Question of Privilege
March 4, 1981
Premature release of estimates
Hon. Jeanne Sauvé
Speaker of the House
Ruling Text
The Chair does not have the duty to uphold the principle of cabinet secrecy, nor does it sit in judgment upon the manner in which Ministers fulfil their responsibilities, including the prevention of leaks during press lock-ups. Moreover, the definition of parliamentary privilege has not been invoked in the arguments in support of the question.
Edit Metadata
Holding
"The premature release of estimates through a leak is a matter of ministerial responsibility, not a breach of parliamentary privilege upon which the Chair can rule."
AI Summary
The Speaker ruled that a leak of government estimates is a matter of ministerial responsibility, not a breach of parliamentary privilege for the Chair to adjudicate.
AI Analysis
- Outcome
- Denied
- Tone
- Educational
- Procedural Stage
- Supply
- Significance
Low
High