The Daily Program / Routine Proceedings
Statements by Ministers: Member accused of disclosing content of a ministerial statement under embargo
Debates, p. 4106
Context
On February 21, 2003, Gerald Keddy (South Shore) rose on a point of order with regard to an allegation made by Don Boudria (Minister of State and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons) during Oral Questions that he disclosed the content of a statement to be made in the House later that day by Martin Cauchon (Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada) on the Firearms Registry while the statement was under embargo. Mr. Keddy maintained that, in fact, he had been quoting from media reports.[1] At that time, the Deputy Speaker (Bob Kilger) dismissed the matter as a difference of opinion and not a point of order.[2] On February 27, 2003, Loyola Hearn (St. John’s West) rose on a point of order with respect to the same matter, arguing that, if there had been a violation of the embargo, it was not the fault of Mr. Keddy but rather that of a bureaucrat who had discussed the contents of the statement with Members of the press. He then asked that the Government House Leader withdraw his remarks and apologize.[3] The Government House Leader and another Member also contributed to the discussion.[4]
Resolution
The Acting Speaker (Réginald Bélair) ruled immediately. He stated that no rule of the House had been broken because embargoes were part of the practice and tradition of the House. He added that the onus was on the House Leaders to renew their prior agreement to prevent any repetition of such incidents.
Decision of the Chair
The Acting Speaker: I have listened very carefully to the arguments that have been presented. First, no rule of the House has been broken because, as Members know, embargoes are part of the practice and tradition of the House.
I thank you for your representations but in the end it will be up to the House Leaders themselves to sort this problem out and renew an agreement that has been reached before in order for these things not to happen again.
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[1] Debates, February 21, 2003, pp. 3863-4.
[3] Debates, February 27, 2003, pp. 4104-5.
[4] Debates, February 27, 2003, pp. 4105-6.