Question of Privilege
April 22, 1985
Premature disclosure
Hon. John Bosley
Speaker of the House
Ruling Text
If the traditional criteria are rigidly applied, premature disclosure of committee reports and proceedings undoubtedly encroaches upon parliamentary privilege. The Speaker stated, however, that Canadian practice has always leaned towards freedom of the press, and he cited several precedents which supported this position. The Speaker noted that his ruling should not, however, be interpreted as a carte blanche exoneration of the press in every case where confidential reports are prematurely disclosed.
Edit Metadata
Holding
"While premature disclosure of committee reports is a breach of privilege, no action will be taken in this instance due to the overriding Canadian practice of respecting freedom of the press."
AI Summary
The Speaker ruled that while the premature disclosure of a committee report is a breach of privilege, no action would be taken due to the Canadian tradition of upholding freedom of the press.
AI Analysis
- Outcome
- Denied
- Tone
- Educational
- Procedural Stage
- Not specified
- Significance
Low
High