SoVote

Context: House Hansard - 301 - Apr/17/24

Apr/17/24 3:22:17 p.m.
Watch

Colleagues, the Chair would like to make a brief statement in regard to the historic moment that is about to take place. Indeed, the last time an individual was summoned to the bar of the House to answer questions dates back to 1913, well over a century ago. Pursuant to order made on April 8, 2024, once Mr. Firth is escorted to the bar of the House by the Sergeant-at-Arms, the Chair shall read the admonishment. Following this, the House shall proceed to a question-and-answer session with Mr. Firth. The process for questioning, specified in the House order, is as follows. First, questions and answers shall be addressed through the Speaker. Second, 10 minutes will be allocated to each recognized party for the first and second rounds in the following order: Liberal Party, Conservative Party, Bloc Québécois and New Democratic Party. Third, during the third round, five minutes will be allocated to each of the recognized parties with an additional five minutes for the Green Party. Fourth, within each 10- or five-minute period of questioning, each party may allocate time to one or more of its members. Fifth, in each question and answer period, answers shall approximately reflect the time taken by the question. In addition, should Mr. Firth require a moment to consult with his counsel prior to responding to a question, or for other delays of a similar nature, the Chair will stop the clock. As well, as discussed with House leaders, provisions are in place for brief suspensions between the rounds of questioning to allow Mr. Firth a pause, if he chooses to avail himself of them. Furthermore, as with any proceedings of the House, the Chair will decide procedural matters as they may arise. Upon completion of the questioning, the Chair shall excuse Mr. Firth from further attendance at the bar, after which he will withdraw, and the House shall resume its usual business for the remainder of the sitting. Finally, colleagues, I wish to remind members that it is incumbent upon all of us to conduct ourselves in a manner befitting of this occasion and to uphold the dignity of the House. I therefore ask for everyone's co-operation in respecting our rules of decorum. I now ask the Sergeant-at-Arms to admit Mr. Firth at the bar of the House.

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Context: House Hansard - 301 - Apr/17/24

Hon. Steven MacKinnon

Apr/17/24 3:35:25 p.m.
Watch

Mr. Speaker, this information is consistent with what was shared with all recognized parties yesterday individually by the Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel: Mr. Firth's health is fragile, and a doctor has provided a note recommending that Mr. Firth does not participate in activities such as the questioning today for mental and physical health reasons. We were also told that Mr. Firth understands he will have to answer questions and that he is prepared to do so once his health allows it. I want to be crystal clear: We believe that what happened with the ArriveCAN app is unacceptable. We want to ensure that all unanswered questions receive answers. That is an important principle of the House. It is why we supported the motion that brings Mr. Firth here today. We want to get to the bottom of this issue, and we want to ensure that committees are respected. We understand all recognized parties were individually informed of options to delay the questioning component of today's proceedings until Mr. Firth has been medically cleared to participate. Only the Conservatives refused. On this side of the House, we do not believe it is appropriate to question Mr. Firth if he is not medically able to participate. We want this to be done in a way that respects the dignity of Parliament, and forcing someone against medical advice to do something a doctor believes could harm their treatment and recovery is indeed beneath the dignity of this place. The Leader of the Opposition is giving us a demonstration of his character, and Canadians should pay careful attention— Some hon. members: Oh, oh!

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Context: House Hansard - 301 - Apr/17/24

The Speaker

Apr/17/24 4:16:59 p.m.
Watch

This concludes the first round of questioning. Would Mr. Firth like a pause before the House proceeds to the next round?

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Context: House Hansard - 301 - Apr/17/24

The Speaker

Apr/17/24 5:06:58 p.m.
Watch

This concludes the second round of questioning. Mr. Firth, would you like a pause before the House proceeds to the next round of questions?

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