Honourable senators, pursuant to rule 13-3(4) and as per the notice that was sent to honourable senators by the clerk earlier this morning, I wish to provide oral notice that later in today’s sitting, I will be raising a question of privilege.

The nature of the violation in question considers the infringement of the rights of some senators, including myself, as a result of the improper application of Senate rules, procedures and processes that led to some honourable senators not being able to properly exercise their right to vote in this chamber. This misapplication of the Rules had cascading effects, which I will speak to, that further limited senators’ abilities to fulfill their parliamentary duties.

Within my question of privilege, I will present my views on the seriousness of the matter at hand. I will also explore the concept of privilege by considering its meaning, spirit and intent. This examination of privilege will rely on insights from parliamentary authorities such as Erskine May, the findings and practices of other Westminster jurisdictions and our own internal guiding documents, the Rules of the Senate and Senate Procedure in Practice.

Should Madam Speaker find there is a prima facie question of privilege, I am prepared to move the appropriate motion.

Thank you.