This includes both political leaders (Speakers, Deputy Speakers, Committee Chairs) and administrative leaders (Clerks, Department Heads), who need to work together to provide direction and manage the business – and politics – of parliament. The parliamentary administration is essential to support parliamentarians to do their jobs effectively. It offers efficient and accountable non-partisan support to elected representatives, while preserving the collective memory and traditions of the institution.
The Parliamentary Centre recognizes the diversity of actors essential to the effective operation of parliament, and mobilises Canadian and international parliamentary leaders – active and former – to support its partners. Parliamentary Centre responds to the specific needs of political and administrative leaders by developing a coaching plan with them to ensure greater performance and individual growth during their mandate. Through this approach of peer-to-peer learning and targeted capacity building, the Parliamentary Centre has helped improve the knowledge and skills of several thousands parliamentarians and parliamentary staff in a wide range of competences, from the drafting of legislations to media relations.
Sometimes, supporting Members of Parliament and legislatures begins at the election stage. The Parliamentary has also developed a six-cycle training program to empower women electoral candidates, with the aim to increase the representation of women in the decision-making process and as elected representatives.