Take-note debate

The name comes from the first line of the motion initiating the debate: "That this House takes note of ...", followed by the issue to be discussed.

In the Westminster system, the prime minister and cabinet generally control the legislative agenda, and votes in parliament are normally subject to party discipline.

[1][2][3] The take-note debate has evolved as a way to allow members of parliament to express their opinions on matters of public importance, prior to the cabinet making a decision on how to approach the issue.

The name comes from the first line of the motion initiating the debate: "That this House takes note of ...", followed by the issue to be discussed.

This relaxation of normal rules is designed to ensure a broad debate on the issue, and one that is not subject to party discipline, since no vote is taken.

Prime Minister Chrétien commented on the purpose of the new approach:[6] As I was saying in this House, yesterday, we are trying out an entirely new political process.

I hope members will try their very best to make it efficient in order to allow the expression of views, after which the government will decide.

Since its purpose is to make views known to government before a decision is taken, it is quite naturally so.The leaders of the other parties also commented on their satisfaction with the new approach.