1997 Legislative Session: 2nd Session, 36th Parliament
Ten o'clock a.m.
Prayers by Ms. Gillespie.
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 Labour).
Bill (No. 12) intituled Milk Industry Amendment Act, 1997 was committed, reported complete with amendment and, by leave, read a third time and passed.
Bill (No. 17) intituled Capital Region Water Supply and Sooke Hills Protection Act was committed, reported complete without amendment, read a third time and passed.
Bill (No. 7) intituled Offence Amendment Act, 1997 was committed, reported complete without amendment, read a third time and passed.
Bill (No. 8) intituled British Columbia Neurotrauma Fund Contribution Act 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 11.59 a.m.
Two o'clock p.m.
Order called for "Oral Questions by Members."
Mr. Gingell asked leave, pursuant to Standing Order 35, to move adjournment of the House to discuss a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, that Moody's Bond Rating Services had downgraded the credit rating of the Province of British Columbia, and moved that the House adjourn to permit the Speaker to make a ruling.
The Speaker ruled that it was not competent for the Member to move adjournment of the House prior to making a ruling.
The Hon. J. MacPhail made representations.
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 Labour followed by the estimates of the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs).
Bill (No. 8) intituled British Columbia Neurotrauma Fund Contribution Act was again committed, reported complete without amendment, read a third time and passed.
Bill (No. 9) intituled Tourism British Columbia Act 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)
46. Resolved, That a sum not exceeding $394,000 be granted to Her Majesty to defray the expenses of Ministry of Labour, Minister's Office, to 31st March 1998.
47. Resolved, That a sum not exceeding $49,794,000 be granted to Her Majesty to defray the expenses of Ministry of Labour, Ministry Operations, to 31st March 1998.
Section A of Committee of Supply reported the Resolutions and completion of the estimates of the Ministry of Labour. Report to be considered at the next sitting. Committee to sit again at the next sitting.
By agreement, summary debate of estimates passed in Section A (Ministry of Labour) to be considered 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 Member for Delta South rose under Standing Order 35 to move adjournment of the House to discuss a matter of definite and urgent public importance, namely "the matter raised by Moody's Bond Rating Services with regard to the government's domestic debt," which he subsequently identified in his comments as being a rate downgrade given at noon today.
In examining the matter to determine whether it comes within the "rigorous restrictions" of Standing Order 35 the Chair must examine the urgency of debate, not the urgency of the matter, as is pointed out at page 62 of the Third Edition of Parliamentary Practice in British Columbia. Previous Speakers have ruled that a matter does not come within the confines of Standing Order 35 if it is an on- going matter or if a normal parliamentary opportunity is available for debate.
In her submission, the Government House Leader pointed out that another bond rating had occurred one week ago, and I note from the Journals of the House that announcements have been made in the House by Ministers respecting a bond rating, such as that made by the Minister of Finance and Corporate Relations on the 26th day of May, 1995. I note from the Journals that the Minister made a statement respecting B.C.'s credit rating, and the Member for Delta South gave a response. I also note from Hansard of March 24, 25, 26 and April 1, 1997, that during the budget debate various Members, including the Member for Delta South, raised the issue of a downgrade by Moody's Bond Rating Service.
Accordingly, I conclude that the rating of the province's debt or credit is an on-going matter that occurs from time to time.
Secondly, I note that this House is currently embarked upon consideration of the estimates in Committee of Supply. A review of the Votes and Proceedings will indicate that the Ministry of Finance and Corporate Relations estimates have not yet been considered; therefore, an ordinary parliamentary opportunity to discuss this matter will be coming up in the near future.
For these reasons, I find that the matter does not qualify under Standing Order 35.
Dale Lovick, Speaker
And then the House adjourned at 5.48 p.m.
DALE LOVICK, Speaker
[ Return to: Legislative Assembly Home Page ]
Copyright © 1997: Queen's Printer, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada