The Presiding Officer of The Scottish Parliament, the Rt Hon Alison Johnstone, is travelling to the US and Canada over the next week or so, firstly to attend events in New York around Tartan Week.
She will visit the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in Toronto for a series of engagements after taking part in the NYC Tartan Day Parade on Saturday.
The Presiding Officer said : “It has been a tremendous privilege as part of my role to represent the Scottish Parliament on the global stage. These engagements are vital in promoting Scotland, its people and its Parliament, and in building strong relationships and exchanging knowledge with other countries and legislatures.
“Tartan Week is a celebration of the Scottish American community, Scotland’s rich cultural heritage and the contribution of Scots Americans. The Parliament has been proud to play an active role in these annual events from our earliest days.
“I look forward to taking part in events in New York, and to meeting with elected representatives at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in Canada.”
Other engagements planned in New York include meeting with the Deputy Speaker of New York City Council and Chair of the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Relations, Dr. Nantasha Williams; and new NYC Commissioner for Mass Engagement,Tascha Van Auken.
After New York, the Presiding Officer will travel to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in Toronto and meet with Hon Donna Skelly MPP, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.
Further engagements planned at the Legislative Assembly include meeting Catherine Fife MPP, Chair of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Association; Effie Triantafilopoulos MPP, Deputy Speaker and Chair of the Committee of the Whole House; and the Premier of Ontario, The Hon Doug Ford MPP.
Ms Johnstone is stepping down from her role after the election.
