Question of Privilege
December 15, 2004
Freedom from obstruction, interference, intimidation and molestation: Members denied access to the Parliamentary Precinct during visit of the President of the United States; prima facieDecember 1, 2004
Hon. Peter Milliken
Speaker of the House
Ruling Text
The Speaker:
The Chair does not need to hear any more on this point.
I am satisfied that the hon. Member for Montmorency–Charlevoix–Haute-Côte-Nord has raised a very valid and distinct question of privilege. I know full well that other hon. Members have had the same problem. I have heard the comments from all the hon. Members who participated in this discussion, the hon. Members for Glengarry–Prescott–Russell, Calgary Southeast, and Elmwood–Transcona.
I am satisfied that in my view this is a prima facie case and the matter ought to be referred to the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs.
I am quite prepared to allow the hon. Member for Montmorency–Charlevoix–Haute-Côte-Nord to move his motion at this point.
The hon. Member for Montmorency–Charlevoix–Haute-Côte-Nord can move his motion.
Postscript Mr. Guimond moved that the matter be referred to the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, and the motion was agreed to.
[2]
On December 15, 2004, the Committee deposited with the Clerk its Twenty-First Report. In it, the Committee concluded that the denial of access and significant delays experienced by Members of the House during the visit of the President of the United States had constituted a contempt of the House. It recommended that remedial action be taken by the various police and security forces concerned, that the Sergeant-at-Arms and RCMP report to the Committee outlining measures to ensure that the situation did not recur, and that the Speaker and the Board of Internal Economy enter into discussions with the Senate on merging security services.
[3]
The Report was concurred in on May 17, 2005.
[4].
[1]
Debates, December 1, 2004, pp. 2134-7.
[2]
Debates, December 1, 2004, p. 2137.
[3]
Twenty-First Report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, presented to the House on December 15, 2004 (Journals, p. 366 ).
[4]
Journals, May 17, 2005, pp. 764-65.
Edit Metadata
Holding
"A prima facie question of privilege exists when Members are denied access to the Parliamentary Precinct, warranting referral to the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs."
AI Summary
The Speaker found a prima facie question of privilege after Members were denied access to the Parliamentary Precinct, referring the matter to committee.
AI Analysis
- Outcome
- Sustained
- Tone
- Stern
- Procedural Stage
- Routine Proceedings
- Significance
Low
High