CPA Parliamentary Academy
40th CPA Small Branches Conference

CPA Small Branches Workshop C: Balancing Tradition and Innovation: Modernising the Westminster System in Small Jurisdictions

About the Workshop

CPA Small Branches Workshop C: Balancing Tradition and Innovation: Modernising the Westminster System in Small Jurisdictions

How can small Parliaments balance the requirements for tradition and innovation while modernising the Westminster system? How can tradition and innovation contribute to modernising the Westminster system?

The Westminster system has demonstrated success as a form of government through its widespread presence across the Commonwealth. Indeed, across the Commonwealth - including in its smallest Legislatures – there is ranging adaptation with the Westminster system. From multi-level governance systems aimed at dispersing power in Canada’s territories to the enshrinement of minority rights within written constitutions across the Caribbean.

In this workshop session, panellists from across the CPA Small Branches network will explore how small Parliaments balance the requirements for tradition and innovation while modernising the Westminster system. They will also explore how tradition and innovation can contribute to modernising the Westminster system.

This session will provide the space to explore what traditions (both Westminster and national governance traditions) have been instilled, reinstalled or reframed in small states. Panellists will consider what innovations have taken place to adapt the Westminster system in their jurisdiction and why their Legislatures have chosen to remove or return to tradition, or innovate - what caused this and what impact has it had in their jurisdiction.

Panellists

CPA Small Branches Workshop C: Balancing Tradition and Innovation: Modernising the Westminster System in Small Jurisdictions
Session Chair: Ms Claire Christian MHK (Isle of Man)

Ms. Christian is Manx born and educated and currently lives in her constituency Douglas South. 

Ms. Christian has an active role in Manx politics, serving as a Member of Tynwald and a Member of the House of Keys for Douglas South. After winning the 2020 by-election, she was successfully re-elected in the September 2021 General Election

In 1992, Ms. Christian completed her A-Levels at Ballakermeen High School before pursuing a one-year Art Foundation course at the IOM College. She then attended the University of East London, graduating in 1998 with a BA (Hons) upper second Class degree (2:1) in Fashion Design and Marketing. Following her studies, Ms. Christian spent a decade at Burberry Ltd, where she held various operational and design production roles. Notably, she managed international supply chains, departmental budgets, and infrastructure strategies, working closely with international stakeholders and operating at both operational and strategic levels. She also played a significant role in the company's IPO and concluded her tenure as Product Development Manager. Subsequently, Ms. Christian served as Head of Womenswear at Hardy Amies, a prestigious dressmaker responsible for the Queen's attire. Later, in London, she held the position of COO/Head Designer at Melissa Odabash, a luxury womenswear brand located in Mayfair.

In 2010, Ms. Christian decided to embark on a new career path and retrained as a secondary school teacher. Relocating to Northumberland, she taught at the largest school in Newcastle, which had a diverse student body of over 2,600 individuals from various social backgrounds. Through a GTP program, Ms. Christian obtained her teaching qualification in Design and Technology and spent a year as an NQT (Newly Qualified Teacher). Despite her impressive tenure in the fashion industry, she claims that her time spent teaching for 2 years was the most fulfilling period of her life. During this period, Ms. Christian also pursued a part-time Masters in Education at Sunderland University attaining 1/3 of a Masters.

Ms. Christian relocated back to the Island in 2012 and started her own business, Claire Christian Couture Ltd. Initially operating as a home-based bespoke service, the business gradually expanded to include ready-to-wear and bespoke offerings, culminating in the establishment of a retail presence.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Christian became actively involved in government policy reaching those that were in need and emerged as a local spokesperson for businesses and self-employed individuals. She played a pivotal role in facilitating government support and acted as a conduit for relevant information. It was during this time that Ms. Christian's passion for politics took root, leading her to successfully run for office in August 2020.

Ms. Christian’s current political roles include; Chair of the Economic Policy Review Committee 2020-date, Member of the Public Accounts Committee and Chair of the Isle of Man Arts Council 2023-date, a Member of the Standing Orders Committee of the House of Keys, and a Member of the Standing Orders Committee of Tynwald. Ms. Christian's past political roles include; Chair of the Planning Committee 2021 – 2022, Member of the Department of Infrastructure with delegated responsibility for Transport 2020 - 2021, Member of the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture 2021 – 2022 with delegated responsibility for Planning and Built Environment; Political Member of the Department of Education, Sport and Culture with delegated responsibility for Culture 2020-2024.

