On a point of order, Your Honour.

For the record, I know in the last Parliament there were quite a few explanations for abstentions. I wanted to just ask you to explain that an abstention speaks for itself, and often clarifying the abstention would happen if there were a conflict of interest. In debate, senators can explain why they may vote for, against or potentially abstain, but once a vote is done I thought that there was some indication in the last Parliament that we would not go into explanations for abstentions. Otherwise, it just prolongs the debate.

I know I’m doing that at this time, but it’s the first time this has happened in this Parliament. I just wanted to ask for your clarification on this. Thank you.