Shared Prosperity: Advancing Trade, Innovation, and Security in a Changing World”. They have drawn parliamentary officials and representatives from across the Americas for talks on matters linked to regional development and democratic governance.

Holness travelled with Colleen Lowe, Clerk to the Houses. Her agenda at the assembly includes high-level exchanges and parliamentary discussions on hemispheric and regional trade, open parliament work, sustainable development, youth involvement and the strengthening of democratic institutions.

She is also due to make a courtesy call on Francis Scarpaleggia, Speaker of Canada’s House of Commons. That meeting is expected to address parliamentary cooperation between Jamaica and Canada.

Commenting on Jamaica’s role at the forum, Holness said the country continues to place value on democracy and regional partnership. “Jamaica’s participation in the ParlAmericas Assembly reflects our continued commitment to strengthening democratic governance and advancing regional cooperation. These discussions are especially important as we work collectively to address shared challenges and build resilient and sustainable societies,” she stated.

Holness is scheduled to return to Jamaica on May 24, 2026.