Rules of Debate / Decorum

Unparliamentary language: expression "traitor"

June 4, 1992

Debates, pp. 11416, 11433

On June 4, 1992, Mr. Gilbert Parent (Welland—St. Catharines—Thorold) rose on a question of privilege regarding comments made by the Hon. Jean Lapierre (Shefford) during Question Period. Mr. Lapierre had called the Rt. Hon. Brian Mulroney (Prime Minister) a "traitor." (The Speaker had twice asked that the remarks be withdrawn.^[1]) Mr. Parent noted that such language was completely unacceptable to the House and had to be withdrawn.

Mr. Bill Blaikie (Winnipeg Transcona) intervened to point out that during the exchange between Mr. Lapierre and Mr. Mulroney, the Prime Minister had stated that he was not bothered by such language. However, Mr. Blaikie argued that it is not the responsibility of individual Members to establish what is acceptable or unacceptable and that this incident should not become a precedent. He pointed out that it was up to the House, through the Speaker, to decide and asked that this be established.^[2]

The Speaker then made two statements. The first one was made immediately after Mr. Blaikie's remarks. The second intervention occurred prior to the recording of a division later that day. Both are reproduced in extenso below.

Decision of the Chair

Mr. Speaker: Perhaps I can assist the House. I have listened very carefully to interventions from both colleagues who have been in this place a long time.

First of all, I have ruled that the comments that were made are unacceptable and they are unparliamentary and they are to be withdrawn.

Second, if they are not withdrawn, then I shall find my own way to discipline that particular Member.

They are absolutely unacceptable. The honourable Member knows they are unacceptable. If the honourable Member wants to rise in his place and address this Chamber again, the honourable Member is going to have to withdraw.

(Prior to the recording of a division)

Mr. Speaker: There has been a problem during Question Period concerning a statement made by the honourable Member for Shefford. The honourable Member has a long experience in the House of Commons. I have asked him to withdraw his remarks. I think I must ask the honourable Member again to withdraw his remarks.

I would like to ask the honourable Member, who, as I mentioned earlier, has seen many years of service in this place, if after some reflection he would be prepared to withdraw the remarks that were made. I would hope that the honourable Member could find his way clear to do that. I will hear the honourable Member.

Mr. Lapierre rose and withdrew his remarks.

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1992-06-04