Rules of Debate - Order and Decorum / Debate, Third Reading

Time limits on speeches

Debates pp. 10246-7

Background

On January 24, 1986, Mr. Gauthier (Ottawar—Vanier) rose on a point of order regarding the length of speeches at third reading. He asked whether, in the case of a Parliamentary Secretary giving the first speech on behalf of the Government, both the Parliamentary Secretary and the Opposition Member responding are entitled to unlimited time in which to speak.

Issue

At third reading, are both a Parliamentary Secretary giving the first speech on behalf of a Minister and the Opposition Member responding to that speech entitled to unlimited time?

Decision

Yes. Both may speak for an unlimited time.

Reasons given by the Speaker

It seems logical that if at third reading a Minister may speak for an unlimited time, a Parliamentary Secretary giving the first speech on behalf of the Government may do likewise. In both cases the Opposition Member responding is also entitled to unlimited time.

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Sources cited

Standing Order 36(1).

References

Debates, January 24, 1986, pp.10164-5.