Questions / Oral Questions

Guidelines

Journals pp. 439-41

Debates pp. 4762-4

Background

On April 7, 1975, an experiment in procedure, designating a fixed time for the Question Period, began. The Speaker used the occasion to explain general principles by which the Question Period should be conducted.

1) Question Period has evolved from a privilege to a right for any Member. The Speaker, however, enjoys discretion in allowing a question, and even more so with a supplementary.

2) When answering a question Ministers may:

  • answer the question;
  • defer their answer;
  • take the question as notice;
  • make a short explanation as to why they cannot make an answer at that time;
  • say nothing.

3) A question must:

  • be a question;
  • be brief;
  • seek information;
  • address itself to an important matter of some urgency;
  • be within the administrative responsibility of the government or the Minister addressed.

4) A question must not:

  • be a statement, representation or argument;
  • be an expression of opinion;
  • be hypothetical;
  • seek an opinion, either legal or of policy;
  • suggest the answer;
  • make a representation;
  • address a Minister in his former portfolio;
  • be a question previously answered;
  • be on a matter which is sub judice;
  • refer to statements made by Ministers outside the House;
  • anticipate Orders of the Day.

5) Supplementary questions:

  • should contain no preamble or statement;
  • should be precise and should be put directly and immediately to the Minister.

6) Question Period will not be interrupted by questions of privilege or points of order.

7) The proper way to deal with any unsatisfactory answer is through the adjournment debate.

References

Beauchesne, 5th ed., pp. 129-34, c. 356-71.