Statement
October 27, 1983
Right to speak; recognition by the Chair; priority to Ministers
Hon. Jeanne Sauvé
Speaker of the House
Ruling Text
According to one authority, it is usual to give priority to members of the Government who wish to speak. Moreover, the parliamentary spirit allows that courtesies are afforded to certain Members such as Ministers and the Leader of the Opposition, but this custom does not mean that Members do not have equal rights. The Speaker's power to select is absolute.
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Holding
"The Speaker has absolute discretion in recognizing which Member may speak, balancing the custom of affording priority to Ministers with the principle of equal rights for all Members."
AI Summary
The Speaker affirms their absolute discretion to select which Member speaks, balancing customary priority for Ministers with the equal rights of all Members.
AI Analysis
- Outcome
- Other
- Tone
- Educational
- Procedural Stage
- General Debate
- Significance
Low
High