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February 25, 1981
There is no question of privilege because Members' duties do not expressly require them to attend press lock-ups. Furthermore, if the denial of entry put the Member at a disadvantage, it is a...
The Speaker ruled that being denied entry to a press lock-up is not a breach of privilege as it is not an express duty of a Member.
February 2, 1981
According to one authority, references to debates in the other House are out of order for the simple reason that the debates of one of the two Houses remain hypothetically unknown to the other....
The Speaker affirms the rule that members cannot refer to debates in the Senate, as each legislative body manages its own proceedings independently.
January 30, 1981
Parliamentary privilege is very limited, and is essentially restricted to freedom of speech, access to the Parliamentary Buildings, immunity against arrest or molestation, and exemption from...
The Speaker ruled that a Minister changing a commitment is a political grievance, not a breach of parliamentary privilege.
January 19, 1981
Prior to 1975, it was the practice to include a borrowing authority in the supply bill. Subsequently, borrowing authority has been granted by means of separate legislation. As specific notice for...
A ruling that borrowing authority provisions were struck from a supply bill because they lacked the required separate notice, contrary to modern practice.
December 18, 1980
The rise in interest rates and the rising cost of living can be considered as chronic problems. However, since the House is to adjourn tomorrow and since there will not likely be an opportunity to...
The Speaker granted an emergency debate on the economy, giving members the benefit of the doubt due to the House's imminent adjournment.
December 15, 1980
The Standing Orders clearly stipulate that no bill may be introduced in either blank or an imperfect shape. Since the bill in question had not been drafted, it was therefore not ready for...
A bill cannot be introduced until it is fully drafted, as the Standing Orders prohibit the introduction of bills in an "imperfect shape".
December 9, 1980
While the term "McCarthyism" is opprobrious, it has become part of the political vocabulary and therefore its use is subject to interpretation and debate. The Chair need not pronounce on its use....
The Speaker ruled that the term 'McCarthyism' is not inherently unparliamentary as it has become part of the political vocabulary and does not automatically create disorder.
December 1, 1980
Under Standing Order 15(2), any Member who is not a Minister of the Crown may move such a motion. That is the only limitation placed on Standing Order 43, and there are many precedents indicating...
The Speaker confirms that Parliamentary Secretaries are allowed to move motions under Standing Order 43 because they are not Ministers of the Crown.
November 6, 1980
The original resolution of the House respecting the introduction of television states that the House approves the radio and television broadcasting of its proceedings and of the proceedings of its...
The Speaker ruled that parliamentary committees cannot broadcast their proceedings without first receiving explicit authorization from the House of Commons.
November 6, 1980
Although it is legitimate for Members in this House to insist that Ministers answer their questions, Ministers are not bound to do so. "Minister may decline to answer a question without stating...
This ruling confirms the established principle that Ministers cannot be compelled to answer questions in the House.