Question of Privilege
May 6, 1985
Misrepresentation as a Member of Parliament
Hon. John Bosley
Speaker of the House
Ruling Text
Anything tending to cause confusion regarding a Member's identity creates the possibility of an impediment to the fulfilment of the Member's functions and constitutes a breach of privilege. Since the time the matter was first raised, no documentary evidence has been received from the parties involved other than that originally presented by Mr. Witer. A ruling cannot be further delayed, and therefore, based on the evidence available, a prima facie case of privilege must be found.
(Mr. Witer's motion to refer the matter to the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections was then agreed to.).
References Debates, April 25, 1985, pp. 4111-3.
Edit Metadata
Holding
"Based on the available evidence, a prima facie case of privilege is found in the matter of misrepresentation of a Member's identity."
AI Summary
The Speaker found a prima facie case of privilege where a Member's identity was misrepresented, impeding their parliamentary functions.
AI Analysis
- Outcome
- Sustained
- Tone
- Neutral
- Procedural Stage
- Routine Proceedings
- Significance
Low
High