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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.
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 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.
October 29, 1980
Certain interventions touching upon Members' privileges of freedom of speech and liable to influence Members in the exercise of their duties, such as editorials and other public comment, do not...
The Speaker ruled that a government advertising campaign did not constitute a breach of privilege as pressure from an outside body is not, in itself, interference with parliamentary proceedings.
October 24, 1980
All Members have the right to speak and the Standing Orders are specifically designed so as to enable them to express themselves. Moreover, the provisions of the Standing Orders were adopted by...
The Speaker ruled that a closure motion adopted by the House must be enforced, thereby ending the debate and overriding an individual Member's right to speak.
October 23, 1980
The amendment seeks to change the powers of the committee in a way which is not contemplated by the Standing Orders or practices of the House. Besides, the presentation of minority reports is not...
The Speaker ruled an amendment inadmissible as it was beyond the scope of the motion and improperly sought to alter Standing Orders and committee practices.
October 17, 1980
The Member has the right to express his disagreement following the Minister's decision, and this very important question of principle certainly deserves to be debated. However, there is no...
The Speaker ruled that a Minister's non-disclosure of public opinion polls did not constitute a prima facie breach of privilege.
October 17, 1980
It cannot be said that the Government's spending impedes the House or the Members in the fulfillment of their duties. The fact that certain Members feel that they are disadvantaged by not having...
The Speaker denied a question of privilege, ruling that government advertising spending does not impede the work of Members or the House.