Question of Privilege
April 20, 1971
Freedom from molestation
Hon. Lucien Lamoureux
Speaker of the House
Ruling Text
"... it would be imprudent of the Chair to project the question of police files beyond the circumstances or conditions raised by the... Member and beyond the particular circumstances alluded to by the Minister in his reply." The matter is very serious and if any special circumstances were brought to the attention of this House and the Chair to the effect that Members were in some way intimidated in their work, or prevented from discharging their duties freely and without hindrance, there would be no hesitation in recognizing the matter as a breach of privilege.
Edit Metadata
Holding
"A prima facie case of privilege concerning police files on Members requires specific evidence of intimidation or hindrance of parliamentary duties; a general concern is insufficient."
AI Summary
The Speaker ruled that while police files on MPs are a serious matter, a breach of privilege requires specific evidence of intimidation or hindrance of duties.
AI Analysis
- Outcome
- Denied
- Tone
- Stern
- Significance
Low
High