(Tuesday, March 17, 2009 – PETERBOROUGH, ON) Dean Del Mastro, Member of Parliament for Peterborough Riding is currently part of a Parliamentary Delegation visiting Northern Ireland and Scotland.
 
MP Del Mastro was asked by the Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association to represent Canada during a bilateral visit. The objective of the visit is to foster exchange on subjects of interest stemming from shared membership in multilateral organizations such as the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and to discuss the current political dynamic in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Canada. The delegation will also explore the functioning of minority Parliaments and discuss the relationship between the Federal and Provincial Governments within Canada and the powers of the Northern Ireland Assembly, the Scottish Parliament and Westminster.
 
“I am very honoured that I have been chosen to represent Canada during this visit.” stated MP Del Mastro.“I look forward to learning about Northern Ireland and Scotland to gain a better understanding and appreciation of their history and of their place in our modern world. Many of my constituents in the Peterborough Riding came to our area from the United Kingdom and to share with them – firsthand - the experience of being here is a great honour.”
 
On March 17th, the delegation celebrated St. Patrick’s Day by touring the St. Patrick’s Centre in the Town of Downpatrick - known widely as St. Patrick’s town, and the burial site of the patron saint.