Rules of Debate - Order and Decorum / Miscellaneous

Mover speaking second time closes debate

Debates pp. 4122-3

Background

When the House resumed debate on the Private Members' motion in the name of Mr. Wenman (Fraser Valley West), the Acting Speaker (Mr. Guilbault) inadvertently recognized Mr. Wenman to speak to the motion a second time. In his opening remarks the Member noted that he was closing debate on the motion and at this point the Acting Speaker interrupted to note that as a matter of practice the Chair usually asks if any other Member wishes to speak before someone closes debate. On a point of order, Mr. Collenette (York East) pointed out that there were other Members in the House who wished to speak to the motion. After further representations the Acting Speaker ruled.

Issue

Is the mover of a motion allowed to speak a second time and thus close debate if other Members wish to speak to the motion?

Decision

No. The Chair must recognize other Members who wish to speak before the mover of the original motion may speak in reply to close the debate.

Reasons given by the Acting Speaker

As a matter of practice the Chair asks if any other Member wants to speak before giving the floor to the mover of a motion to close the debate. The provisions of Standing Order 41(3), which states that in all cases the Speaker shall inform the House that the reply of the mover of the original motion closes the debate, make it clear that the floor should always be offered to other Members who want to speak before someone closes debate. [The Acting Speaker then recognized another Member to speak to the motion.]

Sources cited

Standing Orders 41(2) and (3).