Rules of Debate - Order and Decorum

Introduction

A major responsibility of the Chair is to oversee the conduct of House proceedings and to uphold the rules of debate and general order. In December 1982, the House made some provisional changes to the length of speeches. Except in cases outlined in the Standing Orders, all speeches were limited to twenty minutes and a ten-minute period was reserved for questions and comments following a Member's speech. The Chair had subsequently to make several rulings regarding time limits on speeches and the question-and-comment period, as well as on other matters affecting the conduct of debate in the House.

The Speaker can also call to order any Member whose conduct disrupts the order of the House. One particular offense which is rigorously corrected is unparliamentary language, and the Speaker will intervene to request that any intemperate remarks be withdrawn.