Discussion · Government Orders
Anthony Housefather Liberal
“People are spreading false information about our legal rule. The rule just says government lawyers need evidence and a good reason to back up their arguments. Can the member give any example where the government should make an argument without evidence?”
“Mr. Speaker, my question relates to litigation directive number 14, which I, again, have heard a lot of misinformation about, claiming that somehow the directive would preclude counsel for the Government of Canada from making every argument necessary to defend property rights. My understanding is that all the directive does is, if I can find the right words, require “a principled basis and evidence to support the defence.” Could my hon. colleague tell me of any instance where the Government of Canada should advance an argument that does not meet that criteria?”
Official Hansard
Mr. Speaker, my question relates to litigation directive number 14, which I, again, have heard a lot of misinformation about, claiming that somehow the directive would preclude counsel for the Government of Canada from making every argument necessary to defend property rights. My understanding is that all the directive does is, if I can find the right words, require “a principled basis and evidence to support the defence.” Could my hon. colleague tell me of any instance where the Government of Canada should advance an argument that does not meet that criteria?