My Request for Emergency Debate in the House of Commons
Request for Emergency Debate
House of Commons
April 28, 2008
[Standing Order 52]
The Speaker: "The Chair has notice of a request for an emergency debate from the hon. member for Vancouver Centre. I would be pleased to hear her on this matter now.
Hon. Hedy Fry (Vancouver Centre, Liberal): Mr. Speaker, I stand in the House today to request that an emergency debate take place beginning at 6:30 p.m. tonight, pursuant to Standing Order 52, regarding the mountain pine beetle infestation in British Columbia's forests.
The pine beetle has decimated hectares of British Columbia's pine forests and moved to Alberta. With the fire season around the corner, it is urgent that we debate the human safety risks in communities, as well as the economic and environmental devastation caused by this crisis.
The Speaker: "I have considered the matter raised by the hon. member for Vancouver Centre at this time.
There is no doubt in my mind that the pine beetle infestation in the forests in British Columbia is a serious matter. I note that a take note debate was held on this matter in 2004, so it is not a new problem. It is an old problem.
Accordingly, I have concerns that it may not meet the demands of the Standing Orders in respect of an emergency and, accordingly, I am going to refuse the request that she has made for an emergency debate at this time.
I think it is one of those things that certainly would be of interest, but I am not sure that it constitutes an emergency given the ongoing nature of the problem, which is the worry.
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Dear Constituents,
On Monday, April 28th I tabled a motion request for an emergency debate in the House of Commons to discuss the urgent crisis British Columbia faces by the Pine Beetle.
I regret to inform you that the Speaker of the House refused my request, citing a “Take Note” debate that occurred in 2004 when the Pine Beetle was first discovered in British Columbia.
I will be repeating my request with documents since 2004, highlighting the pending environmental and green house gas disaster, the increased fire hazards, and the desecration of B.C.’s watershed and salmon habitats.
As always, I appreciate your hard work on the Pine Beetle file. I look forward to continuing to advocate on this matter.
Sincerely,
Hon. Hedy Fry, M.P.
Vancouver Centre
