Official Opposition tables motion to improve civility in the House of Commons

In order to enhance civility in the House of Commons, Official Opposition House Leader Nathan Cullen has tabled the following motion:

“That the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs be instructed by the House of Commons to recommend changes to the Standing Orders procedures and practices to increase the authority of the Speaker to impose disciplinary measures against Members who use harassment, threats, personal attacks, or extreme misrepresentation of facts or position in the House, particularly regarding Statements by Members and Oral Questions, including: i) revoking questions during Oral Questions from parties whose Members have been disruptive; ii) issuing a warning to Members for a first offense; iii) suspending Members from the service of the House for one sitting day for a second offense; five days for a third offense; and twenty days for a fourth offense; and iv) suspending Members’ sessional allowance for the duration of their suspension from the service of the House. And that the Committee report its findings to the House within 6 months of the adoption of this order.”