Rules of Debate - Order and Decorum / Unparliamentary Language

March 18, 1986

Debates pp. 11598-9

On March 17, 1986, during Statements by Members, Mr. Rossi (Bourassa) made some uncomplimentary remarks in French about the Prime Minister (Mr. Mulroney). The next day Mr. Lewis (Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Privy Council) rose on a point of order to object to Mr. Rossi 's use of unparliamentary language. He stated that he was bringing the matter to the Speaker's attention at the earliest opportunity, given that there is a delay in the availability of the written translation. The Speaker heard comments from other Members and ruled immediately.

Issue

Is a Member who wishes to bring to the attention of the Speaker the use of unparliamentary language by another Member during Statements by Members obliged to do so immediately following Question Period?

Decision

Yes. The matter should be raised as close as possible to the time it occurs.

Reasons given by the Speaker

Simultaneous translation is provided in the House so that Members can follow the proceedings as they take place, no matter in which language they occur. The issue of translation aside, however, the question that is to be decided regarding the use of unparliamentary language is whether a disorder is caused by that language at that time. Therefore, the matter should be raised as close as possible to the time it occurs. Otherwise, it is difficult to argue that disorder occurred, because disorder is not caused in print but rather at the moment the language is used.