The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, after Question Period on Thursday, June 9, 2022, Senator Miville-Dechêne rose on a point of order concerning a possible breach of confidentiality of an in camera meeting that took place earlier that week. I wish to thank the honourable senator for raising this matter, as well as all senators who contributed to the debate on the point of order.

Colleagues, the discussion pertained to items that may have been under discussion in committee. We do not have access to in camera proceedings and do not know what was said or done in the committee. Different facts were placed before us. In my opinion, this would be best discussed by the committee. As stated in paragraph (a) of Appendix IV of the Rules of the Senate, “[i]f a leak of a confidential committee report or other document or proceeding occurs, the committee concerned should first examine the circumstances surrounding it.” The committee can then take the appropriate follow-up measures.

I wish to remind all honourable senators that the deliberations and any proceedings related to in camera meetings are confidential, and your cooperation in being careful on this point is greatly appreciated.