Recognition of Members in Debate / Party Status in the House

Party status in the House

Debates p. 69

Background

On October 9, on a motion moved by Mr. Clark (Prime Minister) to appoint a Striking Committee, Mr. Roy (Beauce) proposed an amendment to include a member of his party on the Committee. The amendment was defeated. The following day, October 10, Mr. Lambert (Bellechasse) rose on a point of order to obtain recognition of Mr. Roy as the Leader of his party in the House. The Speaker responded by noting that in the debate on the previous day's amendment, Members had specifically rejected the proposition that the Social Credit leader be accorded full status comparable to the other party leaders. Mr. Roy subsequently rose on a question of privilege to complain that were he to be denied full recognition as a party leader, it would violate the traditions of the House.

Issue

How is the position and status of parties in the House determined?

Decision

The Chair cannot take any definite action in the matter. The Speaker did propose, however, to recognize the Member for Beauce as a Leader for that day without prejudice to the problem.

Reasons given by the Speaker

The Chair is bound by the decision of the House regarding representation in the Striking Committee and its implications.

Without prejudicing the issue in any way, the Speaker suggested that the House might consider referring the matter to the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections for examination.

Precedent cited

Journals, September 30, 1963, pp. 385-8.

References

Debates, October 9, 1979, pp. 11-5; October 10, 1979, pp. 47-51.