If the essence of Parliament is Government accountability, then surely the essence of accountability is the
Question Period in the Canadian House of Commons.
Speaker James Jerome
(Mr. Speaker, p. 51)
T
he right to seek information from the Ministry of the day and the right to
hold that Ministry accountable are recognized as two of the fundamental principles of parliamentary
government. Members exercise these rights principally by asking questions in the House. The importance of
questions within the parliamentary system cannot be overemphasized, and the search for or clarification of
information through questioning is a vital aspect of the duties undertaken by individual Members. [1]
Questions may be asked orally without notice or be submitted in writing after due notice.
Each sitting day, time is set aside for the purpose of asking oral questions. This constitutes a unique and
distinct part of the daily program of the House. Members who are not satisfied with the answer they receive
to an oral question may pursue the matter at greater length during the Adjournment Proceedings, which occur
every day except Friday at the end of the sitting.
Written questions, usually more detailed than oral questions, appear on the Order Paper after due
notice. Responses are provided during Routine Proceedings under the rubric “Questions on the
Order Paper”.
This chapter will outline the rules and practices of the House regarding oral and written questions,
addressing the authority for each, their traditions and unique aspects, the current guidelines under which
the House functions, and the role of the Speaker in these matters.