Privilege / Impeding a Member

Right to speak

Debates p. 4067

Background

Mr. Thacker (Lethbridge—Foothills) rose on a question of privilege to protest the imposition of a closure motion moved the day before by Mr. Pinard (President of the Privy Council) in relation to the debate on the constitutional resolution. In the Member's view, if the motion was adopted, it would encroach on his personal privileges as a Member by limiting his right to speak. Therefore, he moved that the question be referred to the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections. The Speaker ruled immediately.

Issue

Does a motion aimed at closing the debate, constitute a question of privilege?

Decision

No. There is no question of privilege.

Reasons given by the Speaker

All Members have the right to speak and the Standing Orders are specifically designed so as to enable them to express themselves. Moreover, the provisions of the Standing Orders were adopted by Members of Parliament. If the rules seem restrictive to some, these restrictions are nevertheless aimed at protecting the rights of other Members. The House has pronounced itself on the subject referred to by the Member and the closure motion was adopted. The Chair is merely executing a decision of the House.

Sources cited

Standing Order 33.

References

Debates, October 24, 1980, pp. 4066-7.