Welcome to the Assembly. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Before we go to oral questions, I have a ruling I would like to make.
Speaker's Ruling
(Translation) I have taken some time to consider the circumstances that occurred on May 2nd. At the end of question period of May 2nd, I made the following comment which is contained on page 407 of unedited Hansard, and I quote:
"Question period is now over. To remind Members, I know I have allowed Mr. Picco to ask further questions, but I am trying to even out question period so all Members are given the same equal opportunities."
During the item tabling of documents, the Member for Iqaluit, Mr. Picco, tabled a document numbered 29-13(3). In the Member's tabling statement, he indicated the following which is contained on page 408 of the unedited Hansard, and I quote Mr. Picco's tabling statement:
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to table Tabled Document 29-13(3), concerning question period. Mr. Speaker, this tabled document states that question period should be extended for a duration allowing each Member a chance to ask as many questions as needed for the democratic process. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
When the Member for Iqaluit made this statement, I indicated, without seeing the tabled document, the following:
"Are you challenging the chair? I will have to look at the tabled document further before the chair makes any kind of ruling regarding the tabled document. It will be reviewed." (Translation ends)
I have since had an opportunity to review the tabled document and find that Mr. Picco did not, in his tabling statement or within the content of the tabled document, challenge the chair, so there is no need for me to rule further on this matter.
I would, however, like to indicate to the Member for Iqaluit and other Members, if they have a concern with any of the rules of the Assembly, that they are free to raise the matter with the Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and Privileges.
While I have your attention, I would like to indicate, as Speaker, that during question period I endeavour to be as fair as possible when recognizing Members to ask an oral question. I can understand a Member's frustration that I may not have your name on the list, but I can assure you that if I see you your name will go on the chair's list and I will ensure that, within the time limit allowed, questions are fairly and proportionally distributed amongst all Members.
Also, I would like to remind Members that the initial question to a Minister should contain a preamble that would provide the framework and background to the actual question. Each Member is entitled to ask three supplementary questions on the same original question. The purpose of the supplementary questions is to obtain clarification of the answer or answers provided by the Minister to whom the original question was directed and should, therefore, not require a preamble. If Members require further clarification, I would draw your attention to the rule books that were provided to all Members and specifically to the section on procedural information where you will find information on question period which may be of assistance.
If all Members are a little more diligent in adhering to the application of the rules, I am confident that the democratic process will not be impeded in any way. I thank you for your attention.
Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Picco.