In The House

The most visible political work of a Member of Parliament happens in the House of Commons. Every day the House is sitting, there are specific rules for what happens and when.

While most people are familiar with the fireworks and theatrical oratory of Question Period, plenty of other debate and discussion takes place in the Commons Chamber. A great deal also occurs in the Committees of Parliament, which hold meetings in various places around the complex of buildings known collectively as Parliament Hill.

Question Period

They call it Question Period for a reason - it's more about questions than answers.

When the House of Commons is sitting, "Oral" Question Period happens from 2:15 pm. to 3 pm (Mon. to Thurs.) and 11:15 am to 12 pm (Fri.).(All Eastern Standard Time)

During this time, Members of Parliament in the Opposition (and occasionally Government Members) ask questions of Cabinet, through the Speaker of the House, on issues that are within the administrative responsibilities of the Government. While the result is often partisan barbs and sidestepping rather than a real answer, a good question can catch the interest of the media. That will lead to a scrum in the foyer outside the Commons Chamber and a media question barrage that can actually get some answers.

Statements so-31

Every day in the House of Commons, just before the start of Question Period, MPs from all parties get the chance to make a 60-second statement on any topic they choose.

On most days, fifteen MPs (allocated to all parties on a ratio based on their representation in the House of Commons) have the chance to make a statement.

Known as a Standing Order 31, this procedural rule of the House offers an MP a chance to congratulate constituents for their good work, grill the government for it's less-than-stellar work, or make comment on the issues of the day.

To view transcriptions of Jay's statements click here

Speeches

If you see action from the House of Commons on television, it's likely from Question Period. If it were a game show, it would be the short-snapper round.

Members get the chance to speak about issues in a more in-depth fashion at various points, such as during Supply Day Motions (each party routinely gets the opportunity to put forward a motion for debate) or in the debate of a government bill.

To view transcriptions of Jay's speeches click here

Private Members Business

Most legislation is sponsored by the government, introduced in the House of Commons for debate by cabinet ministers. Individual Members of Parliament from the opposition parties and backbench members of the government can sponsor their own bill, called Private Member's Bills.

Though they rarely become a votable item in the House (and even more rarely pass into law) they offer one way an individual MP can bring an issue to the attention of the government, and even see action done.

Private Member's Motions are a little less complex. Rather than being a full piece of legislation, they are merely a statement calling on the government to take a certain action.

I have had the privilege of sponsoring a number of Bills and Motions. For some of my recent ones, click on the Private Member's Bills link.

More Information

For more detailed information on the rules of the House and other Daily Proceedings of the House, click here.