R-001: Rules of Order for Parliament

[Alfonso Velez]

Madam President,

The Cabinet has worked hard on creating a comprehensive set of Standing Orders of this Parliament, and I'm very proud of the final product that we've set before Parliament for its consideration. These Standing Orders provide an excellent set of rules that ensure the efficient dispatch of business while also ensuring opportunities for great deliberation. I am particularly pleased to highlight the protections given to minority parties in Parliament. Under these Standing Orders, any Member of Parliament could have a bill submitted to consideration on a docket provided that they have the support of 35% of MPs. This provides an invaluable opportunity for MPs to put forward their own bills to consider. These Standing Orders also provide that opposition parties will have two opportunities each session to have control of the docket, providing excellent opportunities for voices other than the Government's to be considered here in Parliament. I strongly believe that more voices rather than less are important in sustaining a vibrant democracy, and I'm pleased that these Standing Orders reflect the Government's commitment to these ideals.

I encourage all members to thoroughly read through the proposed standing orders and to feel free to inquire if you have any questions about them. I hope Parliament will agree with me that these Standing Orders strike important balances and that they represent an excellent framework for our Parliamentary proceedings.