1993 Legislative Session: 2nd Session, 35th Parliament
The following electronic version is for informational purposes only.
The printed version remains the official version.
Nos. 47 and 48
OF THE
Tuesday, May 11, 1993
Ten o'clock a.m.
The Clerk of the House informed the House of the unavoidable absence of the Speaker, whereupon Mr. Barnes, Deputy Speaker, took the Chair, pursuant to Standing Order 12.
Prayers by Mr. Lortie.
Mr. Serwa asked leave, pursuant to Standing Order 35, to move adjournment of the House to discuss a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, the disruption of students' education resulting from strikes and job actions.
The Hon. M. Sihota made a statement.
The Speaker stated that he would take the matter under advisement.
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 Tourism and Ministry Responsible for Culture).
Pursuant to Sessional Order, order called for Section B of Committee of Supply (estimates of the Ministry of Health and Ministry Responsible for Seniors).
(In Committee)
Section B of Committee of Supply reported progress.
Report to be considered at the next sitting.
Committee to sit again at the next sitting.
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 Speaker delivered his reserved opinion as follows:
Honourable Members:
Earlier today the Honourable Member for Okanagan West, pursuant to Standing Order 35, sought to move adjournment of the House to discuss a definite matter of urgent public importance. The matter raised by the Honourable Member was the disruption of students' education as a result of strikes and job action. In support of his view of the public importance and urgency of the matter, the Honourable Member referred to a statement last evening made by the Chairperson of the Vancouver School Board to the effect that the current strike by teachers would be ongoing for some time.
The Government House Leader made a submission to the Chair that while the matter raised was an urgent one, the Honourable Member for Okanagan West had not established the "urgency of debate" as required by the rules relating to Standing Order 35 applications.
As recently as April 26th last, the Chair made a ruling in relation to a Standing Order 35 application and referred in some detail to the authority of Sir Erskine May's Parliamentary Practice as well as previous rulings made in this House by other Speakers on the prerequisites for a successful application under Standing Order 35.
These essential prerequisites include the requirement that "the matter must be of recent occurrence and raised without delay". The authorities further note that "the fact that new information has been received regarding a matter that has been continuing for some time, does not in itself make the matter one of urgency" within the meaning of Standing Order 35.
It is common knowledge that a series of strikes by teachers has been ongoing for many weeks in different school districts within the Province. Further, a number of references have been made in this House to disruption in the education system by reason of disputes between teachers and school boards.
Clearly the matter raised is not of recent occurrence nor has the matter been raised under Standing Order 35 at the earliest opportunity and without delay.
Accordingly, in accordance with the rules relating to Standing Order 35 applications to which the Chair has referred, the Honourable Member's application must fail.
Emery Barnes, Deputy Speaker
And then the House adjourned at 11.46 a.m.
Tuesday, May 11, 1993
Two o'clock p.m.
The Hon. C. Gabelmann (Attorney General) presented to the Speaker a Message from His Honour the Lieutenant Governor, which read as follows:
David C. Lam
Lieutenant GovernorThe Lieutenant Governor transmits herewith Bill (No. 10) intituled Commercial Tenancy Act and recommends the same to the Legislative Assembly.
Government House,
April 6, 1993.
Bill introduced and read a first time.
Second reading at the next sitting after today.
Order called for "Oral Questions by Members."
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 Tourism and Ministry Responsible for Culture).
Pursuant to Sessional Order, order called for Section B of Committee of Supply (estimates of the Ministry of Health and Ministry Responsible for Seniors).
(In Committee)
Section B of Committee of Supply reported progress.
Report to be considered at the next sitting.
Committee to sit again at the next sitting.
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. G. Clark advised that the House will sit Wednesday, pursuant to Standing Order 2 (2).
And then the House adjourned at 5.55 p.m.
EMERY BARNES, Deputy Speaker
MEETINGS OF COMMITTEES
SELECT STANDING COMMITTEE ON PARLIAMENTARY REFORM,
ETHICAL CONDUCT, STANDING ORDERS AND PRIVATE BILLS
The Committee will meet at 2 o'clock p.m. on Thursday, May 27, in the Terrace Inn, 4551 Greig Avenue, Terrace, B.C.
Business: Recall and Initiative -- Public Meeting.
U. Dosanjh, Chair
S. Hammell, Deputy Chair
SELECT STANDING COMMITTEE ON PARLIAMENTARY REFORM,
ETHICAL CONDUCT, STANDING ORDERS AND PRIVATE BILLS
The Committee will meet at 2 o'clock p.m. on Friday, May 28, in the Crest Motor Hotel, 222 West First Avenue, Prince Rupert, B.C.
Business: Recall and Initiative -- Public Meeting.
U. Dosanjh, Chair
S. Hammell, Deputy Chair
SELECT STANDING COMMITTEE ON PARLIAMENTARY REFORM,
ETHICAL CONDUCT, STANDING ORDERS AND PRIVATE BILLS
The Committee will meet at 12 o'clock noon on Saturday, May 29, in the United Church Annex, corner of Second Street and Second Avenue, Queen Charlotte City, B.C.
Business: Recall and Initiative -- Public Meeting.
U. Dosanjh, Chair
S. Hammell, Deputy Chair
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