Rules of Debate / Order and Decorum
Displays, exhibits and props
Debates, p. 5446
Context
On May 15, 2014, John Duncan (Chief Government Whip) rose on a point of order regarding the use of props, specifically in the form of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) lapel pins worn by several Members of the New Democratic Party. The Chief Government Whip argued that, given the general rule regarding props and paraphernalia, the pins were inappropriate. Nathan Cullen (Skeena—Bulkley Valley) stated that the pins were worn in support of Canada’s national broadcaster and referenced the use of props in the Chamber in the past.
Resolution
The Deputy Speaker (Joe Comartin) ruled immediately. He reminded Members of the general rule that pins and paraphernalia are not to be worn if they cause disruption in the House. The Deputy Speaker then concluded that, since Members had been wearing the pins for many days without a point of order being raised, no disruption had been caused. The Deputy Speaker cautioned that the Chair would direct the removal of the pins should they cause future disruption.
Decision of the Chair
The Deputy Speaker: I think we are all aware of the general policies that we have followed in this House for a long period of time on the use of props and also [on] wearing pins and other paraphernalia. I will respond to the whip in particular in this regard.
The general rule, of course, is that pins and paraphernalia are not to be worn if [doing so] causes disruption to the House. I am a bit concerned about the point of order being raised now, because these pins have been worn for at least a week or 10 days, as has been my observation, to this point in time. Therefore, I am having some difficulty accepting any suggestion that it is causing disruption, because if it [were], points of order would obviously have been raised earlier in this process.
Again, speaking to the Members who are wearing the pins, if it is going to cause a problem at some point today, we may very well reverse the position that I am now taking, which is that Members can continue to wear the pins. However, if it is disruptive to the process in the House, there will be a direction from the Chair to have the pins removed.