Foreign Affairs Committee on May 16th, 2022

[Garnett Genuis, Conservative, Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB]

Madam Clerk, just to make sure I understand—

[Rachel Bendayan, Liberal, Outremont, QC]

I have a point of order, Mr. Chair.

[The Chair, Liberal, Ali Ehsassi]

Yes.

[Rachel Bendayan, Liberal, Outremont, QC]

Now we have had the benefit of that clarification, I fear that what is happening here is we are wasting the time of the committee intentionally. It is regrettable that the official opposition is doing this. There is work to be done in this committee. I would ask you to indicate what motion is currently on the floor, so we may debate that motion, rather than engage in these procedural shenanigans in order to push the work of the foreign affairs committee to...never.

We have three more weeks, sir, and I believe we all have work in front of us, including a study on Ukraine. May I remind all members of this committee that the war in Ukraine continues to rage while we debate in this committee procedural nonsense as a result of Mr. Genuis' desire to avoid substantive work.

[Garnett Genuis, Conservative, Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB]

On the same point of order, Mr. Chair—

[The Chair, Liberal, Ali Ehsassi]

Thank you, Ms. Bendayan.

[Garnett Genuis, Conservative, Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB]

May I be recognized?

[The Chair, Liberal, Ali Ehsassi]

I think we've had ample opportunity today, over the course of the past hour almost, to clarify these rules of procedure, Mr. Genuis.

I believe this is the sixth time I am asking you this. I have made a ruling. Is it your intention to challenge it?

I would be grateful if you could keep your comments strictly focused on whether you intend to challenge that ruling or not.

[Garnett Genuis, Conservative, Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB]

Mr. Chair, this is quite incredible. Ms. Bendayan just launched an attack on me and my motivations. You let her finish, while you nodded along and then you tell me what I can and cannot say or do.

Let me make this very simple. I'd like to seek the unanimous consent of this committee to adjourn debate on the matters before it and proceed to consideration of our calendar, so we can program the next three weeks to get back to our business.

If members refuse unanimous consent to adjourn debate on this motion on a completely other subject, then I think it would be hard for them to play this game of pretending that it's somebody else's fault that we're not talking about the issues we should be talking about.

I'm seeking the unanimous consent of the committee to adjourn debate on whatever motions are or aren't before us. I'll start with that.

[Rob Oliphant, Liberal, Don Valley West, ON]

Unanimous consent will not be given to stifle a debate on a potential motion to discuss women's reproductive rights. Very clearly, on this side of the House, we will not adjourn debate on that issue—

[Garnett Genuis, Conservative, Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB]

Mr. Chair, was the member recognized?

[Rob Oliphant, Liberal, Don Valley West, ON]

—as it is only to get it on our agenda. It's an important issue, so no.

[Garnett Genuis, Conservative, Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB]

Are you enforcing rules on that member, Mr. Chair?

[The Chair, Liberal, Ali Ehsassi]

Mr. Oliphant, can I ask that you wait until you are recognized?

[Rob Oliphant, Liberal, Don Valley West, ON]

My apologies, Chair.

[The Chair, Liberal, Ali Ehsassi]

I've made every effort to ensure we are proceeding in an orderly fashion. I have attempted to canvass the opinion of the member as to whether or not he wishes to challenge. I have not heard any answer after asking, I believe, on seven occasions, so the ruling—

[Garnett Genuis, Conservative, Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB]

I've been repeatedly interrupted, but I'm happy to challenge your ruling, Mr. Chair.

I was seeking the opportunity to make arguments and get clarification on your ruling before doing so. I was repeatedly interrupted by other members, and you did not address that matter—

[The Chair, Liberal, Ali Ehsassi]

Mr. Genuis, I did not recognize you to speak.

[Garnett Genuis, Conservative, Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB]

Okay, well, I'm challenging your ruling.

[The Chair, Liberal, Ali Ehsassi]

On numerous occasions, I pointed you to authority—

[Garnett Genuis, Conservative, Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB]

May I challenge your ruling?

[The Chair, Liberal, Ali Ehsassi]

Yes, you may do so, but that doesn't get in the way.

[Garnett Genuis, Conservative, Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB]

I'm glad Mr. Oliphant clarified that. Thank you.

[The Chair, Liberal, Ali Ehsassi]

We will take a vote as to whether the ruling stands.

(Ruling of the chair sustained: yeas 7; nays 4)

Thank you.

That being the decision of the committee, the ruling does stand.

We will revert to debate regarding the amendment to the motion.

[Rob Oliphant, Liberal, Don Valley West, ON]

Could we have the amendment to the motion read?