Questions / Oral Questions

Anticipating an Order of the Day

Debates pp. 23182-3

Background

Following Question Period, Mr. Collenette (York East) rose on a point of order alleging that all the questions put during Question Period had dealt with matters relating to the Orders of the Day, (specifically an Opposition motion) and which he asserted was contrary to the practice of the House. The Speaker ruled immediately.

Issue

Can oral questions deal with matters relating to the Orders of the Day?

Decision

Yes, in certain circumstances.

Reasons given by the Speaker

According to one authority, a written or oral question, must not anticipate an Order of the Day. "There are precedents that support the raising of such questions and other precedents that do not, and today's precedent is one more to add to the list of those that do favour allowing such questions." Since there are opinions expressed on both sides, and in the interests of the House and the parties concerned, the questions were allowed because "generally speaking the practice of the House has been to accept such questions".

Sources cited

Journals, April 14, 1975, pp. 439-41.

Beauchesne, 5th ed., p. 130, c. 357(v).

References

Debates, February 24, 1983, pp. 23181-3.