iPolitics
By Kady O'Malley. Published on Feb 23, 2021 12:56pm
Parliamentarians have a near-absolute right to demand documents. (Andrew Meade/iPolitics)
At this point, it’s standard operating procedure in a minority setting: Opposition parties demand that the government release documentation that’s potentially politically damaging. The government either drags its feet or ignores it entirely. Eventually — and usually sooner rather than later, these days — opposition members join forces to bring the full weight of parliamentary privilege to bear by adopting a motion ordering the government to comply with the request, or face being found in contempt.
To give its full, unabashed title, it is the power of Parliament and its committees to “send for persons, papers and records,” as established in the Constitution and rooted in centuries-old privileges and tradition.