Good afternoon. Before we proceed with orders of the day, I would like to take this opportunity to clearly state the chair's intention with regard to the point of order raised by Mrs. Marie-Jewell and the point of order raised by Mr. Morin on Monday, February 22, 1993.
The chair had hoped to have a ruling available yesterday, by the end of the day, or at the start of the session today at the very latest. However, the honourable Member's statement on behalf of herself, as chairperson and spokesperson of the Ordinary Members' Caucus, has given the chair cause for concern.
As I indicated to the House yesterday after the Member's statement, the chair must be allowed to take the necessary time to deliberate on a decision so as to be in a position to make a well thought out ruling. Rulings are important as they become precedent for proceedings in the House. In reviewing the unedited Hansard, her words indicated that the Member for Thebacha was speaking on behalf of the Ordinary Members' Caucus. I do not believe the Members of the Ordinary Members' Caucus see themselves as a lobby group to influence the Speaker's decision.
I would like to advise all Members that the Speaker's responsibility in ruling on a point of order is to base his decision on the legitimate facts presented in the House and recorded in Hansard. He cannot be influenced by events or comments which are made outside of this House. The Speaker is a servant of the House with authority given to him by the House. The impartiality of the Speaker is paramount without which the chair cannot carry on its responsibilities. The importance of the Speaker being the final arbitrator of points of privilege and order is a foundation of the parliamentary procedure.
I would like to offer citation 168, as contained in Beauchesne's 6th edition, "Reflections upon the character or actions of the Speaker may be punished as breaches of privilege. The actions of the Speaker cannot be criticized incidently in debate or upon any form of proceeding except by way of a substantive motion." This is not referring to me, Michael Ballantyne, this is referring to the office of the Speaker, your Speaker.
In regard to the comments made by Mrs. Marie-Jewell, I have taken the matter under consideration and will provide my ruling in due course. The matter, as far as the House is concerned, is under advisement and no further attempts should be made to try to influence the timing of the decision. As I said, I was upset after yesterday. I have had some time to reflect on what happened yesterday. I have been able to sit down with Mrs. Marie-Jewell. She has provided me with a letter of apology for her statement yesterday. I accept that letter and I accept the spirit in which that letter was given. I hope that all of us can learn a lesson that consensus government, at times, is difficult. The institution, the rules and the procedures are sometimes difficult. Ultimately, as I have said many times before, it will only succeed if the Members show courtesy and respect to each other and for the institution.
I will attempt to make my ruling on Mr. Morin's and Mrs. Marie-Jewell's points of order tomorrow. Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Morin.