Point of Order
November 6, 1980
Refusal of a Minister to answer a question
Hon. Jeanne Sauvé
Speaker of the House
Ruling Text
Although it is legitimate for Members in this House to insist that Ministers answer their questions, Ministers are not bound to do so. "Minister may decline to answer a question without stating the reason for his refusal, and insistence on an answer is out of order."
Edit Metadata
Holding
"Ministers are not required to answer questions, and it is out of order for a Member to insist on an answer."
AI Summary
This ruling confirms the established principle that Ministers cannot be compelled to answer questions in the House.
AI Analysis
- Outcome
- Denied
- Tone
- Educational
- Procedural Stage
- Oral Questions
- Significance
Low
High