Rules of Debate - Order and Decorum / Unparliamentary Language

Unparliamentary language

Debates pp. 14371-2

Background

On June 12, 1986, during debate on the motion to adjourn, Mr. Waddell (Vancouver—Kingsway) interjected with the remark "Those are lies." Mr. Edwards (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Communications) objected immediately. The Acting Speaker (Mr. Charest) advised that the matter should be raised at the appropriate time the next day. On June 13, 1986, Mr. Edwards rose to draw the Speaker's attention to the matter. Discussion arose over when questions regarding unparliamentary language used during the Adjournment Debate should be raised. The Speaker ruled immediately.

Issue

When should questions regarding unparliamentary language used during the Adjournment Debate be raised?

Decision

Unparliamentary language should be dealt with and withdrawn at the time it is used.

Reasons given by the Speaker

On the previous night, the Chair indicated that in the Chair's view the matter should be raised the next day. The Speaker therefore has no choice but to allow it to be dealt with today. However, it remains that unparliamentary language should be dealt with at exactly the time it occurs, and that is what should happen in future.

Some third-party websites may not be compatible with assistive technologies. Should you require assistance with the accessibility of documents found therein, please contact accessible@parl.gc.ca.

References

Debates, June 12, 1986, p. 14356.