Rules of Debate / Tabling of Documents

Tabling of documents

Debates p. 4159

Background

During Oral Questions, in response to a question by Mr. Hales (Wellington), Mr. Sharp (Secretary of State for External Affairs) quoted parts of a personal letter sent to him by the Foreign Minister of Zambia conveying condolences to the Government and people of Canada on the death of two Canadians in Zambia. Mr. Hales then rose on a point of order to demand that the letter be tabled. The Speaker ruled immediately.

Issue

Must a document quoted in the House, in whole or in part, be tabled?

Decision

Yes. The document must be tabled.

Reasons given by the Speaker

When a Minister quotes from an official communication, be it personal or not, it becomes an official document and must be tabled.

References

Debates, May 28, 1973, pp. 4158-9.