Precedence and Sequence / Supply Day

Selection of motions

Debates p. 6121

Background

As the House proceeded to the consideration of supply business under Government Orders, the Speaker made a statement on his selection of one of two similar opposition motions which had been filed for consideration on this supply day.

Issue

Does the Speaker have the authority to decide the precedence of opposition motions to be debated on a supply day?

Decision

Yes, it is an explicit duty of the Speaker to determine the precedence of opposition motions.

Reasons given by the Speaker

"... it is the duty of the Chair to decide which [opposition] motion will have precedence at this sitting. The two opposition motions set down for consideration ... are almost identical ... Therefore, in connection with this aspect of the matter, the task of the Chair is somewhat eased. After the first of these motions has been debated, [there are] some doubts as to whether the second motion should be proceeded with, as this procedure would then be inconsistent with the usual practice of the House ... "

Sources cited

Standing Order 58(4).