Natural Resources Committee on Oct. 30th, 2023

[Shannon Stubbs, Conservative, Lakeland, AB]

It's important. That's an important common-sense [Inaudible—Editor].

[Jeremy Patzer, Conservative, Cypress Hills—Grasslands, SK]

Yes. It's a point of privilege for members, to be honest, and it's a common-sense one at that.

[The Chair, Liberal, George Chahal]

Thank you for your point of order. We'll look into what you've referenced in more detail. I'll report back once I have further information on what you've referenced—

[Shannon Stubbs, Conservative, Lakeland, AB]

Chair, to that point of order, it just seems extremely germane—like, this very second—to the confidence and credibility and clarity of what we're doing at this committee. I'm not quite certain how we can possibly proceed if we have a potential discrepancy here on a basic rule.

[The Chair, Liberal, George Chahal]

We made a decision earlier—

[Shannon Stubbs, Conservative, Lakeland, AB]

But it's the rules that govern this committee that are important in terms of what we're doing right now.

[The Chair, Liberal, George Chahal]

Well, we made a ruling earlier from the information and my understanding of it. Mr. Patzer has provided some information on the standing order—

[Shannon Stubbs, Conservative, Lakeland, AB]

He read the standing order. It's not “some information” on it. He read it.

[The Chair, Liberal, George Chahal]

We will get further clarity. If there is more clarity provided, we will come back and provide that to you.

[Shannon Stubbs, Conservative, Lakeland, AB]

It really seems to me that for confidence in these proceedings, we'd better get this clarity right now. Then we can proceed.

[The Chair, Liberal, George Chahal]

That's not a point of order. If there's another point of order...but that's what I have provided right now.

[Shannon Stubbs, Conservative, Lakeland, AB]

Perhaps there will be another point of order.

[The Chair, Liberal, George Chahal]

I'm asking the clerk to look into the matter. As soon as I get some information back, I will advise the committee accordingly.

[Arnold Viersen, Conservative, Peace River—Westlock, AB]

I have a point of privilege, Mr. Chair.

[The Chair, Liberal, George Chahal]

We don't have points of privilege, Mr. Viersen.

[Arnold Viersen, Conservative, Peace River—Westlock, AB]

I have a point of order, then, Mr. Chair.

[The Chair, Liberal, George Chahal]

Yes, Mr. Viersen.

[Arnold Viersen, Conservative, Peace River—Westlock, AB]

I would just like to thank my colleague for pointing out that this is the first time that I have ever been denied being added to the speaking order while not being subbed in. I totally thought that I would be on the speaking list.

[The Chair, Liberal, George Chahal]

You are in debate.

You actually are on the speaking list, Mr. Viersen.

[Arnold Viersen, Conservative, Peace River—Westlock, AB]

Now I am because I'm subbed in.

[The Chair, Liberal, George Chahal]

Yes.

[Arnold Viersen, Conservative, Peace River—Westlock, AB]

I tried to get on the speaking list before I was subbed in. I know that for folks back home, Bill C-69 is something they're very passionate about. Hence, I'm here to speak to it. The fact that I was unable to get on there does seem to be limiting to my privileges as a member of Parliament.

[Charlie Angus, NDP, Timmins—James Bay, ON]

This is a point of debate.

[The Chair, Liberal, George Chahal]

Yes, we are getting into debate.

You are on the speaking list. You will have your opportunity on the subamendment.

[Shannon Stubbs, Conservative, Lakeland, AB]

I have a point of order, Mr. Chair, on this point of order.

What we are talking about is the ability of members of Parliament here to do their democratic duty on behalf of their constituents and all Canadians. My colleague read the standing order. He did not give some information about it. He read the standing order. The Standing Orders are the rules that govern the House of Commons and the committee. They are the foundation of the democratic exercise here of elected representatives representing the common sense of the common people who sent us here to do these jobs.

It seems to me that we need to get clarity on this right now. Otherwise, the entire in-real-time proceedings of this committee and our ability to do our jobs on behalf of the people who sent us here may be compromised. I would suggest that, for confidence in these proceedings and every minute after that, we get this clarity first and then proceed.