Before we resume debate, I want to give a ruling with regard to the point of order raised this morning by the hon. House leader of the official opposition with regard to the status of the motion to be debated during the opposition day tomorrow.
The hon. member for Langley--Abbotsford contends that the motion should be non-votable. I have now looked into the matter and it appears that there is disagreement about the allocation of votable motions among the various parties in opposition.
I wish to refer all hon. members to Standing Order 81(16) which reads in part as follows:
Not more than fourteen opposition motions in total shall be motions that shall come to a vote during the three supply periods provided pursuant to section (10) of this Standing Order.
I do not think I need to read the rest of it. I refer hon. members to Marleau and Montpetit. It is quite clear about the guidance that is given to the Chair in these matters when it states at page 726:
The allocation of the 14 votable motions is worked out in an informal agreement among the opposition parties.
In the absence of such an agreement, Marleau and Montpetit does not suggest that the Chair provide a resolution.
I refer you to page 726, and I quote:
However, except in a situation where the limit of allowable votable motions in a Supply period or in any year has been reached, it is not within the competence of the Chair to rule whether or not a particular motion should be votable.
I would therefore invite the opposition House leaders to discuss the matter as soon as possible since this item of business is before the House tomorrow. I would hope that they will be able to resolve the dispute that has arisen and inform the Chair of that resolution. Failing such an agreement, I would propose to proceed with the consideration of tomorrow's motion as it now appears, that is, as a votable motion.