Rules of Debate - Order and Decorum / Miscellaneous

Right to speak, motion that "Member be now heard" can only be received when the House is in debate

Debates p. 4484

Background

Following Question Period, Mr. Speaker was entertaining a number of points of order. Having been recognized by the Speaker on such a point of order, Mr. Robinson (Burnaby) moved that the Hon. Member for Regina West (Mr. Benjamin) be now heard. The Speaker ruled immediately.

Issue

When can a motion that the "Member be now heard" be moved in the House?

Decision

The motion can only be moved when there is a motion before the House and a debate.

Reasons given by the Speaker

"For the purpose of clarifying the rules, to move that a Member be heard there must be a motion before the House and a debate. At the present time there is no motion before the House."