Routine Proceedings / Tabling of Documents

Tabling of documents

Debates pp. 4715-6

Background

Mr. Dinsdale (Brandon-Souris), on a question of privilege, asked Mr. Trudeau (Prime Minister) to table a document to which the latter had previously referred. In refusing, Mr. Trudeau explained that the document was internal as it requested certain civil servants to consider the implications of a government bill currently on the Order Paper. Following the initial decision of the Speaker, subsequent questions by opposition Members led to the claim that as the document had been referred to in the House by the Prime Minister, it was now public and should be tabled.

Issue

Must a document referred to in the House by a Minister be tabled?

Decision

Not in this instance.

Reasons given by the Speaker

"... the mere fact [that] a public document has been mentioned does not require. . . that it be tabled." Only when it is quoted from or cited, rather than merely referred to, must it be tabled.

Sources cited

Beauchesne, 4th ed., pp. 134-5, c. 159(2), (3).