Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound Conservative MP Alex Ruff has introduced a private member’s bill in the House of Commons that calls for a simpler way for MPs to request a secret security clearance.
He says, right now, Parliamentarians don’t have a formal process and a limited probability of being granted a security clearance.
Ruff says his bill would ensure parliamentarians have the right/privilege to apply for a security clearance and that the government can’t deny the application.
He notes, it doesn’t guarantee an applicant will pass the vetting, and even if they are granted a security clearance it doesn’t guarantee access to classified information.
Bill C-377, An Act to Amend the Parliament of Canada Act (need to know) aims to formalize the process for Parliamentarians to request a secret security clearance.
Ruff says, “Special ad hoc committees have been established to enable Parliamentarians to view classified documents, like in the case of the Winnipeg Lab scandal. This ad hoc process delays government accountability and transparency.”
A release from Ruff says, “Currently, individual Parliamentarians have a limited probability of obtaining a security clearance unless they possess one from a previous career or have been a member of a special committee. As a result, there have been recent impasses between the House of Commons and the Government concerning access to classified information.”
Ruff explains, “Ultimately, this Bill would increase Parliament’s ability to take national security and intelligence issues seriously while facilitating Parliament’s ability to not only hold the government to account but to increase Canadians’ trust in our federal democratic processes and institutions.”
He adds, “I am hopeful that this bill will garner support from all parties as we aim to make Parliament and the Liberal Government of Canada more transparent and accountable to Canadians.”
Provided there are no delays, Ruff’s Bill-377 is scheduled to be debated starting April 12th.