Mr. Speaker, I rise today on a question of privilege regarding the ongoing failure and refusal of a witness to provide documents requested by the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics. The committee, under Standing Order 122, has the authority to summon witnesses and compel the production of documents, rights that are essential to the functioning of Parliament, as outlined in the Constitution Act of 1867. These powers are fundamental to our ability to conduct inquiries and obtain the truth, as noted in House of Commons Procedure and Practice, third edition, page 137.

The witness in question, Stephen Anderson, a business partner of the Minister of Employment, was ordered by the committee on June 11 to produce phone records, text messages and call logs from September 8, 2022, but he failed to comply. Despite his appearance on July 17, Mr. Anderson provided non-responsive documents and refused to disclose the identity of the person referred to as Randy in key communications.

This blatant disregard for the committee's orders violates Standing Order 108(1)(a), which empowers committees to access documents relative to their inquiries. The committee extended the deadline to July 19, yet Mr. Anderson continued to withhold the requested information. According to House of Commons Procedure and Practice, third edition, when a witness refuses to comply, the committee may report the matter to the House, which then has the authority to enforce compliance. The committee has now done its part by adopting a motion on this matter.

As House of Commons Procedure and Practice makes clear at page 138, when a witness resists a request for documents, it is up to the House to take appropriate action. Given Mr. Anderson's failure and refusal to comply with both the June 11 and July 19 orders, I ask you, Mr. Speaker, to recognize this as a prima facie breach of privilege that could amount to contempt.

New Democrats believe Mr. Anderson to be in contempt, and the House shall force him to answer for his actions, as well as deliver the documents he refused to produce. The House must uphold the authority to protect our parliamentary privilege in order to ensure accountability and transparency in all matters of government oversight before its standing committees.

Matthew Green

$538,049.00