1. Unit 3 Part B Workings of the House of Commons

2. 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 Reflect Questions!!!

3. House of Commons Government Opposition PM Speaker Galleries MaceBar

4. 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)

5. Speech from the Throne “click”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

6. 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 Reflect Questions!!!

7. Government Bills Cartoon clip The process through which an idea becomes a law Cartoon clip An Idea Awareness that something needs to change May begin with Any MP Draft up a new Policy which is Checked by Lawyers This is a bill First ReadingSecond Reading Bill is read To the House Of Commons No discussion No debate No Vote MPs may question and debate new bill Vote Committee Report 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 VOTE In 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

8. 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

9. 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 Reflect Questions!!!

10. A Typical Day in the House of Commons 1. 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

11. Typical Day in House of Commons Continued 6. 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

12. Budgets - “clip”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

13. Oral Questions (Question Period) video clips Rick Mercer video clip Question Period video clipsvideo clip 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!!!