Routine Proceedings / Tabling of Documents

Tabling of documents

Debates p. 6614-5

Background

During Routine Proceedings, under Motions, Mr. Baldwin (Peace River) objected to the tabling by Mr. Macdonald (Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources) of a joint release on the Quebec-Canada energy meeting, on the grounds that it was a press release. The Speaker ruled immediately.

Issue

Can a press release be tabled in the House?

Decision

Yes. Tabling such a document complies with the spirit of the relevant Standing Order.

Reasons given by the Speaker

The purpose of the Standing Order under which this document has been tabled is to allow a government Member to table information relating to the administrative responsibilities of the Government or of a particular department. Rather than having the Speaker suspend the work of the House to determine if a document to be tabled is acceptable under the Standing Orders, that responsibility should rest with the appropriate Minister to determine if he or she is complying with the spirit of the rule.

Sources cited

Standing Orders 15 and 41(2).