Point of Order
December 1, 1987
Introduction of Bills: Government Bill; explanation of purpose at time of introduction; practice of providing explanatory material to opposition critics
Hon. John Fraser
Speaker of the House
Ruling Text
The Speaker:
It seems to the Chair that the Bill which was introduced has, at least in principle, support on both sides of the Chamber. Unless any honourable Member feels a terribly burning urge to make further comment, perhaps the Chair could settle this matter by reminding honourable Members of Standing Order 107(2) which states:
A motion for leave to introduce a bill shall be decided without debate or amendment, provided that any Member moving for such leave may be permitted to give a succinct explanation of the provisions of the said bill.
The honourable Minister said that he had an indication that he had some 60 seconds. I want to assure the honourable Member for Ottawa—Vanier that the message I sent to the Minister was that he had 30 seconds.
However, it is important to note that it is the case that any Member introducing a bill can speak succinctly, as the rule states, and I shall be very firm in making sure that it is succinct.
I believe the honourable Member for York West is only expressing what Members on both sides of the House, depending on where they sat at different times, have always wished to be the practice. I think the honourable Minister has given some explanation for that.
Again, as always, I would urge Ministers to do everything possible to be sure that information is given as soon as possible, especially to the opposition critics. I think it was made quite clear by the Minister that he understands that tradition and does in fact honour it.
F0322-e 33-2 1987-12-01.
[1]
Debates, December 1, 1987, pp. 11343-4.
Edit Metadata
Holding
"Standing Order 107(2) permits a member introducing a bill to provide a succinct explanation, and the Chair will enforce this rule of succinctness."
AI Summary
The Speaker clarifies that Standing Order 107(2) allows for a 'succinct explanation' during the introduction of a bill and reminds Ministers to provide information to critics promptly.
AI Analysis
- Outcome
- Other
- Tone
- Conciliatory
- Procedural Stage
- Routine Proceedings
- Significance
Low
High