Stories by Steven Chaplin
‘WE’ don’t need lawyers at parliamentary committees
Parliament is entitled to ask whatever questions it wants answered, and witnesses should have no fear of any consequences for their answers. The Constitution and Parliament will protect them. That is the law.
As things stand in Canada, the opposition has more, not less control. It can choose when to call the government’s bluff and defeat the government on an issue that is important enough to trigger an election.
Parliament has survived many crises, over many centuries. It has evolved to meet changed circumstances and needs. This is one of those times.
The responsibility for the challenge rests with all MPs through their Commons Board of Internal Economy. The path may not be clear, but it does exist. The board must find it, mark it, and maintain it.
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Politics This Morning
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