Routine Proceedings / Statement by Ministers

Statement by Ministers

Journals pp. 445-6

Debates p. 5143

Background

On June 27, under Motions, Mr. Pelletier (Minister of Communications) tabled a document entitled "Government of Canada Review of the Canadian Transport Commission Decision of March 30, 1973, on Bell Canada's Application ‘A’ ". Mr. Lewis (York South) then rose on a point of order to argue that the Minister ought to have submitted the document as a Minister's statement, thus giving the Opposition an opportunity to comment. The Speaker deferred his decision to the following day.

Issue

Must a document tabled by a Minister be the subject of a statement by the Minister?

Decision

No. So-called "information" documents may be tabled without a Minister having to make a statement.

Reasons given by the Speaker

Under the Standing Orders, a Minister's statement on any government action or policy should be made under "Motions" and not tabled. In this case, however, the document is of an informative nature, and may be laid on the Tobie rather than presented to the House as part of a ministerial statement.

Sources cited

Standing Orders 15(2), (3) and 41(2).

References

Debates, June 27, 1973, p. 5101-2.