Rulings by the Chair
Relevance
The PRESIDENT (09:35): I note that some of the items of general business that have precedence for debate today give me cause to remind members about relevance when debating a motion. The requirement that the member’s contribution in debate be relevant to the question under discussion is found in standing order 12.15. The most important test of whether a member’s contribution is relevant is the exact wording of the motion being debated. If a motion includes certain allegations or references to one or more members, the debate should be contained to those allegations and references. It is not an opportunity to make unrelated allegations or to refer to members not named in the motion. The Chair will carefully apply the rules of the house in this regard.