Government appointments; administrative responsibilities of the Government

The Speaker: I promised yesterday that I would return with respect to a question which was put by the honourable Member for Ottawa—Vanier yesterday, a question on a subject that is of course very important to all Members of this House. I think honourable Members will remember that yesterday I said there were really two issues. One is whether the question as put was in or out of order. The second is whether the subject matter of the question can be pursued in the Chamber. I think I was correct in clearly pointing out to the House that there were two issues. The issue I have to decide is whether the question as put was within the rules. I should say to honourable Members that the substance of the issue concerned comments made by a Canadian who was appointed to a board by the Government of Canada relating to the question of bilingualism. I have looked very carefully at the question as put which was: Will the Prime Minister call Mr. Crispo, tell him that the impression he left with his comments is wrong, dead wrong, absolutely wrong? Will he ask Mr. Crispo to get his facts straight or keep his mouth shut?...I must respond to this issue in a purely procedural manner. My judgment yesterday was that it is out of order as asked; it is not seeking information. I still maintain that as asked it is not within the administrative competence of the Government. Having said that, as I think all honourable Members conceded yesterday, the issue is of importance. The honourable Government House Leader (Hon. Harvie Andre) said:...I can say on behalf of the Government with assurance that Mr. Crispo does not speak for the Government of Canada. Now at that point we had some discussion as to the question and perhaps we were also getting on to some discussion of the issue itself. I have to say that I remain with my ruling of yesterday. I am also indicating to honourable Members that there are probably other ways to pursue the issue in Question Period. F0307-e 34-3 1992-02-12. [1] Debates, February 11, 1992, pp. 6767-8. [2] Debates, February 11, 1992, pp. 6770-4.