Report calls for info law changes clarifying access to parliamentary records

OTTAWA – A House of Commons committee is recommending legislative changes that would clarify what sort of federal records that enter the parliamentary orbit can be publicly disclosed under the Access to Information Act, and which ones should remain secret.

The issue was touched off last year by an access request to the auditor general for emails relating to his appearances before MPs and senators between January and April 2012.

While the auditor general’s office is covered by the access law, the House of Commons and Senate are not.

Parliamentary lawyers objected to release of the emails, saying they formed part of parliamentary proceedings and were therefore protected by parliamentary privilege.

In the end, the House of Commons unanimously resolved to waive its privilege.

But the Speaker suggested the Commons committee on procedure and House affairs study the issue.