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One-thirty o’clock p.m.
Prayers by Mr. D. Routley.
On the motion of Ms. Huntington, Bill (No. M 201) intituled Fall Fixed Election Amendment Act, 2013 was introduced, read a first time, and Ordered to be placed on the Orders of the Day for second reading at the next sitting after today.
Order called for “Members’ Statements.”
Order called for “Oral Questions by Members.”
The Hon. M. de Jong presented the First Report of the Special Committee of Selection for the First Session of the Fortieth Parliament.
The Report was taken as read and received.
By leave, the Hon. M. de Jong moved that the Report be adopted.
Motion agreed to.
The Speaker delivered her reserved decision as follows:
Honourable Members:
On Thursday last (June 27, 2013) the Opposition House Leader rose on two points of order respecting the activities of guests seated within the Chamber during the afternoon sitting of the House. The Chair briefly addressed the initial concern of the Opposition House Leader as to whether or not such guests could pass notes to a member of the Executive Council. The Chair’s response was to the effect that guests could not participate in or disrupt proceedings in any way, but could communicate with Members in verbal or written form, although the practice was to be discouraged. This response was brief due to the circumstances of the time. A more fulsome response is warranted.
The Chair is of the view that the House as a whole and the Members thereof individually have the right to carry out their duties unimpeded, and without interference and distraction. Both verbal or written communication could very well have the effect of interfering with the business of the House and its Members. I would point out however that written communications, by way of notes, have been long accepted as a normal practice in this place. Notes are often provided to members of the Executive Council by other Members including members of Cabinet, staff of the various departments of government, House staff, guests, and yes, even the Chair. This method of communication is certainly less intrusive and distracting than verbal communication. The view of the Chair is that verbal communication by guests ought not to be engaged in at all while the House is actively conducting its business.
The second point of order as raised by the Opposition House Leader was to the effect that guests ought not to participate in any way in support of Members of the House through applause or otherwise. Guests are not entitled to display approval or disapproval with respect to anything that transpires during the sitting of the House.
Thank you, Members, for your attention.
HON. L. REID, Speaker
The House proceeded to “Orders of the Day.”
Pursuant to Order, the House resumed the adjourned debate on the motion “That the Speaker do now leave the Chair” for the House to go into Committee of Supply.
The debate continued.
On the motion of Mr. Macdonald, the debate was adjourned to the next sitting of the House.
And then the House adjourned at 6.57 p.m.
HON. LINDA REID, Speaker
Monday, July 8
1 Ms. Reimer to move —
Given the importance of allowing taxpayers a say in how their money is managed, be it resolved that this House support subjecting new revenue sources for future TransLink projects to a referendum, to be held on the same day as the November 2014 municipal elections.
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