Routine Proceedings / Committee Reports

Government response, acceptability

Debates p. 12480

Background

On April 18, 1986, Mr. Heap (Spadina) rose on a point of order to protest that the Government had failed to table comprehensive responses to the Fifth and Sixth reports of the Standing Committee on Labour, Employment and Immigration, as required by Standing Order 99(2). Mr. Hnatyshyn (President of the Privy Council) replied that the Government had responded to both reports, the responses stating that it was the Minister's intention to carry out further consultations before giving detailed responses. Mr. Hnatyshyn maintained that it was inappropriate to raise a point of order on the quality or content of the responses. The Speaker reserved his decision.

Issue

Did the responses to the two committee reports meet the requirements of the Standing Orders?

Decision

Yes. The terms of the Standing Orders have been met.

Reasons given by the Speaker

It would be difficult for the Chair to rule on the quality of Government responses to committee reports in the same way that it is difficult to rule on the quality of questions or answers during Question Period. The Chair ought not to intervene except on the strictest procedural grounds.

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Sources cited

Standing Order 99(2).

References

Debates, April 18, 1986, p. 12419.