A quick pre-debate programme note: Three Conservative MPs are on deck to speak on the motion -- Stella Ambler, David Anderson and Mark Warawa, all of whom are expected to come out in support of M-312.
The NDP is hoping to put up three speakers -- Irene Mathyssen, Sylvain Chicoine and Alexandrine Latendresse -- but at press time, House planners weren't sure whether there would be sufficient time.
The lone Liberal scheduled to share his thoughts is Massimo Paccetti.
I'll let you know if I hear of any last minute changes, but it sounds like there's little chance that debate will collapse before the time expirs at 2:30. (Woodworth also has five minutes for a final statement.)
by Kady O'Malley 9/21/2012 4:53:51 PM
My fingers are crossed that we actually get questions/comments during #M312 debate today, not just speechifying down the clock.
Sadly, I am informed that the rules for private business hour allocate no time for questions/comments beyond the opening speech. #m312
A solid hour of back-to-back #m312 speechifying it is!
And we're off! First up in the #m312 debate is Liberal MP Massimo Pacetti, "proud to stand with his opposition colleagues" against it.
Pacetti seems sceptical of #Woodworth's claim that this is just about "tidying up" old legislation.
In fact, Pancetti questions the whole notion that "old" laws are necessarily in need of repair. #m312
BTW, also in the House: Government Whip Gordon O'Connor, who is not scheduled to speak today, not that there's much he left unsaid. #m312
Pancetti "does not pretend to be a great legal scholar" but worries over the ultimate destination of the #m312 slippery slope.
Attendance Update: I could 17 MPs on the government side, 11 on the (combined) opposition side. #m312
Pancetti laments the House "wasting" its time on this debate, considering how many other issues are pending. #m312
RT @ElizabethMay: @kady Not particularly sorry to miss it. In NB for NB Green leadership convention. #cdnpoli #m312
And now, over to Stella Ambler, a GTA Conservative (and relative newbie), and proud supporter of #m312.
Ambler notes that the motion *only* proposes a study, and worries that the "emotion" surrounding the debate may "fester" if unaired. #m312
Those of you watching the #m312 proceedings from home will note that #Woodworth and supporters have gathered around Ambler as she speaks.
Ambler reads the same highlights from various court rulings that #Woodworth cites in every speech he delivers on #m312.
Ambler now discussing prenatal development, and claims that if what she's learned is true, "our definition of human being is wrong." #m312
Meanwhile, just a few seats away from Ambler and Team #Woodworth, Diane Ablonczy barely looks up from her paperwork. #m312
Ambler claims rejecting #m312 "will let down the vast majority of Canadians." I would like to know the margin of error for that claim.