44th Parl. 1st Sess.
February 15, 2022 10:00AM
- Feb/15/22 10:35:51 a.m.
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That is debate, not a point of order. Also, I remind members that if they are not speaking right now, they should have their masks on while in the House.
I will ask the hon. minister to wrap up. We have other individuals who want to ask questions.
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- Feb/15/22 11:57:54 a.m.
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This was raised earlier today, and I do not have the document in front of me because I gave it to the Speaker so he could get back to the House on it. The wording in the directive from the Board of Internal Economy is that members are being encouraged to wear their masks in the House. However, it does indicate that if they are in their seat, they are able to not have their mask on as long as they stay in their seat. I know the Speaker has ruled on a number of occasions that individuals should have their masks on if they do not have the floor. However, the directive seems to indicate otherwise, and I am sure the Speaker will get back to the House shortly on that.
Resuming debate, the hon. parliamentary secretary to the government House leader.
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- Feb/15/22 3:31:35 p.m.
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Earlier today, questions were raised in the House about the wearing of masks in the chamber. I note that all members are certainly wearing their masks, and I applaud them for that.
As members will know, since the beginning of the pandemic, my fellow Chair occupants and I have consistently reminded members to wear their masks in the House when they are not speaking in debate. This is in keeping with public health advice that states masks should be worn, especially when social distancing is not possible, as is often the case in the chamber. In fact, as soon as one leaves the chamber, the wearing of masks is mandatory, further to measures adopted by the Board of Internal Economy. This is for the safety and security of members and staff.
That said, further to the Speaker's ruling of December 2, 2021, only the House can determine the rules that it will apply to itself and its committees. While the Board of Internal Economy has strongly recommended that members wear a mask when they are at their place during parliamentary proceedings, it cannot impose such a requirement. Ultimately, the House has sole authority to determine how it conducts its proceedings.
As Speaker, I am the servant of the House. To date, all parties have supported the Chair's efforts to encourage the wearing of face masks when not speaking and have raised points of order when this practice has not been followed.
This being Tuesday, I understand the House leaders will be meeting later today, and I would encourage them to discuss this issue so that there can be clarity for all members.
I thank all members for their attention.
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- Feb/15/22 3:34:08 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I am rising on a point of order. When you were reading things out, you said that we had to have our masks on once we leave the chamber. Does that mean we can have them off when we are in the chamber?
The Speaker: Yes.
Mrs. Cheryl Gallant: Yes, we do not have to wear them in the chamber, but we have to put them on as we leave the chamber?
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- Feb/15/22 3:34:33 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I am rising on a point of order. Just to be clear, it is highly recommended that we wear the masks inside the chamber. On that note, I would ask if there is unanimous consent of the House to have members wear their masks unless they are actually speaking.
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Mr. Speaker, in regard to your ruling with respect to masks, we have been hearing, from the opposition, a lot of shouting about science. They say, “Listen to the science.”
However, the number of MPs who removed their masks as soon as your order was issued is rather shocking. The science is clear on masks, and I truly hope that the hon. members on the other side who are heckling me, maskless—
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Madam Speaker, I also hope that the opposition respects what the Speaker said, which was that he highly encouraged the use of masks. We were being lectured on science and that we should listen to the science, and the science is clear on mask usage. I am seeing a lot of unmasked faces on the other side, and that is disappointing because, as we are talking about vaccinations—
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