Adjournment Motion / Proposed under Standing Order 26 - Application Accepted

Debate urgent; specific and pressing matter

Debates p. 16882

Background

Mr. Clark (Leader of the Opposition) sought leave to move the adjournment of the House, under the provisions of Standing Order 26, in order to discuss without delay "the cancellation of the Alsands megaproject and the further delay of the Alaska Highway natural gas pipeline". In his view, it is a matter of national interest that the House should hold an emergency debate "on this economic catastrophe" and on its immediate and long-term impact on the Canadian economy and consider solutions for putting these projects back on stream. The Speaker ruled immediately.

Issue

Does the application meet the requirements of Standing Order 26?

Decision

Yes. The application is accepted.

Reasons given by the Speaker

Although the Chair did not grant another Member leave to raise a similar question the previous day, the motion of the Leader of the Opposition refers to a specific matter. It offers the possibility of a wider debate and is in the nature of a situation contemplated by the provisions of Standing Order 26.

References

Debates, May 3, 1982, pp. 16825-6.