Rule of Debate / Order and Decorum

Recognition to speak: period for questions and comments; opposition motion; business of supply

November 3, 2016

Debates, pp. 6525–6

On November 3, 2016, during the debate on an opposition motion on a supply day, the Deputy Speaker (Bruce Stanton) made a statement about how members would be recognized to speak during the period for questions and comments. He explained that members would be selected based on the political party they belong to and that priority would be given to members who are not in the same party as the mover of the motion, although members of the same party would not be excluded. He added that priority would also be given to members present in the chamber who are following the debate. The Deputy Speaker further explained that time would be allocated based on the number of people wishing to speak.

Statement of the Chair

The Deputy Speaker: Before we resume debate, I have seen through some body language of members that they are somewhat concerned that the usual pattern of each party taking its turn during the portion of the debate for questions and comments has been somewhat different. As Chair occupants, we recognize that the time for questions and comments is often the most valuable time for an exchange between members. In accordance with the procedures and practices, we will do our best to ensure that time is generally afforded to the members of the parties who are not associated with the member who has just spoken but not to the exclusion of that party, as we saw in this last 10-minute round.

That is the way we will do it. We will also be attentive to members who are particularly present during the day and paying attention to the debate to ensure that as many members as possible can participate during questions and comments.

The final point is that when we start the time for questions and comments, we will take note of the number of members who are rising to judge how we accord and allocate time for members. For example, if only one or two members stand up in a five-minute period for questions and comments, we will certainly allow more time for those members accordingly, and of course the opposite will be true as well.

We are eager to hear the comments and/or suggestions of the members in this respect and we will do our best to abide by our procedures and practices to ensure that all hon. members have the opportunity to participate in this important part of the debate each and every day.

Postscript

On October 3, 2017, the Assistant Deputy Speaker (Carol Hughes) referenced this decision.^[1] On that day, Michael Chong (Wellington—Halton Hills) rose on a point of order, saying that the rights and privileges of members to speak, ask questions and provide comments are individual rights, not party rights. However, the Chair occupant did not rule on the matter.^[2] On April 19, 2018, the Assistant Deputy Speaker again referenced the ruling of November 3, 2016.^[3]