The Speaker of the House of Commons has ruled that opposition members have the right to ask for uncensored Afghan detainee documents, and has given the government of Stephen Harper two weeks to determine how to release those records without jeopardizing national security.
Citing precedents more than a century old, Peter Milliken told the House:
"Accordingly, on analysing the evidence before it and the precedents, the Chair cannot but conclude that the Government's failure to comply with the Order of December 10, 2009 constitutes prima facie a question of privilege. ...
"I will allow House Leaders, Ministers and party critics time to suggest some way of resolving the impasse for it seems to me we would fail the institution if no resolution can be found. However, if, in two weeks’ time, the matter is still not resolved, the Chair will return to make a statement on the motion that will be allowed in the circumstances."
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