House of Commons.

AuthorMonnin, Marisa
PositionLegislative Reports - Financial procedures; points of order and questions of privilege; committees

The Second Session of the 41st Parliament continued as the House reconvened on September 19, 2016, having adjourned for the summer on June 17, 2016. The information below covers the period from August 1 to November 3, 2016.

Financial Procedures

On November 1, 2016, Bill Momeau (Minister of Finance) tabled the Fall Economic Statement in the House of Commons. Mr. Morneau delivered an address to Members which outlined the government's economic outlook for the country. Mr. Morneau also tabled a Notice of a Ways and Means motion to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on March 22, 2016 and other measures (Ways and Means No. 9) on October 21, 2016. This motion was concurred in on October 25, 2016, following a recorded division, and Bill C-29, A second Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on March 22, 2016 and other measures, was subsequently introduced and read a first time.

Procedure, Points of Order and Questions of Privilege

Procedure

On October 6, 2016, the House proceeded to debate the Standing Orders and procedure of the House and its committees. Pursuant to Standing Order 51(1), the House is required to review its Standing Orders between the sixtieth and ninetieth sittings days of the first session of a new Parliament. Members discussed a range of possible amendments to the Standing Orders, including modifying the timing of votes, the House of Commons calendar and sitting schedule, and reforms to procedures relating to Question Period and to committees, among other matters. The proceedings expired at the end of Government Orders and the matter was deemed to have been permanently referred to the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs.

Points of Order and Questions of Privilege

On September 19, 2016, Dan Albas (Central Okanagan--Similkameen--Nicola) rose on a question of privilege regarding the Government's response to a written question (Question No. 152), which sought information regarding the use of rented limousines by Ministers on official business. In their answers, the Ministers of Health and of Natural Resources stated that they did not use rented limousines in their travel. Mr. Albas asserted that these responses were at oddswith information that surfaced in the media, and that as a result, the Ministers had mislead the House and the omission of details constituted a contempt of Parliament. The Speaker delivered his ruling on September 27, 2016, affirming that...

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