Document Information

Date: 1980-11-05
By: Canada (Parliament)
Citation: Canada, Senate Debates, 32nd Parl, 1st Sess, 1980 at 1162.
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SENATE DEBATES — November 5, 1980

THE CONSTITUTION

SPECIAL JOINT COMMITTEE — SENATE MEMBERS —
COMMUNICATION FROM THE HON. HAZEN ARGUE, PC

[Page 1162]

Hon. Raymond J. Perrault (Leader of the Government): Honourable senators, I have received the following communication from the Honourable Senator Hazen Argue:

I very much regret my absence from the chamber today, but I have been advised as to the debate of the Senate yesterday.

Because my independence to act as a member of the proposed special joint committee to examine the constitutional proposals has been called into question, and there seems to be doubt in the minds of a number of senators as to the advisability of a cabinet minister acting as a member of the committee, I would ask you to please withdraw my name from those indicated to serve on the committee.

That message is signed by the Honourable Hazen Argue, P.C.

Some Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.

Honourable Royce Frith (Deputy Leader of the Government): Honourable senators, in view of the communication that has just been read, and in view of certain other considerations in connection with the debate that took place last evening, as well as well as observations made by honourable senators from both sides of the house, I would ask honourable senators to agree to proceed directly to Order No. 2 on the Orders of the Day. My explanation is that I have a motion to present which I believe amends the main motion, the subject of Order No. 2, and which I hope will resolved the concerns expressed by some honourable senators last night with reference to a cabinet member being a member of the joint committee. That subject has just been dealt with partly, at least, by the Leader of the Government in the Senate. The proposed motion also resolves the other concern, or at least responds to it, which is the need for a senator on the committee from the Atlantic provinces.

I informed my friends on the opposite side of my intention to present this amendment and I asked for their leave to do so, Find they graciously consented. It seems to me that we now ace the amendment proposed by Senator Flynn, which he may wish to have voted on, and which could be voted on in the light of what has been said. When that has been disposed of we Could proceed with my amendment to the main motion, and, hopefully, after debate, it could be voted on. As I have said, I hope that my amendment will meet the concerns expressed by some honourable senators last night.

Hon. Jacques Flynn (Leader of the Opposition): Honourable senators, I understand that in simple terms what the deputy leader is asking is to bring on Order No. 2 immediately in order to accommodate some people who want to leave early today, We agree with that. When the question is put, we can deal with whatever proposal the deputy leader has to offer.

The Hon. the Speaker: Do I understand that leave is granted to Senator Frith so that Order No. 2 can be proceeded with immediately?

Senator Flynn: With regard to Order No. 2, yes.