Rules of Debate - Order and Decorum / Broadcasting of Proceedings

January 21, 1986

Debates p. 10002

On January 14, 1986, Mr. Deans (Hamilton Mountain) raised a point of order regarding the television coverage that was provided for the address of the Prime Minister of Japan to both Houses on January 13, 1986. Mr. Deans pointed out that during the course of the speech, the television cameras did not remain fixed solely on the Japanese Prime Minister, but rather showed a number of "cut-away" shots of Members of the House. While acknowledging that the approach used may have made the broadcast more interesting, Mr. Deans argued that it did not comply with the guidelines established by all-party agreement. Mr. Gray (Windsor West) pointed out that while it might be argued that the departure from the normal practices was permissible since the House was not in regular session, he would consider this to be contrary to the spirit, if not the letter, of the rules. The Speaker agreed to have the telecast reviewed.

Issue

Are the guidelines established for the broadcasting of normal House proceedings to remain in effect during joint addresses by visitors?

Decision

The question whether the method of televising joint addresses constitutes a breach of the guidelines is a difficult one.

Reasons given by the Speaker

The guidelines agreed to in 1977 did not deal with the coverage of special events. A review of the tapes of the last seven joint addresses demonstrates that all have been televised in the same style and format as the one in question. The special order of the House which allowed the address of the Japanese Prime Minister to take place provided that the speech "be made available to the media for transmission in the usual way". This wording is somewhat open to interpretation.

The Speaker strongly urged that the Standing Committee on Procedure and Organization consider at least the question of what guidelines the broadcasting branch should operate under for special events such as joint addresses.