Precedence and Sequence of Business / Superseding Motion

Orders of the Day; moved on weekly statement of House business

Debates, p. 2558

Background

Mr. Nielsen (Yukon) was recognized by the Speaker to ask the weekly question on House business. Discussion between Mr. Nielsen and Mr. Pinard (President of the Privy Council) followed relating to the progress through the House of Bill C-21, the Borrowing Authority Act, 1984-85, and the Government's intentions regarding the introduction of a bill for supplementary borrowing authority. In the course of this discussion, Mr. Nielsen moved a motion that the House do now proceed to Orders of the Day. Mr. Pinard stated that the motion was moved on a point of order and was therefore out of order. The Speaker ruled immediately.

Issue

Is the motion "That the House do now proceed to Orders of the Day" in order if it is moved by a Member recognized on the weekly statement of House business?

Decision

Yes. The motion is in order.

Reasons given by the Speaker

The practice of the House has been to recognize each Thursday a question relating to the business of the House. This is not a point of order. Therefore the Chair has "no alternative but to accept the motion." [The question was put, a recorded division was demanded, the division bells were rung, and at 6:00 p.m. the motion lapsed and the Speaker adjourned the House.]

References

Debates, March 29, 1984, pp. 2556-8.