How the PM broke House rules when he accidentally called the Speaker ‘Mr. Trudeau’

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau slipped up in the House of Commons earlier this week when he accidentally referred to House Speaker Anthony Rota as “Mr. Trudeau” rather than “Mr. Speaker” during question period.

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Though he quickly corrected himself, the gaffe led to jeers from the opposition while Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre quipped, “The only thing the prime minister wants to know about is himself.”

Trudeau’s mistake actually went against the rules of the House in two ways. Beyond identifying the wrong person, Trudeau also broke a long-standing rule that guards against debates becoming too personal. Members do not refer to one another by their names but rather by title, position or constituency name, while cabinet ministers are referred to by the portfolio they hold.

“I don’t think I have to remind the members not to use proper names, but, order! Order!” House Speaker Anthony Rota said after the House erupted in groans and heckling following Trudeau’s gaffe.

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Here are some other rules that govern how members speak:

Remarks addressed to the chair

Any member participating in debate must address the Chair, not the House, or a particular Minister or member. If they fail to do so, they will be called to order and may be asked to rephrase the remarks.

Language of debate

Members may address the House in either English or French. Other languages are allowed and occasionally used in debate but generally not at great length given the difficulty of debating, and accurately recording, exchanges that happen outside of the official languages.

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Reading Speeches

While it’s not a formal rule, members are discouraged from reading a written, prepared speech. Notes are allowed, but members are encouraged to “maintain the cut and thrust of debate” and to address the arguments being put forth by speakers in real-time.

Any documents quoted in a debate or in response to a question must be tabled. This means that any private correspondence quoted in debate becomes a public document and must be tabled upon request. All documents are required to be tabled in both official languages.

MPs can also be ruled out of order for using displays or demonstrations in the House. Props and exhibits are banned and members may be interrupted and reprimanded by the Speaker if they use papers, documents or other objects to illustrate their remarks.

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Maiden Speech

A member’s first speech in the House, also known as their maiden speech, is not bound by all the same rules. Members are permitted to read their speeches, for example, without interruption. Additional time can also be allocated to members so they can complete their speeches.

References to members

Calling out the presence or absence of a member or Minister in the Chamber is unacceptable as “there are many places that members have to be in order to carry out all of the obligations that go with their office.”

Remarks that question a member’s integrity, honesty or character are also not in order and any such comments will be requested to be withdrawn.

Unparliamentary Language

The use of any language that could be considered offensive, provocative or threatening is forbidden in the House. As are personal attacks, insults and obscenities. The Speaker can intervene in any debate where the language appears questionable and members who feel aggrieved by any remarks or allegations can bring it to the attention of the Speaker on a point of order.

Normally, those matters are dealt with at the end of question period, but the Speaker can address a matter of unparliamentary language immediately if warranted.