Question of Privilege
May 25, 1970
Impeding a Member
Hon. Lucien Lamoureux
Speaker of the House
Ruling Text
The right of Members to an unhindered access to the Parliament buildings is a time-honoured privilege. "This principle should be recognized even if there is some question as to the extension of the term 'parliamentary precincts', and in particular whether the jurisdiction of the Speaker... extends beyond the limits of the Parliament buildings themselves." Based on a report of the Sergeant-at-Arms, it is clear that the role of the RCMP was to keep people away from the main entrance during the actual arrival and departure of the Israeli Foreign Minister. Commons security personnel assisted in identifying Members and their staff and none was denied admission, though the process may have created a momentary delay.
Edit Metadata
Holding
"A momentary delay for security purposes that does not ultimately deny a Member access to the Parliament buildings does not constitute a breach of privilege."
AI Summary
The Speaker ruled that a momentary delay for security did not breach a Member's privilege of unhindered access to Parliament as no one was ultimately denied entry.
AI Analysis
- Outcome
- Denied
- Tone
- Neutral
- Procedural Stage
- Not specified in text
- Significance
Low
High