Rules of Debate / Miscellaneous

Reference to the Senate

Debates p. 5453

Background

During debate on a motion by Mr. Macaluso (Hamilton West) for second reading of Bill S-11, an Act to incorporate the Income Life Insurance Company of Canada, Members alluded to debates in the other Chamber. The Deputy Speaker intervened to remind them of the prohibition against referring to debate in the Senate.

Issue

Can Members of the House refer to debate in the Senate?

Decision

No. Members should not allude to any Senate debate. [The Chair allowed, pending an official ruling, the admissibility of references to "the official printed records" of the Senate; that is, the Senate Journals.]

Reasons given by the Deputy Speaker

According to one authority, "it has been sanctioned by usage both in England and in Canada that a Member while speaking must not ... refer to any debate in the Senate".

Sources cited

Beauchesne, 4th ed., p. 127, c. 149(b).

References

Debates, May 24, 1966, pp, 5451-3.