Point of Order
April 14, 2000
Guidelines: statement about fundraising activity
Hon. Gilbert Parent
Speaker of the House
Ruling Text
The Deputy Speaker:
The Chair is ready to at least say something on this subject. It is a matter of some concern to the Chair, not just because of the point raised today but because there have been other occasions when the Chair occupant has been in the House and has heard statements listing other members' number so people can call and complain or giving various sorts of advertising for different causes. They are sometimes of interest and sometimes of great amusement but they are not always ones that are necessarily widely appreciated on every side.
Being conscious of that and being conscious of the freedom of speech that the Chair seeks to ensure for all honourable members in the House, I respect the submissions that have been made by all honourable members who have said something on this subject.
For the benefit of all honourable members, I will read from page 364 of Marleau [and] Montpetit. It states:
The Speaker has also cautioned members not to use this period to make defamatory comments about non-members, nor to use the verbatim remarks of a private citizen as a statement, nor to make statements of a commercial nature.
Whether we have stepped beyond a charity, to commercial in this case, I am not prepared to rule. I would caution members to exercise discretion in their use of the time they have. It is a one minute statement. There are guidelines. If honourable members feel uncertain about the guidelines I urge them to read chapter 10 of Marleau [and] Montpetit and conduct themselves accordingly.
P0310-e 36-2 2000-04-14
Edit Metadata
Holding
"The Chair will not rule on whether a specific fundraising statement was improperly commercial but cautions all members to exercise discretion and follow the established guidelines for Statements by Members."
AI Summary
The Chair cautioned members to avoid statements of a commercial nature during S.O. 31s but declined to rule on whether a specific fundraising announcement had violated the rules.
AI Analysis
- Outcome
- Other
- Tone
- Educational
- Procedural Stage
- Routine Proceedings
- Significance
Low
High
Cited Authorities
- House of Commons Procedure and Practice (1st)