The Honourable Derek Bennett, Speaker, today provided the following statement regarding the public galleries of the House of Assembly:
“As Speaker, I am pleased to welcome all visitors who wish to view proceedings from the public galleries when the House of Assembly is in Session. Protocols in the parliamentary precinct, including the public galleries, are established by the Speaker for the safety of Members, visitors and employees of the House of Assembly Service.
I wish to once again remind all visitors of the following:
- Please remain seated at all times during proceedings, unless standing to exit.
- Please do not engage in demonstrations, including the display of signs, banners, buttons, clothing or other activities that convey a political statement.
- Please do not show approval or disapproval of proceedings by applauding or talking.
In the Spring 2024 sitting there have been a number of instances where the above-noted protocols have not been respected. Given the importance of matters under debate, I have been tolerant in my direction regarding the public galleries. I have issued repeated verbal warnings to individuals violating protocols before requesting that individuals be removed or that the galleries be cleared.
I have issued direction that the public galleries will remain open for today’s proceedings. However, as I carry out my responsibilities over the parliamentary precinct, I once again ask for the cooperation and respect of all visitors. Please adhere to the above-noted protocols so that the public galleries can remain open for the benefit of all. “