Precedence and Sequence / Supply Day

Notice requirement

Journals pp. 623-4

Debates p. 4813

Background

In the Thursday Statement of January 23, Mr. Macdonald (President of the Privy Council) indicated that the sittings of Wednesday and Thursday (January 29-30) of the following week would be designated as supply days. At the same time, he explained that the sitting on Tuesday (January 28) would be suspended to allow the standing committees an opportunity to pursue their study of the legislation before them. At the outset of the sitting of Monday, January 27, the Speaker notified the House that a procedural question had come up with respect to the 24-hour written notice requirement for an opposition supply motion and the possible effect of the Tuesday suspension. Without requesting comments from Members, the Speaker immediately offered his decision.

Issue

Can a required notice be filed on a day when the sitting of the House is suspended?

Decision

Yes. Members can file their notices on any day when the sitting of the House is suspended as opposed to being adjourned.

Reasons given by the Speaker

The Standing Orders require a 24-hour written notice be given; therefore, it should be open to Members to file their notices for motions, bills or papers and written questions, just as it should be open to the Government to file notices without losing the day. The suspension of the sitting is different from an adjournment; the Votes and Proceedings, the Order Paper and Debates will reflect these circumstances.

Sources cited

Standing Orders 58(4)(a) and 75(5).

References

Journals, January 28, 1969, p. 629.

Debates, January 23, 1969, p. 4716.