Routine Proceedings / Tabling of Documents

Tabling of documents

Debates p. 2628

Background

When the House met, Mr. Dinsdale (Brandon-Souris) rose on a question of privilege to argue that a letter tabled by Mr. Chretien (Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development) the previous day, written by Mr. Dinsdale in 1962, had been tabled without his permission. Mr. Dinsdale argued that the letter incorrectly implied his support of the Liberal Government's policy respecting national parks. To correct this implication, Mr. Dinsdale sought permission to table documents of his own.

Issue

Is there a question of privilege in this case? Does a Minister require prior consent of the author before tabling a document? May a private Member table a document?

Decision

No; a prima facie case of privilege does not exist. The rules do not require prior consent of the author before a Minister can table a document. A private Member cannot table a document except by unanimous consent of the House.

Reasons given by the Speaker

Despite the reservations as to whether or not this case involves a question of privilege, the Member's remarks were not followed by a motion, and thus no further action can be taken. The Standing Orders do not require prior consent before a Minister tables a document; furthermore, motions for the production of papers may be made by any Member to obtain documents from a Minister. Although the right of Ministers to table documents does not extend to private Members, the House can accept the tabling of documents by any Member with unanimous consent.

Sources cited

Standing Orders 41(2) and 48(1).

References

Debates, January 20, 1970, pp. 2579-80; January 21, 1970, pp. 2627-8.