Statements by Members / Application of Rule

April 6, 1984

Debates p. 2799

In a statement under Standing Order 21, Mr. Crosby (Halifax West) criticized among others Senators Pitfield and Perrault for alleged breaches of the Government's conflict of interest guidelines governing post-employment activity. Mr. Speaker interrupted the Member and pointed out that it is not usual to permit references to individual members of the other place by name in the manner used. On a question of privilege Mr. Crosby argued that the Charter of Rights and Freedoms allowing free speech could not be overruled by the Standing Orders simply because of the manner in which he referred to a certain person in a certain way. Mr. Speaker ruled immediately.

Issue

Can a Member use the provisions of Standing Order 21 to make a personal attack against members of the Senate?

Decision

No. The Standing Order has been interpreted to preclude personal attacks either on Members of the House or of the Senate.

Reasons given by the Speaker

There have been a number of occasions when it has been brought to the Speaker’s attention that the Standing Order precludes attacks on Members of this House and of the other place, which is part of Parliament. In her guidelines on this matter, Speaker Sauvé noted the opportunity is not intended to be used for making personal attacks, conveying congratulatory messages, reciting poetry or for anything other than serious purposes. "Until such a time as I receive guidelines from this House indicating otherwise, the Chair will do its best to observe the Standing Orders as the Chair interprets them to be."