Rules of Debate / Miscellaneous

Superseding motion; point of order

Debates p. 11503

Background

When the Speaker called Motions under Routine Proceedings, he recognized Mr. Macdonald (President of the Privy Council), who had given notice the previous day of his intention to move closure. Several Members, including Mr. Baldwin (Peace River), sought to be recognized by raising a point of order. Once the Speaker called on him, Mr. Baldwin proposed that Mr. Woolliams (Calgary North) be now heard. Mr. Macdonald objected to the practice of proposing a motion on a point of order, whereupon the Speaker ruled.

Issue

Can a point of order be used to move that a Member be now heard?

Decision

Yes. The motion is in order. [The motion was subsequently negatived on a recorded division.]

Reasons given by the Speaker

Although a motion may not be moved on a point of order, the Standing Orders stipulate that a motion that a Member be now heard may be made at any time. "It would be very difficult ... to say that 'any time' did not include the time at which the motion was made." For this reason the motion is acceptable and must be put to the vote.

References

Debates, July 22, 1969, pp. 11470-1; July 23, 1969, pp. 11502-4.