The Decision-Making Process / Divisions

Recorded divisions: abstention; brief explanatory statement

Debates, p. 16729

Context

On June 22, 1988, following a recorded division on a motion to amend the Constitution, Svend Robinson (Burnaby—Kingsway) rose on a point of order to explain briefly his reasons for abstaining. As Members were rising to contest the Member’s right to do so, the Speaker made the following statement which is reproduced in full below.

Decision of the Chair

The Speaker: There is a tradition in this place according to which [a] Member who has abstained may rise briefly to give an explanation. I would ask honourable Members to extend that courtesy.

F0410-e

33-2

1988-06-22