Other
June 3, 1986
Unparliamentary language
Hon. John Bosley
Speaker of the House
Ruling Text
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Rules of Debate - Order and Decorum / Unparliamentary Language
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<time>June 3, 1986</time>
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Debates <a href="https://parl.canadiana.ca/view/oop.debates_HOC3301_10/87?r=0&s=1">p. 13923</a>
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<div><h2 class="f-ContextResoEdNotePostscriptTitle">Background</h2></div>
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On May 28, 1986, Mr. Attewell (Don Valley East) rose to object to language used by Mr. Nunziata (York South—Weston) during Question Period. Mr. Nunziata had referred to the Prime Minister (Mr. Mulroney) as an "absolute fraud". The Speaker heard discussion on the matter and reserved his decision. On June 3, 1986, the Speaker ruled that the words reported in Hansard were unparliamentary and invited the Member to withdraw them. Mr. Nunziata then withdrew the words unequivocally, but added the phrase <i>res ipsa loquitur</i> (the facts speak for themselves). The Speaker ruled immediately.
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<h2 class="f-ContextResoEdNotePostscriptTitle">Issue</h2>
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Can a Member qualify the withdrawal of unparliamentary language in any way?
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<h2 class="f-ContextResoEdNotePostscriptTitle">Decision</h2>
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No. The implication left by the phrase <i>res ipsa loquitur</i> must be withdrawn immediately.
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<h2 class="f-ContextResoEdNotePostscriptTitle">References</h2>
<p class="g-ContextResoEdNotePostscript">
Debates, May 28, 1986, <a href="https://parl.canadiana.ca/view/oop.debates_HOC3301_09/1267?r=0&s=1">pp. 13715</a>, <a href="https://parl.canadiana.ca/view/oop.debates_HOC3301_09/1274?r=0&s=1">13722-3</a>.
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