Statement
November 29, 2021
Statement on the wearing of masks in the Chamber
Hon. Anthony Rota
Speaker of the House
Ruling Text
The Speaker:
Before proceeding to orders of the day, I would like to remind members that the use of props in the House and committees to illustrate a point or promote positions is contrary to our rules and practices.
In the chamber, members express their opinions through the words they use, not through the use of props. This is true whether they have the floor or not.
[English]
At page 617 of House of Commons Procedure and Practice, third edition, it states:
Speakers have consistently ruled that visual displays or demonstrations of any kind used by Members to illustrate their remarks or emphasize their positions are out of order. Similarly, props of any kind have always been found to be unacceptable in the Chamber.
This principle also applies to masks. Masks that members wear must not be used to deliver messages or express an opinion. They should be plain and neutral.
I thank members for their co-operation.
Edit Metadata
Holding
"The use of props, visual displays, and non-neutral masks to convey messages is out of order in the House and committees; members must express opinions through words alone."
AI Summary
The Speaker issued a statement reminding Members that props, visual displays, and non-neutral masks are out of order in the Chamber.
AI Analysis
- Outcome
- Other
- Tone
- Educational
- Procedural Stage
- Routine Proceedings
- Significance
Low
High