Rules of Debate / Unparliamentary Language

Unparliamentary language

Debates p. 8987

Background

During Oral Questions, Mr. Peters (Timiskaming) asked Mr. Allmand (Solicitor General) about a RCMP search which was described as illegal. During Mr. Allmand's reply, Mr. Peters rose twice on a point of privilege to state that Mr. Allmand's report was a "lie". On a point of order, Mr. Allmand requested that the accusation that he was a "liar" be withdrawn, whereupon Mr. Peters said that Debates would show that he had said the report was a "lie", not that the Minister was a "liar". The Speaker reserved his decision until later that same day.

Issue

Is the accusation that a report by a Minister is a lie unparliamentary?

Decision

No. There is a distinction between calling a Member a liar and saying that a report tabled by a Minister or a Member is a lie.

Reasons given by the Speaker

Such strong language should not be used by Members even when speaking only about a report made in the House by a Minister or another Member, but certainly a distinction must be made. "... all Members should realize it is incumbent upon the Chair to ensure that there is respect among Members. No Member. . . should be accused by another Member of dishonesty, of deliberately misleading the House or of lying to the House."

References

Debates, December 21, 1973, pp. 8970-2.