Rules of Debate / Order of Speakers

Recognition of independent Members for debate

February 22, 1993

Debates, pp. 16282-3

On February 22, 1993, during consideration of the motion for second reading of Bill C-110, respecting the Northumberland Strait Crossing, Mr. Pat Nowlan (Annapolis Valley—Hants), an independent Member, rose on a point of order. Noting that he had been present in the Chamber from the beginning of the debate and that as a Member from Atlantic Canada he had an unusual interest in the debate on the Bill, the Member questioned the Chair as to why he had not yet been recognized for debate. The Acting Speaker (Mr. Charles DeBlois), while acknowledging that Mr. Nowlan had a particular interest in the Bill, explained that the Chair had to consider the number of Members representing each of the officially recognized parties before giving the floor to an independent Member. Mr. Nowlan pointed out that individual Members and parties per se were not mentioned in the rules, and then asked the Chair if the amount of time spent by a Member in the Chamber made a difference as to recognition by the Chair.^[1] The Acting Speaker's initial and additional remarks are reproduced below.

Decision of the Chair

The Acting Speaker (Mr. DeBlois): I listened very carefully to what the honourable Member for Annapolis Valley—Hants had to say, and I realize he has a particular interest in this Bill which has an impact on the area he represents. When recognizing Members, however, the Chair must consider the number of Members representing each party.

I have been in the chair since the beginning of this debate, and we have now had four Members on the Government side, two Liberal Members and two NDP Members speak to the substance of the Bill. I also recognized the honourable Member twice during the period for questions and comments. In accordance with the traditions of this House, I believe the Chair will again have to give the floor to Members of the recognized parties before switching to an independent Member. That being said, I can assure the honourable Member that I am very much aware of his interest in this debate and that at the first opportunity, I will be delighted to recognize the honourable Member as a speaker on the substance of the Bill....

I do not think there is anything in the Standing Orders about speaking time being allowed on the basis of the amount of time Members spend in the House. I believe I am acting in accordance with parliamentary tradition by giving the floor to Members of the various recognized parties who then speak for a certain time. As for independent Members, I think it is only fair to wait until a certain number of Members have spoken before giving him the floor. That being said, so far I have recognized the honourable Member's special interest in the subject by giving him the floor several times during the period for questions and comments, and I believe I am entirely fair in recognizing once more the honourable Member for Esquimalt—Juan de Fuca (Mr. David Barrett). And I should be delighted to give the honourable Member for Annapolis Valley-Rants the floor at the earliest opportunity.

F0705-e

34-3

1993-02-22