Privilege / Impeding a Member

Impeding a Member

Journals pp. 308-9

Debates p. 3386

Background

On February 19, Mr. Trudel (Montreal—Bourassa) rose on a question of privilege and alleged that certain bilingual civil servants, particularly those in the Manpower and Immigration office in Montreal, were refusing to communicate in one or other of the official languages when contacted by Members or their staff.

Issue

Does the violation of a government policy or law by federal employees constitute a breach of parliamentary privilege?

Decision

Questions of privilege are not appropriate for this kind of grievance.

Reasons given by the Speaker

Since there is a clear line of ministerial responsibility, grievances of this type should be laid directly before the Minister. If they prove valid, they concern all Members and the public has the right to be informed of them.

References

Debates, February 19, 1975, pp. 3351-2.