Question of Privilege
June 23, 1977
Reflections upon a Member
Hon. James Jerome
Speaker of the House
Ruling Text
In these situations, the practice of resorting to a question of privilege has become customary. It permits a Member to make what is essentially a personal statement under the umbrella of privilege in circumstances where he feels unduly attacked and allows him an opportunity to be heard by the House.
Because there has been no obstruction or interference of a Member in the exercise of his duties, there is no question of privilege.
More suitable avenues of redress are available. "The protection of an elected person against unwarranted or intemperate publicity, even abuses or defamatory publicity, is precisely that which is enjoyed by every citizen before our courts."
Edit Metadata
Holding
"A personal attack or defamatory publicity against a Member does not constitute a breach of privilege unless it can be shown to obstruct or interfere with the Member's parliamentary duties."
AI Summary
The Speaker rules that personal attacks do not meet the threshold for a question of privilege unless they obstruct a Member's parliamentary duties.
AI Analysis
- Outcome
- Denied
- Tone
- Educational
- Procedural Stage
- Not specified
- Significance
Low
High