Madam Speaker, on a point of order. It has always been my impression that the goal of this House is to allow members to speak on issues put before Parliament by the government. In this particular instance, I would point out that in order for the debate to flow smoothly, insofar as the translation in both official languages is concerned, the Chair must co-operate with members and show considerable understanding, and vice-versa.
As far as this particular debate is concerned, members were prepared to speak. That includes members of our party and of the other party as well. My colleagues indicated to me that they were somewhat unclear on the approach taken to this debate. They did not understand exactly at what point in the proceedings the Chair was and they wonder if perhaps the Chair could not have been a little more tolerant toward the members who wanted to speak on this subject, in particular the member for Anjou-Rivière-des-Prairies, even though apparently they had missed their opportunity to do so.
I think one thing should be made clear. We need your co-operation to ensure that the proceedings flow smoothly, as the government needs ours. The smooth running of Parliament depends on this mutual trust. Tricks should not be played on members and the Chair should not move hastily to ask if someone wishes to speak and when no member rises immediately, move on to something else. We know that the Standing Orders require that we ask for the floor. We have an agreement which works very well for Question Period. Members do not have to clamour to be recognized. The Speaker proceeds in a specific order. Some customs in this House cannot be overlooked. If my colleagues were to understand from your decision that they must now rise and shout in order to be recognized, then the complexion of this House could change rather dramatically.
Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask that you reconsider your decision and allow our colleagues to speak. Our goal is not to muzzle members, but to give them an opportunity to speak.