Rule of Debate / Order and Decorum

Points of order preventing members from hearing simultaneous interpretation

May 25, 2018

Debates, p. 19678

On May 25, 2018, as the Speaker proceeded to Government Orders, the reading of Government Business Motion No. 22 in English was repeatedly interrupted by members of Parliament trying to be recognized on a point of order regarding the main estimates 2018–19, by shouting “point of order” and banging on their desks.^[1] Following the disorder in the House, Hélène Laverdière (Laurier—Sainte-Marie) rose on a point of order regarding alleged issues with the French interpretation that prevented francophone members from hearing the text of the motion for debate.^[2] Greg Fergus (Hull—Aylmer) reported that there was no interruption in the French interpretation; however, he noted that the noise from some members in the chamber may have prevented Ms. Laverdière from hearing the interpretation.^[3]

Resolution

The Speaker ruled immediately. He proposed that Ms. Laverdière refer to the text published in the Order Paper. Otherwise, the Speaker offered to read the motion in French.

Decision of the Chair

The Speaker: I would like to thank the hon. member for Laurier—Sainte-Marie and the hon. member for Hull—Aylmer.

There does not seem to be a consensus as to whether the motion could in fact be heard. The hon. member for Laurier—Sainte-Marie can consult today’s Order Paper. If she requires assistance, I am willing to read the motion in French as well.

Editor’s Note

Following the Speaker’s ruling, he gave the floor to other members, including Pierre Poilievre (Carleton), who echoed concerns regarding the ability of members to hear the simultaneous interpretation over the noise in the chamber.^[4] The Speaker reminded members that the motion was available in the Notice Paper and, as it was 11:00 a.m., proceeded to Statements by Members.

The Speaker: Order. I must say that it is a little hard for me to accept from the hon. member for Carleton the argument that members could not hear me reading the motion when one of the reasons they could not hear was that he was banging on his desk at the time I was reading it. That is not permitted in the House of Commons, as he ought to know as an experienced member of this place.

…

The Speaker: I thank hon. members for the arguments on this subject. I will remind hon. members that they can find the motion that I read on page 238 of the Notice Paper, which is available to members.

Postscript

Later that day, Ms. Laverdière asked the Speaker to confirm what would be the next opportunity for Government Business Motion No. 22 to be read again in the House. The Speaker confirmed that the interpreters had previously read the motion in French and that therefore the motion was properly before the House.^[5] Following a point of order by Nathan Cullen (Skeena—Bulkley Valley) on the responsibility of the Speaker to create order, the Speaker noted that he could only guide the House. Moreover, as a servant of the House, the Speaker reiterated that order and decorum could be maintained only with the co-operation of members.^[6]