Question of Privilege
November 1, 1968
Reflections on a Member
Hon. Lucien Lamoureux
Speaker of the House
Ruling Text
It is a well-established rule that the House is bound to accept the word of a Member. It is not unparliamentary to temperately criticize statements made by a Member as being contrary to fact, although no imputation of intentional falsehood is permissible. In any case, a dispute arising between two Members as to allegations of fact does not fulfil the conditions of parliamentary privilege. Finally, all aspects of the Nigerian and Biafran situation have been referred specifically to the Standing Committee on External Affairs and National Defence. Any further discussion could be held in committee without the special reference proposed by the motion.
Edit Metadata
Holding
"A disagreement between members over allegations of fact is a matter for debate and does not constitute a question of privilege."
AI Summary
The Speaker denied a question of privilege, affirming that disputes over facts are matters for debate and the House must accept a member's word.
AI Analysis
- Outcome
- Denied
- Tone
- Educational
- Procedural Stage
- Debate
- Significance
Low
High