Debates of Feb. 18th, 1997
House of Commons Hansard #132 of the 35th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was board.
Topics
- Government Response To Petitions
- Petitions
- Questions On The Order Paper
- Canadian Wheat Board Act
- Indian Act Optional Modification Act
- Harry Burke
- Mining Industry
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police
- Justice
- Flag Day
- Religious Tolerance
- The Environment
- Employment
- Canada Social Transfer
- Education
- Film Industry
- The Budget
- Archie Neil Chisholm
- The Budget
- Canadian Culture
- The Budget
- Team Canada
- Pensions
- National Unity
- Canada Pension Plan
- Canadian Embassy In Washington
- Canada Pension Plan
- Canadian Embassy In Washington
- Canada Pension Plan
- Zairian Refugees
- Science And Technology
- Employment
- Floating Casinos
- National Defence
- Small Business
- Prescription Drugs
- Privilege
- Points Of Order
- Indian Act Optional Modification Act
- Nuclear Safety And Control Act
- Points Of Order
- Nuclear Safety And Control Act
- The Budget
- Borrowing Authority Act, 1997-98
Privilege
Oral Question Period
3 p.m.
NDP
Chris Axworthy Saskatoon—Clark's Crossing, SK
Mr. Speaker, my point of privilege arises from a response to a question yesterday by the Minister of Justice.
It is not a question of interpretation of fact which would not make it a point of privilege. It is a clear point in which the minister said something that was not the case.
I would like to read what the minister said in yesterday's Hansard . It relates to services relating to Airbus. He said that ``all services that were rendered were entirely within those contemplated properly by the contract''.
I have a copy of the contract and it plainly is not the case that those services were rendered within it. I can read it or not, as the case may be.
Privilege
Oral Question Period
3 p.m.
The Speaker
I wonder if the hon. member could identify for me the specific privilege which is being impinged upon.
Privilege
Oral Question Period
3 p.m.
NDP
Chris Axworthy Saskatoon—Clark's Crossing, SK
Yes, Mr. Speaker. I believe it is contrary to the privileges of the members for anyone in the House to mislead the House and it is particularly important for the minister not to do that.
Privilege
Oral Question Period
3 p.m.
The Speaker
With all respect, we seem to be going down the road of debate in this particular case. The hon. member mentioned that a statement was made. I take it he disagrees with whatever that statement was. Usually in the give and take of question period where a question is asked, the minister or a parliamentary secretary gives a response and that is all part of question period. It is surely
not for your Speaker to decide that which is or which is not, and I quote your word, "misleading".
Perhaps the answer was not the one that the hon. member wanted or was expecting, but I would be hard pressed to judge when a statement is or is not misleading.
At this point, the hon. member should identify further what was his particular privilege. We have a question and answer and we have to take for granted that all of you are honourable members, therefore, that the answer will be given in good faith. I would let the matter rest there.
I am going to hear the point of order.
Points Of Order
Oral Question Period
February 18th, 1997 / 3:05 p.m.
Reform
Chuck Strahl Fraser Valley East, BC
Mr. Speaker, during the course of question period in an exchange between the member for Beaver River and the government side, the member for Beaver River pointed out that she had opted out of the $1.4 million parliamentary pension on principle.
The Minister of National Defence was clearly heard to say- I will not repeat the phrase because it is beneath the dignity of the House. But he should withdraw those words and he should be ashamed of his conduct in the House today.
Points Of Order
Oral Question Period
3:05 p.m.
The Speaker
Once again, with all due respect to you, I did not hear unparliamentary words.
Points Of Order
Oral Question Period
3:05 p.m.
Reform
Points Of Order
Oral Question Period
3:05 p.m.
The Speaker
I will review the blues and see if unparliamentary language was used and to whom were they directed. If it is necessary, I will come back to the House. I will review the blues and the tapes and see if, indeed, any unparliamentary language was used so that I can ascertain who said it and to whom it was said. We will try to work it that way. If necessary, I will get back to him.
Points Of Order
Oral Question Period
3:05 p.m.
Reform
Points Of Order
Oral Question Period
3:05 p.m.
The Speaker
Is this on a different point of order?
Points Of Order
Oral Question Period
3:05 p.m.
Reform
Chuck Strahl Fraser Valley East, BC
Yes, Mr. Speaker. Could you explain to the House if there is a difference between parliamentary or unparliamentary language and personally cruel remarks? Is there a difference?
Points Of Order
Oral Question Period
3:05 p.m.
The Speaker
I have undertaken to see if unparliamentary language was used. That would be my purview.
Points Of Order
Oral Question Period
3:05 p.m.
Bloc
Gilles Duceppe Laurier—Sainte-Marie, QC
Mr. Speaker, you said you would review the blues, but can you make sure to see them before any changes are made?
Points Of Order
Oral Question Period
3:05 p.m.
The Speaker
Yes.
Points Of Order
Oral Question Period
3:05 p.m.
Lethbridge
Alberta
Reform
Ray Speaker Lethbridge
Mr. Speaker, my point of order is with regard to the ruling to my hon. colleague for Okanagan-Similkameen-Merritt. I would like you to review why that decision was made-