Rules of Debate / Unparliamentary Language

Expression "lacking courage"

Debates p. 1785

Background

On June 4, Mr. Hnatyshyn (Saskatoon West) rose on a question of privilege to denounce certain remarks made by Mr. Ouellet (Postmaster General) during Question Period in response to a question from Mr. Dinsdale (Brandon—Souris), in that they accuse the Opposition of "lacking courage" for moving motions under Standing Order 43. Mr. Hnatyshyn asked the Chair to request that the Minister withdraw his words. After hearing Members' comments, the Speaker took the matter under consideration and ruled the next day.

Issue

Is the expression "lacking courage" unparliamentary?

Decision

No. The expression is acceptable.

Reasons given by the Speaker

An examination of the transcript reveals nothing which could be considered as strictly unparliamentary even though the Minister went very far in what is allowed. The Chair realizes that one authority considers the expression "lack of courage" as unacceptable, while another authority accepts the term "coward" as totally parliamentary.

Sources cited

Standing Orders 12 and 43.

Beauchesne, 5th ed., p. 111, c. 320.

Bourinot, 4th ed., p. 363.

References

Debates, June 4, 1980, pp. 1748-52.