Story Archive

A Matter of Procedure

Members of the Canadian Parliament were asked to cast a vote. MP Pat Martin entered his vote, but left his seat before all the votes could be counted. Opposition party members objected, saying that Members are required to stay in their seats during vote counting. Martin, who had returned by then, offered his explanation. “I can blame it on a sale that was down at the Hudson’s Bay,” Martin explained for the record. “They had men’s underwear on for half price. I bought a bunch that was clearly too small for me and I find it difficult to sit for any length of time.” Deputy speaker Joe Comartin ruled that because Martin was seated when he cast his vote, he would allow the vote to stand. (RC/CBC) ...Even though Martin wasn’t able to sit.