Appendix 12: Recalls of the House of Commons During Adjournment Periods Since 1867

Whenever the House adjourns for a period of time during a session, either pursuant to the Standing Orders of the House of Commons or by a Special Order, the Speaker of the House is empowered to recall the House before the date specified in the motion or order if satisfied by the government that it is in the public interest to do so. On the day the House resumes sitting, the usual practice is for the Speaker to inform the Members of the reason for recalling the House, the various steps taken for its recall, and the publication of a Special Order Paper (if one has been requested by the government). Following are the instances when the House was recalled for matters relating to public interest.

Parliament Session Date Reason By What Authority
19.5
November 22, 1944
To consider the resignation of Minister of National Defence (J.L. Ralston) and matters in reference thereto
By the Speaker of the House pursuant to Resolution adopted by the House (August 12, 1944).1 Notice printed in Canada Gazette (November 18, 1944).
21.3
January 29, 1951
To prorogue the Third Session of the Twenty-First Parliament
By the Speaker of the House pursuant to Resolution adopted by the House (September 14, 1950). Notice printed in Canada Gazette (January 6, 1951).
27.1
August 29, 1966
To consider Bill C-230, Maintenance of Railway Operation Act, 1966
By the Speaker of the House pursuant to Resolution adopted by the House (July 14, 1966). Notice printed in Canada Gazette (August 22, 1966).
28.4
August 31, 1972
To consider Bill C-231, West Coast Ports Operations Act
By the Speaker of the House pursuant to Resolution adopted by the House (July 6, 1972). Notice printed in Canada Gazette (August 29, 1972) and Special Order Paper published.
29.1
August 30, 1973
To consider Bill C-217, Maintenance of Railway Operations Act
By the Speaker of the House pursuant to Resolution adopted by the House (July 27, 1973). Notice printed in Canada Gazette (August 28, 1973) and Special Order Paper published.
30.2
August 9, 1977
To consider Bill C-63, Air Traffic Control Services Continuation Act
By the Speaker of the House pursuant to Resolution adopted by the House (July 25, 1977). Notice printed in Canada Gazette (August 6, 1977) and Special Order Paper published.
32.1
October 6, 1980
To consider a government motion regarding the establishment of a Special Joint Committee on the Constitution
By the Speaker of the House pursuant to Resolution adopted by the House (July 22, 1980). Notice printed in Canada Gazette (October 1, 1980) and Special Order Paper published.
33.1
July 24, 1986
To consider amendments made by the Senate to Bill C-67, An Act to amend the Parole Act and the Penitentiary Act
By the Speaker of the House pursuant to Standing Orders.2 Notice printed in Canada Gazette (July 23, 1986).
33.2
August 11, 1987
To consider Bill C-55, An Act to amend the Immigration Act, 1976 and to amend other Acts in consequence thereof; Bill C-84, An Act to amend the Immigration Act, 1976 and the Criminal Code in consequence thereof
By the Speaker of the House pursuant to Standing Orders. Notice printed in Canada Gazette (August 9, 1987) and Special Order Paper published.
34.2
January 15, 1991
To consider government motion regarding the Persian Gulf crisis
By the Speaker of the House pursuant to Standing Orders. Notice printed in Canada Gazette (January 13, 1991) and Special Order Paper published.
34.2
February 25, 1991
To resume House business after adjournment to the call of the Chair
By the Speaker of the House pursuant to Resolution adopted by the House (January 21, 1991) and Standing Orders. Special Order Paper published.
34.3
September 8, 1992
To consider government motions regarding the Constitution
By the Speaker of the House pursuant to Standing Orders. Special Order Paper published.