Special Debates / Emergency Debates

Leave refused: softwood lumber: matter deemed not of sufficient urgency and another opportunity for debate available

February 9, 2004

Debates, p. 322

On February 9, 2004, Peter Stoffer (Sackville–Musquodoboit Valley–Eastern Shore) rose in the House to request that an emergency debate be held, pursuant to Standing Order 52, on softwood lumber. He noted that the crisis had been ongoing for some time, that many workers had been adversely affected and that it was important that the current Government clarify its position in the matter.^[1]

The Speaker ruled immediately to the effect that there was no new development on that issue that might be considered an additional concern or emergency at that time. He noted that the House was then involved in the debate on the Address in Reply to the Speech from the Throne and that the matter could be raised in the course of that debate. He concluded that, in the circumstances, he was not disposed to grant the request.

Decision of the Chair

The Speaker: The Chair has listened carefully to the comments of the hon. Member for Sackville–Musquodoboit Valley–Eastern Shore. I note that this issue is one that has continued for some many months and is not new. I am concerned about allowing an emergency debate when there is no new development that might have prompted an additional concern or emergency at this particular time.

While I have no doubt that the subject is one of considerable interest and importance, I note that the House is involved at the moment in the debate on the Address in Reply to the Speech from the Throne, which allows great latitude to all hon. Members in their speeches. I am sure the hon. Member will want to participate in that debate and possibly raise this subject then, with other hon. Members responding. I would encourage him to pursue that avenue at this time.

Of course we will continue to monitor the situation. Should circumstances change once the debate on all subjects in regard to the Speech from the Throne is over, perhaps the hon. Member will want to renew his request, or something else may have transpired which will make it one that in the view of the Chair would be worthy of an emergency debate. In the circumstances, I am not disposed to grant the request at this time.