Minutes of the
ULKOSUOMALAISPARLAMENTTI - EXPATRIATE PARLIAMENT
Canada – Area Delegate’s Meeting
Thursday, 25.10. 2012; 9:00 – 10:00 am
Suomi-Seura, Mariankatu 8, Helsinki

Delegates present: Tuire Walsh, Maire Laurikainen, Tapani Nousiainen, Veli Niinimaa, Marja-Liisa Tolvanen (Alternate for Ahti Tolvanen), Maija Ceming, Tarja Ylänkö, Niilo Saari, Chair
Observers present: Pirjo Roininen, Eira Laakso
1. Appoint Meeting Secretary – Veli Niinimaa was appointed meeting secretary.
2. Acceptance of Agenda – Accepted as circulated.
3. Introduction and verification of delegates present – Delegates (8) and observers (2) introduced themselves.
4. Decisions of the July 28th, 2012 area meeting in Thunder Bay – The posted minutes were reviewed verbally and the key decisions regarding Deputy Speaker and alternate Deputy Speaker selection and the information points were reiterated. A wide ranging discussion on how to attract more youth into the clubs. Personal contact to invite the youth to participate was concluded to be the most important action to take.
4a. Ville Itälä has been appointed an auditor of the European Union, whose rules prohibit belonging to any organization. His possibility to continue is under discussion.
5. Ratification of the USP Deputy Speaker – Canada Area – Veli Niinimaa was ratified
6. Ratification of the alternate to the Canadian Deputy Speaker – Tuire Walsh was ratified
7. Selection of spokesperson announcing the Confirmation of USP Deputy Speaker – Canada area to the plenary session. Niilo Saari was selected to inform the Parliament.
8. Representation in Standing Committees – Tuire Walsh agreed to change to Finance and Information, Veli Niinimaa registered in Political and Official Matters, Maija Ceming registered in Citizenship, Tarja Ylänkö and Pirjo Roininen registered in Youth and Education, Marja-Liisa Tolvanen wanted to change to Political and Official Matters and Eira Laakso was placed in the Social Matters committee. All other delegates registered in the Seniors’ committee.
9. Review/discussion regarding initiatives. Selected motions were discussed.
10. Advancement/improvement of Canada-area cooperation (eg. use of e-Mail etc)
- improved participation – personal contact to be used to increase active participation. Initial discussion on the pros and cons of mail voting for the Canadian region.
11. Other/New business
- Niilo Saari was asked to convene and chair the Seniors committee meetings.
- Canada’s Ambassador to Finland, Chris Shapardanov, cancelled a planned reception due to illness.
- Niilo Saari was thanked for his 15-year service to USP/FEP, 10 years as an alternate Deputy Speaker with Dr. Veli Ylänkö and five years as the Deputy Speaker, Canadian Region.
- A group photo of the Canadian delegates and observers.
12. The meeting adjourned at 10:10

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