Unit 3 Part B

Workings of the House of Commons

The Workings of Parliament

House of Commons

Representative democracy

The members of Parliament (MPs) are elected to speak for the citizens of their ridings

Average riding size is 90 687 voters

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House of Commons

Government Opposition

PM

SpeakerGalleries

Mace Bar

Parliamentary Language Status of privilege

MPs can say whatever he or she thinks fit without fear of being sued for libel

Some rules of language MPs direct all remarks to speaker

“Mr. Speaker, I’d like to ask the Prime Minister…” MPs are referred to by riding

“The honourable member for Nickel Belt” Cabinet ministers are referred to by portfolio

“the honourable the minister of health” Unparliamentarily language is not allowed

Speaker asks the member to withdraw comment or thrown out of the House for the day

Cannot suggest that another MP has lied (to avoid duels)

Speech from the Throne “click”

First day after election

Government outlines plans for future

Read by Governor General or the Queen (if in Canada)

In the Senate – Crown is barred from House of Commons

Can be initiated mid-term as well – new direction

Speech from the Throne March 2010

The Reply

Day after the Speech is read

Speech is not law – government has no formal obligation to follow through, can introduce other bills not mentioned.

Opposition members attack the government on the Speech

Mostly theatre, but sets tone for the session of Parliament

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Government Bills Cartoon clip

The process through which an idea becomes a law

An Idea•Awareness that something needs to change

•May begin withAny MP

•Draft up a new Policy which is Checked by Lawyers

•This is a bill

First Reading Second Reading

•Bill is readTo the HouseOf Commons

•No discussion

•No debate

•No Vote

•MPs may question and debate new bill

•Vote

CommitteeReport Stage

•Studied clause by clause by a standing committee of MPs from all parties

•Public and expert input

•Vote and make changes

Third Reading

•More discussion and debate in the House of commons

VOTEIn H of C

Senate

•Federal level only

•Follows same process (3 readings) - vote

•Any changes – sent back to the H of C

Royal Assent

•Signed by the GG or Queen – turns bill into an ‘act’ which turns it into law

Government Bills

The daily business of the House of Commons

Government introduces new laws to institute its policies

If process is not complete by the time an election is called, the bill dies In a new session, must start over again from the beginning

Cabinet meetings kept secret for 25 years – to allow all members to fully air opinions

Once policy is set, all ministers must support it in public – cabinet solidarity

Other routes for a Bill

Any senator can introduce a bill 1995 – Alternative Fuels Act

Back benchers can initiate – private members’ bills

Very few of these are successful, but can focus public attention on an issue and/or force government to write its own bill

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A Typical Day in the House of Commons1. The Speaker enters and takes their chair – the mace (symbol of

authority) is placed on the table in front of the speaker

2. The speaker reads the daily prayer

3. Routine procedures: tabling of documents, statements made by Ministers, presentations of petitions and committee reports

4. Introduction and first reading of bills, debating of motions made

5. Government orders: items of business (completed motions, bills, questions) that the government initiates and places on the agenda of the House

Typical Day in House of Commons Continued6. Question Period: 45 minutes. Members (usually opposition)

question the Ministers on Government actions and policies.

7. Member Statement Period: Members can make statements on matters of importance to them (1 minute each)

8. “Notice of Motions for the Production of Papers” government presents certain documents to the House of Commons at Member’s request.

9. Private Members’ Business: When a bill or proposed law is introduced by any Member, who is not a Cabinet Minister, for debate. Up to 30. Up to 10 will be voted on

Budgets - “clip”

Affects everyone – how to spend YOUR money

Raise or lower taxes Jobs lost or gained because of a budget Child care, schools, hospitals, arts and

culture Can affect the cost of everything from food to

TVs

Oral Questions (Question Period)video clips Rick Mercer video clip Question Period

Every day 1 hour for opposition to question PM and cabinet

Highly theatrical (read p. 129 to get an idea)

Important to hold government accountable

US president never has to answer questions from rivals

Opposition wants to embarrass, discredit government

Government must defend policies and legislation

Almost always a “softball” Pre-arranged question from government back bench to make the

government look good

Most visible part of the House of Commons Reflect Questions!!!