Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, 12th General Conference

This stamp has a hidden date in the bottom-right corner.

Issuance of this 5¢ commemorative stamp coincides with the opening date of the 12th General Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association during which, until its conclusion on the 5th of October, representative Members of Parliament from Commonwealth Governments will meet in Ottawa for discussions of mutual interest. The history of the Association extends to 1911 when an historic assemblage of Members of the United Kingdom Parliament and Members of the Parliaments of the Dominions gathered in London, England, for the Coronation of His Majesty King George V. At that time the conferees agreed to the formation of an Association having as its object the establishment of permanent machinery to facilitate the exchange of information and viewpoints. Originally designated the Empire Parliamentary Association, the organization was comprised of Branches in each of the self-governing Dominions. Constitutional developments of far-reaching importance during the first 35 years of the Association's existence resulted in a recognized need for revision of its Constitution, therefore, on the basis of a Resolution passed by the Canadian Branch on the 5th February 1948, the matter was laid before a Conference in London, England, during October 1948. The draft of the new Constitution, including the change of name to Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, was accordingly prepared at a meeting in Ottawa, in May 1949. Final ratification of the amended Constitution occurred at a General Meeting of the Association during November 1950. Continued modifications have been made through the years in an appreciation of constitutional changes. In dedicating its existence to serving Parliamentarians, and, through them, the Commonwealth, the Association has as its stated aims the promotion of contact and understanding among Members of Parliament, who, irrespective of race or religion, nationality or culture, are united in a community interest, respect for the rule of law, rights of the individual citizens, and the positive ideals of Parliamentary Democracy. This commemorative stamp, designed by Brigdens of Winnipeg Limited, features an unusual view of the historic Parliamentary Library in Ottawa symbolizing the working of Parliamentary Government which is the primary concern of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. Engraving and printing was performed by the Canadian Bank Note Company Limited, Ottawa.