![]() On April 13, 2000, the Standing Committee on Privileges, Standing Rules and Order - now the Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament - presented a report following allegations of reprisals against a witness. To tamper with a witness in regard to the evidence to be given before either house or any committee of either house or to endeavour directly or indirectly, to deter or hinder any person from appearing or giving evidence is a breach of privilege. Since official meetings of a committee are part of the proceedings of Parliament, any person appearing before a Senate committee is protected by parliamentary privilege.Īs such, the protections provided to senators, including freedom of expression and freedom against intimidation, flow to witnesses.Īccording to section 865 in Beauchesne’s Parliamentary Rules and Forms, sixth edition: On page 203 of Senate Procedure in Practice, it says: Witnesses who appear before Senate committees are given the same protections against coercion and intimidation. Again, as defined on page 230 of Senate Procedure in Practice, contempt involves, “Any actions that substantially obstruct Parliament and its members in the performance of their duties . . . .” This statement is supported by numerous parliamentary references and authorities such as Erskine May, House of Commons Procedure and Practice and more than a dozen Senate Speaker’s rulings since 1998. According to Senate Procedure in Practice on page 226, senators should fulfill their responsibilities with “freedom from obstruction and intimidation.”Īctions taken by an individual or individuals to impede the work of Parliament can be considered as contempt of Parliament. Parliamentary privilege exists to permit Parliament to conduct its duties without interference. I gave oral notice earlier today during Senators’ Statements, pursuant to rule 13-3(4). The preservation of the privileges of the Senate is the duty of every Senator and has priority over every other matter before the Senate.Īs required under rule 13-3(1), written notice of this question of privilege was given to the Clerk of the Senate this morning and was circulated to all senators. According to rule 13-1:Ī violation of the privileges of any one Senator affects all Senators and the ability of the Senate to carry out its functions. Honourable senators, I rise today to bring to the Senate’s attention a serious breach of the Senate’s collective rights and privileges, and a possible contempt of Parliament.
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