Motions Without Notice Proposed Under Standing Order 43 / Application of the Rule

Unanimous consent

Debates pp. 4285-6

Background

Mr. Poulin (Ottawa Centre) requested the unanimous consent of the House under Standing Order 43 to propose a motion congratulating Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne, on the occasion of her engagement. Mr. Howard (Skeena) then rose on a point of order and stated that the House had more important things to do and that he would not give his consent. Consequently, the Speaker declared that without unanimous consent, the motion could not be put to the House. Mr. Cossitt (Leeds) then rose on a point of order to ask if the Chair would call for the yeas and nays on the motion.

Issue

Is it possible to call for a voice vote to waive notice on a motion presented under Standing Order 43 after the House had refused its unanimous consent?

Decision

No. If unanimous consent is not given to waive notice, the motion cannot be put.

Reasons given by the Speaker

The practice concerning motions moved under Standing Order 43 is clear: unanimous consent is required to move the motion; a single nay indicates that unanimous consent has not been given.

Sources cited

Standing Order 43.