Hon. Manzoor Nadir, MP, Speaker of the National Assembly of the Parliament of Guyana

Hon. Manzoor Nadir, MP, is the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Parliament of Guyana. He is a married father and grandfather. He holds a Master’s Degree in Economics from the University of Manchester and a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University of Alberta.
Having a forty-year checkered political career, Hon. Manzoor Nadir is a six-term Member of Parliament, first being elected in 1992, and a two-term Cabinet Minister (Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, and Minister of Labour). He piloted more than 15 Bills and served on many Parliamentary Committees.
Hon. Manzoor Nadir served for 10 years as the administrative head of the Caribbean Youth Movement; an elected Vice-President of the 1987 United Nations Youth Forum; an Executive of CARIBCARE; President of the Guyana Public Transportation Association; and President of the Everest Cricket Club.
Internationally, Hon. Manzoor Nadir serves as a Director on the ParlAmericas Board of Directors and Co-Chair of the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s Parliamentary Conference of the World Trade Organization.
Hon. Manzoor Nadir is passionate about parliamentary outreach programmes and bringing Parliament to the people, thus pioneering the Children’s Christmas Outreach Programme in 2020, and the Speaker’s National Youth Debating Competition in 2021, a competition which is in its second year, having commenced on 8 April 2022.
Hon. Hima Douglas, Speaker of the Niue Assembly

Hon. Hima Douglas is the Speaker of the Niue Assembly. First elected on the common roll to the Niue Assembly in 1999 and elected as Chair of the Public Accounts Committee. He resigned his seat at the end of 2000 when he was appointed as Niue’s first High Commissioner to New Zealand. After completing two terms as the High Commissioner to New Zealand, he was again elected on the common roll to the Niue Assembly. He served as the Chair of the Public Accounts Committee until 2008. He was unsuccessful in seeking another term in 2008 and effectively retired from politics (or so he thought).

He returned to the Niue Assembly in 2020 to serve as the Speaker. He was re-elected to the post in 2023 and continues to serve in the post.

Hon. Kate Reid, MLA, Member of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly

Hon. Kate Reid, MLA was elected to the 20th Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly to represent the constituency of Great Slave.

Ms Reid was born in the city of Oshawa, Ontario in 1981. She has lived in Yellowknife since 1989. Ms Reid’s journey is a testament to her diverse interests and unwavering dedication to making a positive impact in her community.

Her career began in journalism, after graduating with a bachelor of journalism from Toronto Metropolitan University in 2003. Her interest in research led her to work at the Yellowknife Public Library, which in turn took her to the University of Toronto for a master’s degree in information studies, graduating in 2009. Returning to the north, she was grateful for the opportunity to join the staff at the NWT Archives, where she cultivated a deep appreciation for preserving and sharing the stories that define the territory and its government. Transitioning to the Government of Northwest Territories, Department of Environment and Climate Change, she brought her expertise to the forefront of environmental issues, contributing to sustainable development through legislative and policy work for five years prior to being elected.

Away from the demands of her professional life, Ms Reid is married and finds solace and inspiration in an array of hobbies. Her love for music, art, burlesque, drag, film and travel speaks to her eclectic tastes and a thirst for cultural exploration.

Ms Reid’s dedication to community service is exemplary, marked by her role as the President of YWCA NWT from 2021 to 2023. Her leadership extends to the cultural realm as a past director for Folk on the Rocks, an annual music festival that enriches Yellowknife's cultural landscape. Additionally, Ms Reid has actively contributed to community events such as NWT and Yellowknife Pride, Burn on the Bay and served as the UNW Local 40 President in 2019 and from 2021 to 2023, demonstrating her commitment to advocacy and the well-being of her fellow citizens.

Workshop Recommendation

CPA Small Branches Workshop C: Balancing Tradition and Innovation: Modernising the Westminster System in Small Jurisdictions

The recommendation proposed for endorsement by workshop delegates is as follows:

  • Parliament should continue to adapt and innovate to strengthen their governance systems, while ensuring these efforts respect and engage with tradition and local context.

Workshop Resources

CPA Small Branches Workshop C: Balancing Tradition and Innovation: Modernising the Westminster System in Small Jurisdictions

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