In 2017, the CPA established its CPA Fundamentals Programme on Parliamentary Practice and Procedure. Following the decision of the Executive Committee to transfer the former Fundamentals courses into the new CPA Parliamentary Academy, the Secretariat has sought to work with new and existing partners and associated organisations to offer a portfolio of academically rigorous accredited programmes independently.

For general information about our affiliated courses, click the + buttons next to each course below.

To apply for a place on one of these courses, scroll down to find out which courses are currently open for registration.

Professional Development Certificate in Parliamentary Governance (for Members of Parliament)

Organiser: McGill School of Continuing Studies

Dates: Various in 2024

Location: Online / McGill University, Montréal, Canada

Who can apply: Members of Parliament

Course Description:

This non-credit Professional Development Certificate program is designed for newly elected Members of Parliament. The program focuses on the fundamentals of parliamentary governance, including an overview of the three arms of government, different parliamentary models around the globe, the core functions of parliament (legislation, oversight, and representation), executive-legislative relations, the role of an MP, as well as contemporary issues in parliamentary governance. Combining theory and practice, the program uses a blended learning methodology and gives participants the flexibility to personalize their learning based on their specific responsibilities as MPs.

Fees

Full information on fees is available on the course website. Commonwealth Parliamentarians are eligible for a 15% CPA discount on tuition fees.

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Professional Development Certificate in Parliamentary Management (for parliamentary staff) 

Organiser: McGill School of Continuing Studies

Dates: Various in 2024

Location: Online / McGill University, Montréal, Canada

Who can apply:

• Mid-level parliamentary staff, who have the potential to reach the highest levels of parliamentary management
• Priority will be given to procedural staff, research staff, and administrative staff involved in the corporate governance of parliament

Course Description:

This non-credit professional development certificate program is designed for mid-level parliamentary staff who have the potential to reach the highest levels of parliamentary management. Emphasis is placed on international best practices in parliamentary management focusing on their application to parliamentary settings within different political systems and cultures. Combining theory and practice, this program uses a blended learning methodology and gives participants the flexibility to personalize their learning based on their role in parliament.

Fees

Full information on fees is available on the course website. Commonwealth parliamentary staff are eligible for a 15% CPA discount on tuition fees.

Download the flyer ->

Apply now ->

Courses will be added to this section when they open for registration.

McGill Course Advanced Standing Credits

Those students who complete eight online courses within the CPA Parliamentary Academy are entitled to receive advanced standing credit towards McGill’s YCBS 250 Introduction to Parliamentary Governance course (3 Continuing Education Units).

To be entitled to receive these credits, any of the following eight courses should be completed and passed:

• 101. Induction for New Parliamentarians
• 102. Legislative Process
• 103. Scrutiny, Accountability and Oversight
• 104. Representation, Advocacy, and Education
• 201. Advanced Course for Speakers and Presiding Officers
• 01. Administration and Management of Parliament
• 02. Committee System
• 03. Parliamentary Procedure: The Basics
• 04. Building Relationships
• 05. Strategy, Business Planning Monitoring and Evaluation
• 401. Effective Women’s Parliamentary Caucuses
• 601. The Sustainable Development Goals: A Parliament’s Role

In addition, students must complete a final essay assignment for YCBS 250 describing their parliament drawing upon what they have learned in the CPA Parliamentary Academy courses. A pass grade of a minimum of grade B-(65%) must be achieved.

The objective is to provide an opportunity to learners, who are interested in applying to McGill’s Professional Development Certificates in Parliamentary Management and/or Parliamentary Governance, to accelerate completion of the above mentioned McGill programmes.

Application Procedure

To request advanced standing, when applying for admission to McGill Professional Development Certificates in Parliamentary Management and/or Parliamentary Governance the applicant must e-mail the McGill Admissions office and provide the required supporting documents (a proof of completion of the above-mentioned courses offered by the CPA within the last 5 years). CPA learners should send the e-mail and supporting documents to admissions.scs@mcgill.ca.