Question of Privilege
February 20, 1984
Alleged investigation of the Leader of the Opposition by the Government
Hon. Lloyd Francis
Speaker of the House
Ruling Text
There is no evidence that the file created by the Prime Minister's Office contains anything other than public and readily available information about the Leader of the Opposition. There is no evidence that anything in the file was illegally obtained or that it was the kind of information to which public access would be restricted. Allegations made in the newspapers regarding this matter have been denied by a member of the Government and the House is bound to take his word that there is no foundation to the allegations made. "The essence of a breach of privilege of this kind lies in the obstruction or hindrance suffered by a Member in the fulfilment of his duties. There has been no evidence of any such impediment.".
Sources cited Beauchesne, 5th ed., p. 12, c. 19(1).
References Debates, February 15, 1984, pp. 1407 - 23; February 16, 1984, pp. 1464-71.
Edit Metadata
Holding
"A file created by the government on an opposition member containing only publicly available information does not constitute a breach of privilege, as there is no evidence of obstruction or hindrance to the Member's duties."
AI Summary
The Speaker denied a question of privilege, ruling that a PMO file on the Leader of the Opposition was not an impediment as it contained only public information.
AI Analysis
- Outcome
- Denied
- Tone
- Neutral
- Procedural Stage
- Not specified
- Significance
Low
High