Precedence and Sequence of Business / Time Allocation Motion

Notice of motion

Debates pp. 28127-9

Background

At the start of Routine Proceedings, Mr. Axworthy (Minister of Transport) rose on a point of order to inform the House that it had not been possible to reach an agreement under Standing Orders 80 and 81 regarding allocation of time, and to give notice of his intention to move, at the next sitting of the House, a motion to allocate two additional sitting days at report stage, and one additional sitting day at third reading of Bill C-155, An Act to facilitate the transportation, shipping and handling of western grain and to amend certain Acts in consequence thereof. Mr. Deans (Hamilton Mountain) promptly rose on a point of order to argue that the Minister's statements did not constitute a point of order, and that therefore he could not give his notice. After hearing Members' comments, the Speaker ruled.

Issue

Can a notice of motion for time allocation be given on a point of order?

Decision

Yes. The notice is in order.

Reasons given by the Speaker

Ministers have never been forbidden to give notice on a point of order. The only restriction imposed on a Minister in such a case is that he or she must speak from his or her place at a previous sitting.

Sources cited

Standing Order 82.