Government Interfering With ‘Exclusive Jurisdiction’ of House, Speaker Tells Court

Government Interfering With ‘Exclusive Jurisdiction’ of House, Speaker Tells Court
Speaker of the House of Commons Anthony Rota is seen in the House of Commons on April 14, 2021 in Ottawa. The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld
The Canadian Press
Updated:

OTTAWA—A federal attempt to shield documents related to the firing of two scientists is a violation of parliamentary privilege and must be tossed out of court, House of Commons Speaker Anthony Rota says.

In a notice of motion filed Thursday in Federal Court, Rota says the House, by virtue of its parliamentary privileges, has the power to send for the “persons, papers and records” it deems necessary to its functions.