Statement
March 11, 2021
Statement concerning the wearing of certain masks during House proceedings
Hon. Anthony Rota
Speaker of the House
Ruling Text
The Speaker:
I would like to come back to the question raised on March 8 by the member for Salaberry—Suroît concerning the wearing of certain masks during House proceedings.
The issue that the member raised is an important one because it affects members' right to participate fully in sittings of the House.
[English]
Wearing masks is one of the many constraints related to the pandemic with which the House and its committees have had to deal this past year. The House is called on to reconcile everyone's efforts to follow public health guidelines with members' right to participate fully in proceedings while respecting our rules and practices.
The deliberations and recommendations of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs have provided a response to some of the concerns and eliminated obstacles that sometimes seemed unsurmountable. The same is true for the many discussions among House leaders and party whips that have allowed us to continue our work.
[Translation]
It is my understanding as well that discussions continued among the parties and that an agreement has been reached. In order to make the interpreters' work easier, members who want to wear a mask during their interventions in the House and in committee will have to use procedure masks. These will be made available in the lobbies. At any other time, members may wear any mask they prefer.
[English]
We have witnessed, this past year, the importance of co-operating, negotiating and compromising. They are essential to the proper functioning of our parliamentary system.
I thank the hon. members for their attention.
[Translation]
I would also like to thank the hon. member for Salaberry—Suroît for having brought us to this point with the masks.
[English]
I also want to thank all members for the co-operation that has taken place. It really shows that Canadian democracy is working strongly and that people are working together. I am very proud to be a part of this chamber.
Edit Metadata
Holding
"Based on an all-party agreement, members are required to wear provided procedure masks when speaking in the House or in committee to assist interpreters; at all other times, any preferred mask may be worn."
AI Summary
The Speaker announces an all-party agreement requiring members to use specific procedure masks when speaking to assist interpreters.
AI Analysis
- Outcome
- Other
- Tone
- Conciliatory
- Procedural Stage
- Speaker's Statement
- Significance
Low
High