I received this request yesterday at 5.40 p.m. I have considered the request for this emergency debate under Standing Order 52 made by the hon. member for South Shore. He has explained the general principles of the debate, if it were to take place.
I have concluded that the current crisis in agriculture in this country does meet the terms of the standing order.
Since this is Friday, the standing orders would see such a debate begin immediately and conclude at 4 p.m. this afternoon.
But I do not think this rather hasty arrangement would do justice to the subject, as the hon. member has said in his few words, or to the many members who may want to speak on the matter.
I have therefore decided to exercise the discretion the standing orders afford to the Speaker and to hold over the debate until Monday, November 30 at 8.00 p.m.