Special Debates / Emergency Debates

Leave refused: dismantling and transfer of the Canadian Wheat Board; matter deemed not of sufficient urgency and another opportunity for debate available

April 20, 2015

Debates, p. 12763

On April 20, 2015, Pat Martin (Winnipeg Centre) rose in the House to request that an emergency debate be held, pursuant to Standing Order 52,^[1] on the Government’s intention to transfer the Canadian Wheat Board to foreign interests. Mr. Martin contended that the situation was urgent because the impact of the decision would be permanent and irreversible and farmers would have to make decisions immediately about planting and future crops. Mr. Martin noted that the Government’s announcement had been made while the House was not sitting and, as a result, Members had not had the opportunity to examine the matter in depth. He added that little was known about the transfer, and that an emergency debate was necessary to ensure that Canadians could understand the implications of this decision.

Resolution

The Speaker delivered his ruling immediately. He was of the opinion that the matter was not urgent enough to require an emergency debate. He reminded Members that it was a supply day that day and that there would be other opportunities to question the Government about the Wheat Board in days to come.

Decision of the Chair

The Speaker: I thank the hon. Member for Winnipeg Centre for raising the issue of the sale of the Canadian Wheat Board. As a Member from Western Canada, I am very familiar with the Wheat Board as well in my own riding. However, I am not sure that it rises to the level of need for an emergency debate. I do note that today is a supply day, and I am sure there will be other opportunities to raise questions about the Wheat Board in days to come. However, I am not sure that it meets the test for an emergency debate as it stands.