Rules of Debate / Unparliamentary Language

Accusation of dishonesty

Debates p. 606

Background

Mr. Roberts (Minister of State for Science and Technology and Minister of the Environment) rose on a question of privilege to ask that Mr. Fraser (Vancouver South) withdraw the words that he used with respect to the Government whereby he accused it of "not only acting dishonestly, but shabbily" during the discussion on a question of privilege raised by Mr. Domm (Peterborough). The Speaker took the matter under consideration and ruled the next day.

Issue

Does a Member have the right to accuse the Government of behaving dishonestly and shabbily?

Decision

Yes. In this context, such words are not unparliamentary.

Reasons given by the Speaker

The words used were not directed to Members, but rather to the Government. Such words directed to the Government collectively are not unparliamentary.

Sources cited

Debates, April 30, 1980, p. 573.

References

Debates, April 30, 1980, p. 574.