Rules of Debate / Questions and Comments Period

Practice with respect to recognition of Members for questions and comments

October 7, 1986

Debates, p. 140

On October 7, 1986, during debate on the motion for an Address in Reply to the Speech from the Throne, Mr. Bill Blaikie (Winnipeg—Birds Hill) rose on a point of order following the speech of the Minister of National Health and Welfare (Hon. Jake Epp) and the following Questions and Comments Period. Mr. Blaikie held that the Chair should have recognized Members on the Government side during the Questions and Comments Period only if there were no Members from parties other than that of the Minister rising to be recognized. In this case, he pointed out that there were two or three Members from parties different from that of the Minister who were rising to seek the floor.^[1] The remarks of the Deputy Speaker (Mr. Marcel Danis) are reproduced in extenso below.

Decision of the Chair

Mr. Deputy Speaker (Mr. Danis): Without wanting to get into a debate on this matter, and I have discussed that point with the honourable Member for Winnipeg—Birds Hill, it is my view that during the question and comment period the priority should be given to Members of a Party other than that of the speaker, but the priority is not to the point of exclusivity....

I can understand very well the position of the honourable Member for Winnipeg—Birds Hill. That is why in this particular case, after the honourable Minister had finished his speech, I did choose a Member of the Official Opposition first, a Member of the New Democratic Party second and a Member of the Government side third. However, I would be willing to discuss this matter further with the honourable Member and, of course, with the Speaker.

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1986-10-07