Special Debates / Emergency Debates
Leave refused: softwood lumber; other opportunities for debate available
Debates, p. 8952
Context
On February 18, 2002, Bill Casey (Cumberland–Colchester) rose in the House to request that an emergency debate be held, pursuant to Standing Order 52, on the softwood lumber crisis.[1] He emphasized that different approaches and remedies had been unsuccessful, and that 25,000 jobs had already been lost in Canada. He pointed out that softwood lumber is Canada’s fifth largest export. The Speaker took the matter under advisement.[2]
Resolution
Later that day, the Speaker delivered his ruling. He noted that various debates had been held on the subject and that, since there were five allotted days remaining in the supply period ending March 26, 2002 (excluding the allotted day scheduled for February 19, 2002), there would be ample opportunity for the matter to be discussed. He concluded that he had not been satisfied as to the urgency of the matter, and therefore declined the request.
Decision of the Chair
The Speaker: I indicated to the House earlier today that I would return on the subject of the request for an emergency debate by the hon. Member for Cumberland–Colchester respecting softwood lumber.
An emergency debate took place on this issue on October 4 last year and again on November 6. I note that it was the subject of debate of an opposition motion on March 15 last year on a supply day. In fact a motion was adopted on March 15, 2001.
The hon. Member for Cumberland–Colchester indicated in his remarks that there was a deadline approaching on March 15. In the circumstances I have doubts about whether in fact there is a real emergency in this case, given the time frames involved.
I note the various debates that have been held on the subject. I also note that there are five allotted days remaining in the supply period after tomorrow’s allotted day, and the supply period ends on March 26.
Accordingly I feel there is ample opportunity for this matter to be discussed and not being satisfied of the urgency of the matter I am inclined therefore to disallow his request for an emergency debate at this time.
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