Ruling
November 6, 1980
Committees; broadcasting of proceedings
Hon. Jeanne Sauvé
Speaker of the House
Ruling Text
The original resolution of the House respecting the introduction of television states that the House approves the radio and television broadcasting of its proceedings and of the proceedings of its committees on the basis of principles similar to those that govern the publication of the printed official reports of debates, and that a special committee shall be appointed to supervise implementation of this resolution. To date, the House has not followed through on the idea of broadcasting committee proceedings, and in the absence of some decision by the House, committees cannot be said to have the powers needed to have their proceedings broadcast. There are two possibilities open to the Special Joint Committee on the Constitution: either it could make a special or interim report requesting such an authorization, or the House itself could give a permissive instruction to the committee, always bearing in mind the proprieties applicable to joint committees.
Edit Metadata
Holding
"Committees do not have the inherent authority to broadcast their proceedings and must seek specific authorization from the House to do so."
AI Summary
The Speaker ruled that parliamentary committees cannot broadcast their proceedings without first receiving explicit authorization from the House of Commons.
AI Analysis
- Outcome
- Other
- Tone
- Educational
- Procedural Stage
- Not specified
- Significance
Low
High