Privilege / Miscellaneous

Non-disclosure of public opinion polls

Debates p. 3781

Background

On October 10, Mr. Broadbent (Oshawa) rose on a question of privilege to complain that the Government itself decides whether or not information obtained through public opinion polls that it carried out with public funds should be disclosed to all Members. In addition, he protested that the Government cannot help but reveal only what it finds advantageous or use the polls and public funds to prepare the party's campaigns, something "which has no legitimate basis in a democratic government". Mr. Broadbent said that he was prepared to move a motion referring the matter to the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections. After listening to comments from Members, the Speaker took the matter under consideration and ruled a few days later.

Issue

Can a Minister's decision not to disclose the results of certain public opinion polls carried out with public funds constitute a case for a question of privilege?

Decision

No. There is no prima facie case of privilege.

Reasons given by the Speaker

The Member has the right to express his disagreement following the Minister's decision, and this very important question of principle certainly deserves to be debated. However, there is no "evidence of some element of infringement upon the privileges of Members or of some substantial offence to the House".

References

Debates, October 10, 1980, pp. 3585-90; October 16, 1980, pp. 3726, 3729.