Mr. Speaker, I am citing precedents from previous Speakers who have raised this issue. I will not take a lot of time, since we have important votes to get back to, but time is of the essence in this case. With every vote that takes place, if it is true that these members have been intimidated in some way from voting, the severity of the issue is increased.
First, Speaker Fraser, citing the then member for Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, who raised an issue of privilege on behalf of the then member for Beauport—Montmorency—Orléans, stated:
If we consider the words that were reported we clearly have a prima facie case that affects the dignity of this House and our colleague, because our colleague is an officer of this House. As the hon. member for Glengarry—Prescott—Russell said earlier, like the Speaker he is an officer of this House and an attack against the integrity of a person in that position is an attack against this House.
Second, Mr. Mackay, who was the member of Parliament for Pictou—Antigonish—Guysborough, raised and was allowed to bring forward a motion of privilege, as the member for Calgary Nose Hill has stated she is prepared to do. Citing an incident that happened in March 1993, Speaker Parent ruled on March 9, 1998:
That certain statements attributed to Members of the House of Commons, appearing on page 7 of the March 8, 1998, Ottawa Sun, which may bring into question the integrity of the House of Commons and its servant the Speaker, be referred immediately to the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs.
Finally, the Minister of Public Safety will remember that back on March 24, 2014, he raised a question of privilege under Speaker Scheer. The House took action following that, but at the time, the now Minister of Public Safety rose on a question of privilege, stating that Russia had imposed sanctions against 13 Canadians, including several members of Parliament.
The precedents are very clear that members of this House can raise questions of privilege on behalf of other members of this House. The issue raised by the member for Calgary Nose Hill is extremely serious. The fact that we are voting now, I believe, means that a prima facie case certainly exists. It is up to you to decide, but she has indicated she is prepared to move the appropriate motion. I believe you should be seriously considering this, and in a timely fashion of course, because we are voting now and those privileges are being obstructed now.