Rules of Debate / Miscellaneous

Galleries; withdrawal of strangers

Debates p. 3854

Background

Mr. Woolliams (Calgary North) rose on a point of order to indicate the presence of two persons in the gallery who, he claimed, had been taking the attendance of Opposition Members for a number of days. He objected to such a practice, since there was no rule that the attendance in the House should be taken by anyone from the office of the Government House Leader. Mr. Knowles (Winnipeg North Centre) then rose on a point of order to ask if the Chair would consider taking action under the Standing Orders and order the strangers to withdraw. The Speaker heard Members' comments before ruling.

Issue

Is it possible to expel particular persons in the gallery who are noting the attendance of Members?

Decision

Yes; however, if a Member wishes strangers in the House to withdraw, a specific motion must be moved to that effect.

Reasons given by the Speaker

A long-standing practice allows officials to sit in the special gallery and to take notes. However, if a Member desires that some persons should be expelled, he or she must propose a motion in order for the Chair to take any action. As the description of the strangers given by the Member would make it difficult to put the motion to the House, the matter should be dropped for the present.

Sources cited

Standing Order 13.

References

Debates, December 12, 1968, pp. 3852-4.