Rules of Debate / Unparliamentary Language

Personal attack; right of reply

Debates pp. 18527-8

Background

During the introduction of an opposition motion dealing with supply, Mr. Chretien (Minister of Justice) immediately rose on a question of privilege following remarks made of him by Mr. Riis (Kamloops—Shuswap) which accused him of "inappropriate conduct". The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ethier) ruled immediately.

Issue

Does a Member have the right of reply to a personal attack?

Decision

Yes. The Standing Orders allow a Member to intervene when a personal attack is involved.

Reasons given by the Acting Speaker

According to one authority, a personal attack, by one Member upon another, is an offence against the House. Moreover, the Standing Orders expressly prohibit the use of disrespectful words or offensive remarks against a Member of the House. In such cases, a Member who has been the object of such remarks has the right to express himself.

Sources cited

Standing Order 35.

Beauchesne, 4th ed., p. 117, c. 128.