Stephen Harper loses Afghan detainee battle;

[CHIMO]

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has lost his battle to keep documents related to the detention of Afghan detainees out of the hands of opposition members.

In a precedent-setting ruling Tuesday, Speaker Peter Milliken said the House of Commons has the right to request any documents it needs and that the government must turn them over or risk being found in contempt of Parliament.

Mr. Milliken gave both sides two weeks to reach a compromise. If none is obtained, the House of Commons could vote to find the government in contempt of Parliament.

“The House and the government have, essentially, an unbroken record of some 140 years of collaboration and accommodation in cases of this kind,” Mr. Milliken said in imploring that a compromise be found.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/harper-loses-detainee-battle-mps-given-two-weeks-to-reach-deal/article1548585/
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/afghanmission/article/801104--parliament-wins-in-showdown-with-harper-government?bn=1

And for those that may not have watched, my recollection is that he said both houses rule. That they have the power to continue in their inherent powers.

PS: This will allow other parliaments to draw on this procedure/result.

[HitEleven]

1. The best thing to happen in Canadian politics in a long time

What I just said.