Claude Bachand

Let us remember last winter’s pause to “recalibrate”

Debate concerning the Bloc’s motion on the Afghan mission begins here and, after a break for Question Period, resumes here. Notable speeches include those of the Foreign Affairs Minister, the Defence Minister, Bob Rae, Jack Harris, Claude Bachand and the incomparable Ken Dryden.

Some utterances worth noting

Below, the full English text of Speaker Peter Milliken’s ruling, delivered in the House over the last hour.

Further coverage from the Canadian Press, Globe, Canwest, CBC and CTV.

The Justice Minister has just now breathlessly read a statement that includes the phrase, “We welcome the possibility of a compromise.” Official Liberal reaction is here. Derek Lee’s reaction is here. Official NDP reaction is here.

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Peter MacKay owes Helena Guergis a note of thanks

On February 1, 2008, a Globe and Mail report tied Asadullah Khalid to allegations of torture. Weeks later, during a visit to Afghanistan, Maxime Bernier stated publicly that Canada would like to see the governor removed, a statement that was then said to set back attempts to remove Khalid. He was ultimately replaced in August 2008.

Folks from Le Devoir were on the Hill with MPs to mark the Quebec paper’s

Justice Minister Rob Nicholson, with an array of backbenchers positioned behind him to fill the TV frame, began his remarks at about 3:45pm and concluded about an hour later. Derek Lee and Claude Bachand offered brief remarks before the House was interrupted by notice of royal assent.

When asked Monday night if a response to the detainee document question of privilege was forthcoming this week, the Justice Minister’s office said “stay tuned.” Rumour now has it that the government may respond after Question Period today.

Mr. Nicholson’s office has not responded to a request to confirm that, but either way we should know within the next hour and a half.

Actually… this just in from the Justice Minister’s office:

Please be advised:
The Honourable Rob Nicholson, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, will deliver the Government’s response to questions of privilege raised in the House of Commons following Question Period today.

A week ago, when Derek Lee, Jack Harris and Claude Bachand raised their questions of privilege, Tom Lukiwski advised the House that “the government will want to respond in greater detail to these points.” Mr. Lukiwski apparently again promised today a “more fulsome response” to come.

We’ll see how the speaker rules — and how the parties vote, if it comes to that — but this is a great day in the history of Parliament. Three members — Lee, Harris and Bachand — have stood up for Parliament’s ancient powers and privileges. Now it’s up to the rest of them to do the same.

The opposition persists in its questions and the government insists on dismissing those queries