Routine Proceedings / Miscellaneous

Committees; broadcasting of proceedings

Debates pp. 4517-8, 4531-2

Background

Following Question Period, Mr. Knowles (Winnipeg North Centre) rose on a question of privilege regarding the broadcasting of the proceedings of the Special Joint Committee on the Constitution, and more especially the interpretation given by the Prime Minister (Mr. Trudeau) to a letter addressed by the Speaker to a committee chairman, indicating that a committee must obtain the authorization of the House in order to broadcast its proceedings. After hearing Members' comments, the Speaker ruled later that day.

Issue

Does a committee have the power to authorize the broadcasting of its proceedings?

Decision

No. The power to do so must first be given by the House.

Reasons given by the Speaker

The original resolution of the House respecting the introduction of television states that the House approves the radio and television broadcasting of its proceedings and of the proceedings of its committees on the basis of principles similar to those that govern the publication of the printed official reports of debates, and that a special committee shall be appointed to supervise implementation of this resolution. To date, the House has not followed through on the idea of broadcasting committee proceedings, and in the absence of some decision by the House, committees cannot be said to have the powers needed to have their proceedings broadcast. There are two possibilities open to the Special Joint Committee on the Constitution: either it could make a special or interim report requesting such an authorization, or the House itself could give a permissive instruction to the committee, always bearing in mind the proprieties applicable to joint committees.

Sources cited

Debates, January 24, 1977, p. 2296.

Journals, November 23, 1977, p. 130 (First Report of the Special Committee appointed to supervise the implementation of broadcasting of proceedings in the House and in committee).

Standing Committee on Finance, Trade and Economic Affairs, October 25, 1979, issue No. 2, pp. 6-7.

References

Debates, November 6, 1980, pp. 4491-2, 4501-17.