The case for parliamentary privilege
A Westminster expert weighs in
ABOVE THE FOLD
FORD FACES THE MUSIC (SORT OF) — After ducking reporters and Oppo critics following revelations that he and his then-Solicitor General were summoned to testify at the federal Emergencies Act inquiry, Premier DOUG FORD showed up to Wednesday’s Question Period to take a grilling.
“This is the federal inquiry into the federal government’s use of the federal Emergencies Act,” Ford said during the morning debate under a hammering from NDP MPP and leadership candidate MARIT STILES.
Emphasis on it being a “policing matter,” not a “political matter,” too. “Politicians don’t direct the police,” Ford said.
In court, likely next week, the Premier is set to argue that testifying doesn’t jive with “parliamentary privilege” — which exempts politicians from being subpoenaed to attend court or public inquiries as a witness so it doesn’t interfere with their legislative duties.
Stiles fired back in the House, accusing Ford of “hiding” and calling his claim…