Point of Order
November 8, 1990
Guidelines: prohibition against personal attack on a Member
Hon. John Fraser
Speaker of the House
Ruling Text
The Speaker:
The honourable Member is asking for clarification. I can give the honourable Member clarification, and I shall.
On January 17, 1983, Madam Sauvé, then Speaker, touched on the question of what is appropriate comment in Statements by Members.
The honourable Member who has risen was stopped by me earlier today after I listened for a few minutes, or at least some seconds, and it became clear, at least I thought it was clear, that the honourable Member was making a personal attack on another honourable Member.
As a consequence, I had to stand and interrupt him.
On January 17, 1983, Madam Sauvé said this: "The time set aside for Members' Statements should not be used to make personal attacks." She went on and said: "It is clear that personal attacks are not considered to be matters that should be raised..." [4]
That is the rule that we have tried to follow in this House. It may well be that that rule has been transgressed, and I might have missed it.
I assure the honourable Member that I do listen carefully. If I erred in letting that rule be transgressed at some other time, then I very much regret it. I think that we must bear with the rule and I think that that is the general feeling of the House.
I thank the honourable Member for raising it. If he would like to discuss it further with me, of course he can see me in my chambers.
F0305-e 34-2 1990-11-08.
[1]
Debates, November 8, 1990, p. 15318.
[2]
Debates, November 1, 1990, p. 14994.
[3]
Debates, November 8, 1990, p. 15333.
[4]
Debates, January 17, 1983, p. 21874.
Edit Metadata
Holding
"The use of Statements by Members for personal attacks is out of order, and the Speaker is justified in interrupting a Member who engages in them."
AI Summary
The Speaker explains that interrupting a member was necessary because personal attacks are prohibited during Statements by Members, citing a 1983 precedent.
AI Analysis
- Outcome
- Other
- Tone
- Educational
- Procedural Stage
- Routine Proceedings
- Significance
Low
High