Take-Note Debates

Since the early 1990s, a number of take-note motions have been debated in the House or in Committee of the Whole.165 These debates solicit the views of Members on some aspect of government policy and allow Members to participate in policy development, making their views known before the government makes a decision.166

Standing committees studying the idea of take-note debates in 1993 and 1994 saw them as an alternative to emergency debates, which could be authorized by the Speaker only after a series of criteria had been met.167 As most of the House’s time was spent considering legislation, take-note debates were viewed as an opportunity for Members to address national issues in a detailed manner. However, early proposals to establish a procedure for such debates were not adopted by the House.168

In the early years, the government normally gave notice of a motion to take note of some matter and called it for debate during Government Orders.169 In other cases, the House adopted a special order scheduling a take-note debate on a specific issue at a specific time.170

In 2001, after experimenting with the Committee of the Whole format, the House adopted a new Standing Order governing the timetable and the holding of take-note debates in Committees of the Whole.171 Although the House uses this Standing Order for most of its take-note debates, it can still hold take-note debates during Government Orders by considering a government motion.172

Over the years, take-note debates have covered a wide range of domestic and international issues, including cruise missile testing, Canada’s commitment in Afghanistan, situations facing Canadian industry, international human rights, and crises caused by natural disasters.173

Initiating Debate

The Standing Orders allow a Minister, after consultation with the other parties, to propose a motion setting out the terms of an upcoming take-note debate. The debate must be scheduled at least 48 hours in advance. The question on the motion is put immediately without debate or amendment. On the day when the debate is scheduled, at the ordinary hour of daily adjournment, the House resolves itself into Committee of the Whole and the take-note debate begins.174

The House has occasionally agreed to set aside the 48 hours’ notice requirement before beginning a debate, as well as the provision that the motion setting out the terms of the debate must be moved by a Minister.175 Though most take-note debates are held with the support of all parties, in one case the Official Opposition requested a recorded division on the motion to schedule the debate.176

Rules and Termination of Debate

Take-note debates held in Committee of the Whole are governed by the Standing Orders that are applicable to this type of committee.177 There is no limit, therefore, to the number of times a Member may speak.178 However, the Standing Orders provide for a few exceptions to the normal rules during take-note debates. First, Members’ speeches are limited to 10 minutes and may be followed by a period of not more than 10 minutes for questions and comments. In addition, the only receivable motion during a take-note debate is a motion “That the Committee do now rise”. Finally, and exceptionally in Committees of the Whole, the Speaker may preside over the debate.

The debate ends after four hours of debate or when no Member rises to speak, whichever is earlier. The Committee of the Whole is immediately adjourned. The House does not proceed with the Adjournment Proceedings when the Committee rises. It immediately adjourns to the next sitting day. The motion considered by the Committee, that the Committee take note of the theme of the debate, is not put to a vote. When the Committee rises following the debate, the motion is dropped from the Order Paper.

The House has frequently changed the rules and parameters for take-note debates by special order. In some instances, it has changed the start time and end time for the debate.179 In other instances, it has held the debate over more than one sitting day.180 The House regularly orders that during the take-note debate no quorum calls, dilatory motions, or requests for unanimous consent be received by the Chair.181 Finally, for debates in Committee of the Whole, it has on occasion allowed Members to share their speaking time with one of their colleagues.182