1994 Legislative Session: 3rd Session, 35th Parliament
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The printed version remains the official version.
Nos. 47 and 48
OF THE
Tuesday, May 3, 1994
Ten o'clock a.m.
Prayers by Mr. Chisholm.
The House proceeded to "Orders of the Day."
Order for Committee of Supply called.
Pursuant to Sessional Order, order called for Section A of Committee of Supply (estimates of the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs).
(In the House)
On the motion for second reading of Bill (No. 20) intituled Local Government Grants Act, a debate arose.
Bill (No. 20) read a second time and Ordered to be placed on the Orders of the Day for committal at the next sitting after today.
Bill (No. 19) intituled Taxation Statutes Amendment Act, 1994, was committed.
The Committee rose, reported progress and asked leave to sit again.
Bill to be considered at the next sitting.
(In Committee -- Section A)
Section A of Committee of Supply reported progress.
Report to be considered at the next sitting.
Committee to sit again at the next sitting.
And then the House adjourned at 12.03 p.m.
Tuesday, May 3, 1994
Two o'clock p.m.
Mr. Speaker delivered his reserved opinion as follows:
Honourable Members:
On Monday last, the Honourable Member for Powell River-Sunshine Coast sought to move an adjournment of the House pursuant to Standing Order 35 to discuss a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, comments attributed to the Leader of the Official Opposition in Ottawa with reference to the separation of Quebec from Canada. Notice was received in the Speaker's Office for which I thank the Honourable Member.
Standing Order 35 (1) provides for adjournment of the House "for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance". The proposed matter for discussion must relate to a genuine and immediate emergency, calling for immediate and urgent debate on a clear and definite matter, such that the ordinary daily business of the House would be set aside. The words "urgent public importance" in the standing order suggest a sudden or unexpected occurrence -- hence the essential element of suddenness must be present.
I think all Honourable Members would agree that, while the matter he raises is of public importance for the Province of British Columbia and indeed for Canada, it has been a continuing and long standing situation of concern which, in my opinion, cannot be brought forward under Standing Order 35.
I remind members that the matter of the separation of Quebec from Canada is of long standing and not of sudden occurrence.
Moreover, I remind the Honourable Member that during the recent Throne Speech Debate, there was ample opportunity to debate the matter. The issue was as current then as it is now. (Debates of the House of Commons, Ottawa, November 9, 1976, page 893.)
For the above reasons, I find that the matter raised does not meet the requirements of Standing Order 35, and I must rule accordingly.
Emery Barnes, Speaker
Order called for "Oral Questions by Members."
The Hon. C. Gabelmann (Attorney General) made a ministerial statement regarding British Columbia joining the Federal and Alberta governments, and Municipal governments in the Lower Mainland, to participate in the Canatex 2 exercise dealing with earthquake preparedness.
Mr. Dalton made a statement.
The House proceeded to "Orders of the Day."
Order for Committee of Supply called.
Pursuant to Sessional Order, order called for Section A of Committee of Supply (estimates of the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs).
(In the House)
Bill (No. 19) intituled Taxation Statutes Amendment Act, 1994, was again committed, reported complete without amendment, read a third time and passed.
Bill (No. 17) intituled Property Transfer Tax Amendment Act, 1994, was committed and reported complete with amendment.
Bill as reported to be considered at the next sitting.
Bill (No. 3) intituled Manufactured Home Amendment Act, 1994, was committed, reported complete without amendment, read a third time and passed.
Bill (No. 16) intituled Mineral Tax Amendment Act, 1994, was committed, reported complete without amendment, read a third time and passed.
Bill (No. 18) intituled Medical and Health Care Services Special Account Act, was committed, reported complete without amendment, read a third time and passed.
Bill (No. 14) intituled Budget Measures Implementation Act, 1994, was committed.
The Committee rose, reported progress and asked leave to sit again.
Bill to be considered at the next sitting.
(In Committee -- Section A)
Section A of Committee of Supply reported progress.
Report to be considered at the next sitting.
Committee to sit again at the next sitting.
The Hon. E. Cull advised that the House will sit Wednesday, pursuant to Standing Order 2 (2).
And then the House adjourned at 5.58 p.m.
EMERY BARNES, Speaker
MEETINGS OF COMMITTEES
SELECT STANDING COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES
The Committee will meet at 9.30 o'clock a.m. on Tuesday, May 10, in the Birch Room (Room 339).
Business: Organization.
F. Garden, Convener
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