Rules of Debate - Order and Decorum / Unparliamentary Language

Unparliamentary language

Debates p. 13923

Background

On May 28, 1986, Mr. Attewell (Don Valley East) rose to object to language used by Mr. Nunziata (York South—Weston) during Question Period. Mr. Nunziata had referred to the Prime Minister (Mr. Mulroney) as an "absolute fraud". The Speaker heard discussion on the matter and reserved his decision. On June 3, 1986, the Speaker ruled that the words reported in Hansard were unparliamentary and invited the Member to withdraw them. Mr. Nunziata then withdrew the words unequivocally, but added the phrase res ipsa loquitur (the facts speak for themselves). The Speaker ruled immediately.

Issue

Can a Member qualify the withdrawal of unparliamentary language in any way?

Decision

No. The implication left by the phrase res ipsa loquitur must be withdrawn immediately.

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References

Debates, May 28, 1986, pp. 13715, 13722-3.