Debate on the release of names of MPs accused of collaborating in foreign interference plots is not a priority for the House of Commons, according to House Speaker Greg Fergus.
Fergus ruled against NDP MP Jenny Kwan’s request, which sought to categorize the withholding of these names as a primary violation of parliamentary privilege. Fergus was elected as a Liberal MP for the Quebec riding of Hull–Aylmer.
Kwan’s stance is that such secrecy erodes public trust and unfairly casts a shadow of suspicion over all members of parliament.
However, Fergus countered that Kwan failed to demonstrate how this secrecy directly hinders MPs from performing their duties, also noting that the issue was brought up belatedly.
“While I understand that findings presented in the NSICOP report are serious and appear to create suspicions about certain members, that in itself is not a basis to establish this question of privilege merits priority of consideration over all other House business,” said Fergus.
“The facts raised by the member in her arguments had become apparent well before her intervention. The chair is of the view that the member for Vancouver-East had prior opportunities to raise her concerns.”
Fergus’ decision means that while the debate is not off the table, it will not disrupt the scheduled flow of other House business.
The underlying report suggests that at least 11 unidentified MPs might have been involved with foreign entities, either wittingly or unwittingly, yet stops short of identifying them.
Justice Marie-Josée Hogue, who was selected to lead the inquiry into these allegations, has had access to the relevant intelligence. Nevertheless, she recently admitted that she won’t be disclosing the identities involved.
Amidst this impasse, Kwan proposed that the matter be taken up by a committee dedicated to finding a way to disclose the names without jeopardizing national security – a process yet to be undertaken.
In June, an exclusive True North investigation asked every MP and Senator if they were willing to go on record and say they were not involved in foreign interference.
A total of 107 MPs and 10 Senators replied. Of those who replied, 99 were Conservatives.
