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Parliamentary Style Debating
Parliamentary style debating is a more formal style of debating, similar to that used in the House of Commons. There is a Prime Minister and Second Government Member on one side and a Leader of the Opposition and First Opposition Member on the other. Points of Order, Personal Privilege and heckling are allowed.
Order of Speaking
| Junior Level |
| Prime Minister's Introduction |
3 min |
| 1st Opposition Speech |
5 min |
| 2nd Government Speech |
5 min |
| Leader of the Opposition's Speech |
5 min |
| The last 2 min of this speech are a rebuttal |
| Prime Minister's Rebuttal |
2 min | |
| Senior Level |
| Prime Minister's Introduction |
5 min |
| 1st Opposition Speech |
8 min |
| 2nd Government Speech |
8 min |
| Leader of the Opposition's Speech |
8 min |
| The last 2 min of this speech are a rebuttal |
| Prime Minister's Rebuttal |
3 min | |
Rules for Parliamentary Style Debating
- The moderator of the Parliamentary debate is called the 'Speaker'. All debaters must address themselves to "Mr.Speaker" or "Madame Speaker" at the outset of their speeches and throughout the debate. The Affirmative is called the 'Government' and the Negative is the 'Opposition'. Participants in the debate and members of the audience are referred to collectively as 'The House', while the resolution is termed the 'Bill'. The House represents the Canadian House of Commons, unless otherwise specified.
- Debaters must always refer to one another in the third person.
- Only one debater at a time may hold the floor of the House. As soon as another member rises to address himself to the Speaker, an interrupted debater shall surrender the floor by sitting down. When the Speaker rises to his feet, all debaters must immediately cease speaking and resume their seats.
- Heckling is not only permitted, it is encouraged, as long as it is pertinent, brief and infrequent.
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