Thank you.
Before we get into rounds of questions, I just want to read some important information so that all members are aware of what we can do and what we cannot do.
Before we begin, I wish to make an important statement regarding today's meeting. Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted on Monday, May 8, we will be studying the potential matter of privilege, originally raised on Wednesday, May 3, and hearing from a witness. Drawing on procedure, practice and precedent, I wish to make the following very clear to all the members.
The committee cannot decide whether this matter is a prima facie question of privilege. Only the Speaker has this authority once a matter is raised in the House. This is why we are referring to this as a potential matter of privilege. The committee cannot censor or punish the conduct of a member or another person. Only the House has this power.
The committee should not attempt to investigate the matter on the assumption that the matter is a prima facie question of privilege, because such a determination, which rests with the Speaker, has not been made.
As I already explained in my ruling on Monday, May 8, the committee's authority is limited to reporting a potential matter of privilege to the House. As explained on page 1060 of House of Commons Procedure and Practice, third edition, such a report should:
clearly describe the situation;
summarize the facts;
provide the names of the people involved, if applicable;
state that there may be a breach of privilege; and
ask the House to take such measures as it deems appropriate.
Today the committee is hearing from the witness as a way of better understanding the facts related to this matter. I would then encourage the committee, if it indeed wishes for the matter to continue its course, to report the matter to the House as soon as possible.
As we have heard in many Speaker's rulings, including as recently as this week, questions of privilege should be brought to the Speaker's attention with the shortest possible delay. In order to do this, the committee must first report the matter to the House.
Thank you all for your attention.
With that, we will go into rounds of questioning. We will begin our six-minute round with Mr. Kmiec.
Mr. Kmiec, you may begin.