OTTAWA - The New Democrats are seeking to get more out of question period by giving the Speaker more power to make sure Canadians get answers.
They're introducing a motion that would give the Speaker the ability to decide if question-period replies are repetitive or irrelevant, and potentially punish MPs accordingly.
NDP MP Peter Julian says the Speaker already has that power in other elements of parliamentary debate and it should be extended to question period.
The motion is in response to repeated non-sequitur answers given by the prime minister's parliamentary secretary last week to questions about Canada's military contribution in Iraq.
When the NDP pleaded with Speaker Andrew Scheer to intervene, he replied that he didn't have the ability to do so, but noted the House could change that.
MP Paul Calandra later apologized after his non-answers sparked outrage even from his fellow Conservatives.
