Rules of Debate - Order and Decorum / Unparliamentary Language

Unparliamentary language

Debates p. 11899

Background

On March 21, 1986, while a question was being put to the Prime Minister (Mr. Mulroney) by Mr. Henderson (Egmont), Mr. Nunziata (York South—Weston) interjected with the words: "He's a liar." Several Members reacted to the comment, but the Speaker stated that he had not heard it and suggested that the matter could be raised after Question Period. On March 24, 1986, Mr. Hnatyshyn (President of the Privy Council) raised a point of order regarding Mr. Nunziata's use of unparliamentary language. He stated that he had felt it necessary to await the publication of Hansard to confirm the remark. The Speaker heard representations from other Members, made some preliminary remarks, and reserved his decision.

Issue

If unparliamentary language is used during Question Period, must it be brought to the attention of the Speaker immediately afterwards?

Decision

Yes. The matter must be raised at the time of the occurrence.

Reasons given by the Speaker

The Chair cannot accept on Monday a point of order which could have been made on Friday, even if that means that certain offensive words remain on the record and are not withdrawn.

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References

Debates, March 21, 1986, pp. 11745-6; March 24, 1986, p. 11783-4.