Adjournment Motion / Proposed under Standing Order 26 - Application Accepted

No other opportunity for debate

Debates pp. 5888-9

Background

Mr. Broadbent (Oshawa) and Mr. Clark (Leader of the Opposition) in turn sought leave to move the adjournment of the House, under the provisions of Standing Order 26, in order to discuss "the economic crisis in Canada", in particular rising interest rates and the cost of living. In Mr. Broadbent's view, this matter required urgent consideration given its impact on Canadian families and on every economic sector and because Parliament would not reconvene until next January 12. The Speaker ruled immediately.

Issue

Does the application meet the requirements of Standing Order 26?

Decision

Yes. The application is accepted.

Reasons given by the Speaker

The rise in interest rates and the rising cost of living can be considered as chronic problems. However, since the House is to adjourn tomorrow and since there will not likely be an opportunity to debate the matter within a reasonable period of time, the Chair gives the benefit of the doubt to the Members.

Sources cited

Debates, February 22, 1978, pp. 3127-9; December 11, 1980, p. 5665.