SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — Question of Privilege
Notice
November 21, 2023
Honourable senators, pursuant to rule 13-3(1), I wish to inform you that later in today’s sitting, I will be raising a question of privilege concerning the attempted intimidation of senators. These attempts took place on Thursday, November 9, 2023, in the Senate chamber and in the Senate of Canada building.
The evidence that I intend to provide suggests that immediately before and during the time provided for the ringing of the bells to call a vote on a motion to adjourn until the next sitting of the Senate, following the debate on a motion in amendment to Bill C-234, An Act to amend the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act, the ability of certain senators to perform their parliamentary duties without obstruction or intimidation was impeded.
The events that took place on November 9, during our sitting and while our work was suspended, and that continued on social media, justify my breaking the silence on this shameful lack of respect, which has now reached the level of intimidation.
Madam Speaker, should you find that there is a prima facie question of privilege, I am prepared to move the appropriate motion.
Thank you.
Honourable senators, today, I gave notice to the Clerk of the Senate, Mr. Lafrenière, that I’ll be raising a question of privilege. The nature of the breach concerns the conduct of the Honourable Senator Moncion on Thursday, November 9, 2023.
While the Senate Chamber was suspended for a one-hour bell, Senator Moncion walked from her seat over to me and accused me of bullying. I did not respond to that accusation out of respect for my colleague and those around my seat in the chamber. I did not want to engage with her on it nor fuel the nature of the accusation.
I’m giving notice that, later today, I intend to raise a question of privilege concerning this, which I believe is a violation of privilege affecting all senators and our ability to carry out our functions without fear of accusation or impediment. I will present my views to explain why this is not only important to me as a matter of principle but to all honourable senators in this chamber.
Should Your Honour find there is a prima facie question of privilege, I’m prepared to move the appropriate motion.
Honourable senators, we will consider the questions of privilege at the end of Orders of the Day or no later than 8 p.m.
