Canada, House of Commons Debates, “Right to Speak—Call for Condemnation of Prime Minister”, 32nd Parl, 1st Sess (24 October 1980)
Document Information
Date: 1980-10-24
By: Canada (Parliament)
Citation: Canada, House of Commons Debates, 32nd Parl, 1st Sess, 1980 at 4056.
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THE CONSTITUTION
RIGHT TO SPEAK—CALL FOR CONDEMNATION OF PRIME MINISTER MOTION UNDER S.O. 43
[Page 4056]
Mr. Dave Nickerson (Western Arctic): Madam Speaker, whereas probably the most important right enjoyed, at least prior to this date, by Canadians has been the right to be beard through their elected representatives in Parliament on important national issues; and whereas the Prime Minister (Mr. Trudeau) has violated this basic constitutional right through the insidious and odious use of closure on, of all matters, the constitutional debate, I move, seconded by the hon. member for St. Catharines (Mr. Reid) and ail the other members who were denied the right to speak:
That this House condemns the Prime Minister for bis wanton abuse of the time-honoured rights and ancient privileges of Parliament.
Some hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Madam Speaker: For presentation, this motion requires the unanimous consent of the House. Is there unanimous consent?
Some hon. Members: Agreed.
Some hon. Members: No.