The purpose of privilege is not to place parliamentarians above the law, but rather to allow them to carry out their duties independently and effectively, in the national interest. — John Allen Fraser Copy Share Image
The House Of Commons has never been a tea-party. It consists of strong-minded, often very idealistic people, who are trying to accomplish something for… — John Allen Fraser Copy Share Image
Democracy is not a form of government. It is a political philosophy that can be embodied in various systems of government. — John Allen Fraser Copy Share Image
The office of Speaker is almost as ancient as Parliament itself. It emerged in the Middle Ages when the Commons - the ordinary people - of England needed a spokesman in their dealings with the King, someone who would voice their grievances and present their petitions. This was by no means a safe or easy thing to do at that… — John Allen Fraser Copy Share
On a craggy bluff above the majestic Ottawa River stands the remarkable embodiment of our system of governance: Parliament. — John Allen Fraser Copy Share Image
In the long and dogged crusade that the human race has fought in favor of democracy, the ideal of liberty, of freedom, has always… — John Allen Fraser Copy Share Image
A careful and sympathetic sense of humour can also be a great asset when there is need to get out of difficult situations gracefully. — John Allen Fraser Copy Share Image
If the institutions of parliamentary democracy are worth preserving, the duty to explain them to the people they are meant to serve becomes vitally… — John Allen Fraser Copy Share Image
Question Period is not part of the legislative process,and has nothing to do with it. It is a means of monitoring the Executive that… — John Allen Fraser Copy Share Image
But while the American Constitution was the child of war, ours grew out of discussion, bargaining and negotiation. — John Allen Fraser Copy Share Image
as I became Speaker in 1986, I made a point of setting up a public information office to respond to requests and provide information… — John Allen Fraser Copy Share Image
The purpose of privilege is not to place parliamentarians above the law, but rather to allow them to carry out their duties independently and… — John Allen Fraser Copy Share Image
