Special Debates / Emergency Debates
Leave granted: softwood lumber
Context
On October 4, 2001, John Duncan (Vancouver Island North) rose in the House to request that an emergency debate be held, pursuant to Standing Order 52, on softwood lumber.[1] Mr. Duncan emphasized that tens of thousands of jobs had been lost as a result of trade action by the United States. The Speaker stated that he had carefully considered the matter and was inclined to grant the request, but wished to give it further consideration and would get back to the House before 2:00 p.m. that day.[2]
Resolution
Later that day, the Speaker advised the House that he had decided to grant leave for the debate. He added that it would be held that evening at 8:00 p.m.
Decision of the Chair
The Speaker: The Chair has carefully considered the matter and wishes to take a little more time to consider the request of the hon. Member. I must say that my initial inclination is to grant the request. I am leaning that way but I will consider the matter for a while yet. I will get back to the House before two o’clock with an answer. I will communicate to the hon. Member as to when I will come back to make that decision.
Editor’s Note
The Speaker returned to the House with his ruling later that day.
The Speaker: Earlier this day the Chair received submissions from the hon. Member for Vancouver Island North concerning a request for an emergency debate pursuant to Standing Order 52. I wish to advise the House that the Chair has decided to accept that request and grant it. Accordingly, there will be a debate this evening under the terms of Standing Order 52 at eight o’clock on the subject of softwood lumber.
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