Points of Order – Standing Committee on Finance

Elizabeth May: Mr. Speaker, first, I thank the hon. House leader of the official opposition for raising this matter. As you might imagine, Mr. Speaker, I have been in a quandary, unable to imagine exactly how I would put to you the various ways in which I feel my rights are being infringed upon by ...

Canadian democracy – pulse found!

The essence of Westminster Parliamentary democracy is that all MPs, including the Prime Minister, are equal, all are elected to represent their constituents, and that, even though a Prime Minister with a majority government can gather up all the levers of power, the Parliament is ultimately supreme. All of this relates to Canada’s other distinguishing ...

Presence in Gallery – Raffi

The Speaker: I would also like to draw to the attention of hon. members the presence in the gallery of Mr. Raffi Cavoukian, perhaps better known by his stage name “Raffi”, celebrated singer, songwriter, musician and recipient of the Order of Canada in recognition of his work with children. Some hon. members: Hear, hear! Print ...

Letter to the Speaker of House of Commons asking for an emergency debate on FIPA

Dear Mr. Speaker, Please accept this letter as further background to the letter I submitted on Friday, October 26, 2012 requesting an Emergency Debate on the investment treaty between the Peoples’ Republic of China and the Government of Canada, signed September 9, 2012, and tabled before this House on September 26, 2012. In that letter ...

Point of Order – Jobs and Growth Act, 2012 (Bill C-45)

Elizabeth May: Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I apologize to my friend from Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo who truly is my friend. I recognize that speaking notes are prepared by people other than my hon. friend but we are talking about Bill C-45 and it does not include any mention of any NDP election ...

Opposition Motion—Omnibus Legislation

Elizabeth May: Mr. Speaker, we do agree that we need to find limits on the misuse of omnibus legislation. It is not, as the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons would have it, a matter of procedure or political games. The motion before us today is, at its essence, about democracy. I ...

Points of Order – Statements by Members

Elizabeth May: Mr. Speaker, in point of fact, I have spoken more often in the House over the last year than any other member. That is not the source of my complaint. My complaint is that previous Speakers, particularly Speaker Sauvé, were very clear in setting out guidelines. It is not helpful to the maintenance ...

Points of Order – Statements by Members

Elizabeth May: Mr. Speaker, I am rising on a point of order related to what I think you may agree with me on. There has been a deteriorating quality of S. O. 31s. They are descending into a fairly unpleasant political spin, instead of what they are supposed to be. Of course, Mr. Speaker, I ...

Question of Privilege – Bill C-38

Elizabeth May: Mr. Speaker, I think this is a critical issue. I have been attentive to this debate. I have already made my submissions on the substantive question of privilege and do not intend to enter into that again. I have had my opportunity. However, the hon. member for Skeena—Bulkley Valley made his point in ...

Point of Order – Bill C-38

Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order related to Bill C-38.  My point of order is based on Standing Order 68(3): “No bill may be introduced either in blank or imperfect shape.” First, let me set aside the argument I will not be advancing. I will not argue that C-38 ...