Routine Proceedings / Petitions

Presentation and comments

Debates p. 16198

Background

Mr. Wilson (Etobicoke Centre) presented a petition on behalf of thousands of voters opposed to the imposition of the international metric system of measurement, and he made certain comments about the difficulties the new system could cause Canadians. The Speaker intervened immediately.

Issue

Can a Member make comments when presenting a petition?

Decision

No. Only a brief statement is permitted.

Reasons given by the Speaker

When a Member presents a petition, he or she is restricted to making a brief statement, and may not discuss or mention related facts.