House of Commons Procedure and Practice
Edited by Robert Marleau and Camille Montpetit
2000 Edition — More information …

24. The Parliamentary Record

A great speech is not only a news event; it is part of history. As history is written it should also be seen. We should have some way of preserving for those who come after us the words, the faces, the expressions and the emotions of the members of this house.

Max Saltsman, m.p. (Waterloo South)
(Debates, June 5, 1967, p. 1158)

T

he House produces many documents for the use of its Members, their staff and the general public. These documents enable all interested parties to follow parliamentary business; they also provide a permanent record of debate, decisions taken and other business coming before the House and its committees. The House also ensures the broadcasting of the proceedings of the House and its committees.

Please note —

As the rules and practices of the House of Commons are subject to change, users should remember that this edition of Procedure and Practice was published in January 2000. Standing Order changes adopted since then, as well as other changes in practice, are not reflected in the text. The Appendices to the book, however, have been updated and now include information up to the end of the 38th Parliament in November 2005.

To confirm current rules and practice, please consult the latest version of the Standing Orders on the Parliament of Canada Web site.

For further information about the procedures of the House of Commons, please contact the Table Research Branch at (613) 996-3611 or by e-mail at trbdrb@parl.gc.ca.