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 farmers.
Chuck Strahl Reform 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 OrderOral Question Period
The Speaker
I have undertaken to see if unparliamentary language was used. That would be my purview.
Gilles Duceppe Bloc 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?
Ray Speaker ReformLethbridge
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-
Points Of OrderOral Question Period
The Speaker
Again, with great respect to you and to all members of the House, in my view where this was leading was use of unparliamentary language-
Leon Benoit Reform Vegreville, AB
It was going to hurt the government, that is what it was going to do.
Points Of OrderOral Question Period
The Speaker
-and, with respect, a decision was taken and the decision stands.
Points Of OrderOral Question Period
The Speaker
I have ruled on that. On another point of order, the hon. member for St. Albert.
John Williams Reform St. Albert, AB
Mr. Speaker, with complete deference to yourself and to the office that you hold, I would like to point out there is a perception by the Reform Party that there appears to be a double standard in the way that things go along-
Jim Hart Reform Okanagan—Similkameen—Merritt, BC
How come we can hear so good on this side of the House but it is not so good on that side? Can you hear this?
Chuck Strahl Reform Fraser Valley East, BC
We got phone calls in the lobby about it already. Everybody heard it.
Points Of OrderOral Question Period
The Speaker
My colleague from St. Albert, as you know, a decision of the Chair is a decision I take with the full authority of all members of this House.
I know that probably in the heat of all this we all get excited sometimes, but if your remarks were directed to the Chair, that I as your Speaker have a double standard in this House-and this is what I understood-I would like the hon. member to stand in his place and withdraw that statement forthwith, please.
John Williams Reform St. Albert, AB
Mr. Speaker, I certainly will withdraw the statement that I made, if you believe that I-
Points Of OrderOral Question Period
The Speaker
I thank you. I accept the withdrawal.
Now I put the question to you, my colleague. Do you have a point of order which is different from one that I have ruled on today?
John Williams Reform St. Albert, AB
My original point was, as I said, there was a perception in the Reform Party. In no way, shape or form did I accuse the Chair of having a double standard. I said there was a perception by this party which is different.
