Evidence of meeting #52 for Procedure and House Affairs in the 41st Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was privilege.
A recording is available from Parliament.
12:55 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Joe Preston
Almost everything you say raises three more questions. I was almost at a level with you. Now you've added that. I'm thankful for the great talent I have around the table.
Monsieur Drapeau, do you want to add to that?
November 22nd, 2012 / 12:55 p.m.
Col Michel W. Drapeau
No, I would agree that at the moment it is certainly implied consent. I haven't seen the documents in dispute, from Parliament to the Auditor General, but there is an implied consent. You ought to have known that this was under the control of a federal institution; it came under the act and this is what happens.
12:55 p.m.
Liberal
Sean Casey Liberal Charlottetown, PE
Yes, thank you.
I was interested in your comments that even the basis on which—
12:55 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Joe Preston
I'm sorry, Mr. Casey, but apparently we have bells.
Go ahead and ask the question, and if that's the case, we will have to go.
12:55 p.m.
Liberal
Sean Casey Liberal Charlottetown, PE
The basis on which this was even referred back to Parliament pursuant to section 20 may have opened a question. You mentioned a couple of times in your opening remarks that there is no process for government institutions to determine who has authority to invoke or waive parliamentary privilege. We're looking for advice on who should have the power to invoke or waive.
12:55 p.m.
Information Commissioner of Canada, Office of the Information Commissioner of Canada
When we look at other models, in the U.K. the provision is that there needs to be a certificate signed by the appropriate authority certifying that an exemption is required. My understanding is that the appropriate authority is the Speaker in the U.K., but this is something that I would have to check with my colleagues.
12:55 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Joe Preston
Madame Legault, if we request it, would you put what you discover or the research you do back to us in writing, please?
Committee, we're going to have to adjourn.
Thank you so much, and thank you for living with what's going on with the bells and the votes today.
I thank the committee for great questions today.
Just before we stop, Tuesday...?
12:55 p.m.
An hon. member
I'm against it.
12:55 p.m.
Conservative