Parliament of Canada Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. P-1)

Marginal note:Vote

• 49.8 (1) At its first meeting following a general election, the caucus of every party that has a recognized membership of 12 or more persons in the House of Commons shall conduct a separate vote among the caucus members in respect of each of the following questions:

  • (a) whether sections 49.2 and 49.3 are to apply in respect of the caucus;

  • (b) whether section 49.4 is to apply in respect of the caucus;

  • (c) whether subsections 49.5(1) to (3) are to apply in respect of the caucus; and

  • (d) whether subsection 49.5(4) and section 49.6 are to apply in respect of the caucus.

• Marginal note:Senior caucus member

  (2) Each vote, and any debate relating to the vote that may precede it, are to be presided over by the caucus member with the longest period of unbroken service in the House of Commons as determined by reference to the Canada Gazette.

• Marginal note:Recorded vote

  (3) The vote of each caucus member, in each vote, is to be recorded.

• Marginal note:Majority required

  (4) The provisions referred to in each of paragraphs (1)(a) to (d) apply only if a majority of all caucus members vote in favour of their applicability.

• Marginal note:Notice to Speaker

  (5) As soon as feasible after the conduct of the votes, the chair of the caucus shall inform the Speaker of the House of Commons of the outcome of each vote.

• Marginal note:Effect of votes

  (6) The outcome of each vote is binding on the caucus until the next dissolution of Parliament.