Private Members’ Business / Private Members’ Hour
Rescheduling of debate: consideration despite it being 30 minutes past the time at which the hour should have ended
Debates, p. 15312
Context
On March 6, 2013, due to many recorded divisions having been taken that day, Private Members’ Hour was cancelled pursuant to Standing Order 30(7).[1] As a result, the second hour of debate on motion M-412, standing in the name of Jay Aspin (Nipissing—Timiskaming), did not take place, and thus the Speaker was required to reschedule the debate, after consultation, to take place within 10 sitting days.
On March 27, 2013, the Speaker rose to make a statement that, notwithstanding the provisions in Standing Order 30(7),[2] the period for Private Members’ Business would begin more than 30 minutes beyond the ordinary ending of Private Members’ Hour. He then explained that this exception was required because the second hour of debate on motion M-412, which had been delayed on March 6, 2013, had to be rescheduled to no later than the following day, pursuant to the requirements of Standing Order 30(7).[3] However, an order of the House provided that the House would adjourn early on March 28, before Private Members’ Hour. In accordance with his authority to ensure the orderly conduct of Private Members’ Business, the Speaker stated that the House would immediately proceed to the consideration of that business, even if Private Members’ Hour would normally have been cancelled.
Statement of the Chair
The Speaker: On Wednesday, March 6, 2013, due to many recorded divisions taken that day, Private Members’ Hour was cancelled pursuant to Standing Order 30(7).[4] For that reason, the second hour of debate on Motion No. 412, standing in the name of the Member for Nipissing—Timiskaming, did not take place.
Standing Order 30(7)[5] states that this business “shall be added to the business of the House on a day to be fixed, after consultation, by the Speaker”. The Standing Orders then set out two conditions for the selection of the new date. First, the Speaker must attempt to “designate that day within the next 10 sitting days” and, second, the Speaker must not permit “the intervention of more than one adjournment period”.
The debate therefore has to take place tomorrow at the latest, following Private Members’ Hour. However, I would remind the House that pursuant to an order made on Monday, February 25, 2013, the House will adjourn at 2:30 p.m. I am reluctant to interfere with that schedule, as it precedes an adjournment period for which Members will no doubt have already made their travel plans.
Since we are now past 7 p.m., the House would normally be faced with having to reschedule the item, an option that is clearly not possible for the reasons I have just outlined.
Last week I was informed that there were consultations and that it was agreed that the second hour of debate on Motion No. 412 would be added to today’s proceedings.
Being now faced with an unforeseen situation and bound by the provisions of Standing Order 30(7),[6] I wish to inform the House that Private Members’ Business will indeed take place today, with the two items scheduled for debate as indicated on the Notice Paper. In doing so, the Chair is mindful of his obligations to “make all arrangements necessary to ensure the orderly conduct of Private Members’ Business”, as set out in Standing Order 94.[7]
I thank hon. Members for their collaboration.
It being 7:12 p.m., the House will now proceed to the consideration of Private Members’ Business as listed on today’s Order Paper.
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