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December 7, 1987
Mr. Speaker: I do not think a supplementary would be appropriate at this time, but I want to say something not only to honourable Members but also to the public. The questions put by the...
The Speaker explains that questions about a civil case were allowed during Question Period because the sub judice convention does not apply before a trial starts and the questions were carefully phrased.
September 15, 1987
The Speaker: On September 1, 1987, the honourable Member for Kamloops—Shuswap raised a point of order relating to the circumstances surrounding the taking of a deferred division at six o'clock...
The Speaker rules that while the Whips' convention provides flexibility for division bells, a 30-minute ringing for a 15-minute bell is an unacceptable violation of the Standing Orders that will not be permitted to recur.
June 29, 1987
Mr. Speaker: On Friday last, just before the House adjourned, the honourable Deputy Prime Minister (Hon. Don Mazankowski) renewed notice of his intention to move a motion under Standing Order 57...
The Speaker ruled that he has no discretion to prevent the government from using a closure motion as it is a valid procedural tool explicitly provided for in the Standing Orders.
June 18, 1987
Mr. Speaker: I am now prepared to rule on the question of privilege raised yesterday by the Rt. Hon. Leader of the Opposition concerning the principle of secrecy as it relates to fiscal matters....
The Speaker ruled that providing outside experts with advance access to a fiscal White Paper does not constitute a breach of privilege as it does not obstruct Members' duties.
June 8, 1987
Mr. Speaker: In the interests of not holding up debate, the Chair has decided that, rather than reserve in this matter, the Chair will rule immediately. In the interests of honourable Members and...
The Speaker denied a point of order, ruling that the sub judice convention does not prevent debate on a civil matter not yet at trial during an Opposition Supply day.
December 9, 1986
The Speaker: I shall now deal with the matter raised by the honourable Member for Kamloops—Shuswap on November 21. I would first like to express my appreciation of the great care with which the...
The Speaker denied a question of privilege regarding an alleged bill leak, ruling there was insufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case.
January 27, 1986
The Speaker reminded the House of the guidelines established in 1977 by a committee of the House. The committee stated that a Member calling for the suppression of a matter because it is sub...
The Speaker clarifies that invoking the sub judice convention requires a Member to demonstrate a real risk of prejudice before the Chair will intervene.
April 19, 1983
According to the practice whereby the Minister of Finance presents his budget in the House before declaring it in any other public forum, budget secrecy is a political convention which does not...
This ruling establishes that budget secrecy is a political convention, not a matter of privilege, and any accusation of its breach requires a substantive motion.
March 22, 1983
Not only do defamatory allegations about Members place the entire institution of Parliament under a cloud, they also prevent Members from performing their duties as long as the matter remains...
A Speaker's ruling confirms that defamatory allegations against a Member can be referred to a committee despite the sub judice convention to protect the Member's ability to function.
March 31, 1981
Only the House can decide whether to discontinue or not to initiate a debate. Whatever the practice followed, the sub judice convention does not apply when studying bills, that is while the House...
The Speaker ruled that the sub judice convention does not prevent the House from debating legislative matters, including constitutional resolutions, even if the subject is before the courts.