Routine Proceedings / Petitions

May 17, 1985

Debates p. 4863

On March 28, 1985, Mr. Dingwall (Cape Breton—East Richmond) raised a point of order concerning the time of the presentation of petitions. He cited Standing Order 71(2), which provides that petitions must be presented "during Routine Proceedings and before Introduction of Bills". Mr. Dingwall asked whether this means that petitions can be presented at any time after Oral Questions and before Introduction of Bills. He pointed out that on days when there are statements by Ministers, the presentation of petitions is delayed considerably, forcing Members with petitions to wait sometimes a considerable length of time. Mr. Ding wall suggested that the best time to call petitions would be before Statements by Ministers rather than, as was customary, immediately before Introduction of Bills. The Speaker reserved his decision.

Issue

Can petitions be presented at any time after Oral Questions and before Introduction of Bills?

Decision

No. Petitions must be presented immediately before Introduction of Bills.

Reasons given by the Speaker

Although there has been no ruling on the subject, a review of the proceedings of the House since 1980 shows clearly that petitions have always been presented immediately before introduction of Bills. The Speaker reminded the House that the Standing Orders leave Members the option of filing petitions with the Clerk of the House at any time during a sitting.