House Publications

[ Table of Contents ] The Speaker : I am now prepared to rule on the point of order raised on January 28 by the chief government whip concerning voting procedures in the House. Following the taking of the recorded division on the opposition motion earlier that day, the government whip rose to inform the Chair that the member for Skeena—Bulkley Valley had voted both in person and electronically, but that he was not in his seat during the roll call. In response, the Chair informed the House that only his electronic vote would count. After the deferred recorded divisions were completed that day, the government whip expressed concern that members could vote in their seat and then leave the chamber to vote again electronically, possibly casting their vote differently. He asked the Chair to provide clarity on the procedures involved in this situation or to ask the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs to look into the matter. (1525) [ Translation ] The Standing Orders do consider the possibility of a member voting both in person and electronically. Standing Order 45(12)(c) states: “[I]n the event a member casts their vote both in person and electronically, a vote cast in person takes precedence.” The present situation was slightly different than the one contemplated by this standing order. The member was not in his seat when he voted, which usually has the effect of nullifying one’s vote, at least when the matter is brought to the attention of the Chair. This is what occurred last Wednesday. However, since the member also properly cast his vote electronically, the electronic vote was therefore counted. As I observed on January 28, 2026, the situation was not ideal. It was indicative, however, of the evolution in the practice that happened since the implementation of electronic voting in March 2021. It is not uncommon now for members to vote in person, realize that there may be some issue with their vote, and cast their vote again electronically. This has happened, for example, when a member realizes that they came in late or that they needed to leave during the voting process. The Chair believes all parties have benefited at one point or another from these gradual adjustments and, until last Wednesday, had not formally complained. [ English ] The Chair continues to encourage members to maintain proper decorum during the taking of a recorded division, including by being in their seat to hear the question and to vote, when they are present in person. If members choose to vote electronically, they should leave the chamber quickly and discreetly to vote, without causing disruption, and stay out until the vote is completed. If they cast a valid vote in person from their seats and, for one reason or another, also cast their vote electronically, the former will of course continue to take precedence. I thank all members for their attention.