Parliamentary Centre
802-255 Albert Street.
Ottawa, ON K1P6A9
Phone: (613) 237-0143
Fax: (613) 235-8237
Web: http://www.parlcent.ca

About the Parliamentary Centre

Who we are

The Parliamentary Centre is a Canadian not-for-profit, non-partisan organization devoted to improving the effectiveness of representative assemblies around the world.

The Centre has served parliaments and legislatures for more than three decades. Founded in 1968 to strengthen the capacity of Canada’s Parliament, the Centre is now a global leader in parliamentary development with projects that support parliaments in Asia, Africa, Latin America, Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

Our services

Assessment and strategic planning

The Centre designs, delivers and manages programs that enable parliaments to better serve their citizens. To facilitate the accurate assessment of current conditions and to promote the development of effective improvements, the Centre has created a range of performance-measurement tools. With a wealth of in-house experts and contacts worldwide, the Centre is well-equipped to help parliaments assess strengths and create plans for better results.

Capacity building

The Centre delivers workshops, seminars and training to elected representatives and their staffs. These programs, available as local courses and distance learning, provide immediate and practical benefits to participants. The Centre offers technical assistance tailored to the specific needs of clients.

Research and publications

The Centre conducts research on a range of topics related to parliamentary performance and practices, and publishes briefing notes, handbooks and other practical tools on important issues relevant to parliaments such as fighting corruption, reducing poverty, promoting gender equality and managing conflict.

Parliamentary networking

The Centre helps parliaments establish networks to promote mutual learning and parliamentary exchange on policy issues crucial to democratic governance. It serves as secretariat to GOPAC and FIPA, networks devoted to fighting corruption and cooperation among parliaments in the Americas respectfully.

Our Approach

At the Parliamentary Centre, we believe that all citizens have a right to participate meaningfully in the decisions that affect them, and that effective legislatures are crucial not only to democratic governance, but also to sustainable development. We’re committed to providing support that respects the historical, cultural and political uniqueness of countries while fostering greater transparency and accountability in government.