Debate in the Senate: The art of parliamentary persuasion
Debate is the lifeblood of the Senate. The very word “Parliament,” which came into use in the 13th century, means “speaking place.”
When the Senate sits, members of Canada’s upper house of Parliament exercise their privilege of freedom of speech by arguing for or against proposals, putting their views on the record and attempting to persuade their colleagues with reasoned points of view.
The rules governing debate take into account two fundamental principles: the majority’s right to complete its business and the minority’s right to be heard. It’s a balancing act that juggles concern for efficient use of time with respect for senators’ autonomy and their right to speak on the public record.
How is debate conducted?
Debate can take place on motions – which may relate to a bill or be stand-alone proposals – or on inquiries. A motion will eventually lead to a decision by the Senate, while an inquiry serves to draw the attention of the Senate to a particular matter, but does not lead to a decision.
The Senate’s Rules normally allow every senator an opportunity to speak in each debate, but they are limited to speaking just once and must observe specific time limits.
The Rules of the Senate contains numerous provisions governing debate, which are explained in the Procedural Notes on Debate and in more detail in the procedural handbook, Senate Procedure in Practice. All these documents are available on the Senate’s website.
Where do these rules and procedures come from?
The rules and practices governing debate are established by the Senate itself. The original rules were based on those in early Canadian legislatures, but they have been changed many times over the century-and-a-half since Confederation.
Many of the principles that still govern debate in Canada’s Senate are ultimately based on a foundation of British practice that was developed over many centuries as Parliament sought to assert its autonomy.
If you want a detailed look at the Senate in action, full transcripts of senators’ remarks, questions and exchanges during each sitting are published online as the Debates of the Senate, also known as Hansard.
