Good morning, everyone. Before we begin the regular agenda, I would like to provide my ruling on the point of order raised yesterday by the Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.
Speaker's Ruling
The Member for Hay River South raised her point of order under Rule 23(i).
Rule 23 (i) states:
"In debate, a Member will be called to order by the Speaker if the Member imputes false or hidden motives to another Member."
The circumstances that gave rise to Mrs. Groenewegen's point of order are contained on page 529 of unedited Hansard of June 28, 2000. The Member believed that during Members' statements, the Member for Thebacha, Mr. Miltenberger, in making the following statement, imputed that she as Minister had hidden motives with respect to money that was appropriated by the Legislative Assembly.
The words that raised the point of order are contained on page 529 of unedited Hansard dated June 28, 2000, and I quote:
"it would almost appear that, when it comes to recruitment and retention, the Department of Health and Social Services has obtained public money from this legislature under false pretenses"
During debate on the point of order, the Member for Thebacha, Mr. Miltenberger, indicated that he had very carefully considered his comments and had qualified them and had not stated emphatically or definitively. In fact, he had used the words, "it would almost appear".
In considering the point of order, I considered the comments of both Members and went further to understand the rule which uses the words imputes and motives. Imputes means to lay the responsibility or blame or often falsely or unjustly charged. Motive implies an emotion or desire operating on the will and causing it to act.
I am afraid these definitions are not very helpful to me in making a determination on the point of order. Also, Mr. Miltenberger's use of the words "emphatically or definitively" may have lessened his imputation and motivation.
I have also reviewed Beauchesnes's Parliamentary Rules and Forms, 6th edition, and Marleau and Montpetit's House of Commons Procedures and Practice for this ruling. I also considered, although Mrs. Groenewegen did not raise it in her point of order, that the use of the words "false pretenses" by Mr. Miltenberger might have been unparliamentary.
I would also like to note, for the benefit of all Members, that I will not entertain the argument that a comment that imputes motives or implies the uttering of falsehoods can be qualified by the use of carefully chosen words such as "it would almost appear". Approaching the line, so to speak, is the same as crossing it in matters such as this.
After lengthy research last night as the House sat late, I could not find a definitive authority to assist me with this ruling. Therefore, I wish to rule that the Member for Hay River South does not have a point of order based on the facts put to the Chair.
However, I would caution not only the Member for Thebacha but all Members to be cautious not to use words that may, if taken in a different context, lead to imputing motives. Thank you for your attention.
-- Applause
Good morning, everyone. I am pleased to recognize tomorrow, July 1, as Canada Day 2000, a very special day for all Canadians, a day to acknowledge the unique and special qualities that make our country what it is.
Canada is a country that is truly enriched by cultural diversities, from First Nations to people from every country in the world. Through this diversity, we have created a friendly, welcoming nation for all who live and visit here. Even as Canadians travelling within our country, we are overwhelmed at the friendly nature of our fellow Canadians from coast to coast,
This attribute is well established worldwide, and it is a trait to be truly proud of. As we celebrate Canada Day 2000, we should reflect on our multitude of heritages from around the world, the true wealth of our nation.
As we celebrate tomorrow together as Canadians, let us also celebrate the individuality that enriches our Canadian society. In conclusion, I wish to draw your attention to the colourful display in the Great Hall of Canada Day posters, submitted by students across the Northwest Territories. The winner of the poster challenge, Michelle Lavoie from École St. Joseph School, will be travelling to Canada Day celebrations in our nation's capital, where she will present flowers to the Prime Minister's wife, Madame Chretien.
Happy birthday, Canada. Bonne fete.
-- Applause
Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, Mr. Antoine.