Out of order

Contrary to the rules of parliamentary procedure. The expression may be applied to motions, bills or to any intervention which offends against the rules of the House.

Order Paper

The official agenda of the House, published for each sitting day, listing all items that may be brought forward on that particular day.

Omnibus bill

A bill consisting of a number of related but separate parts which seek to amend and/or repeal one or several existing Acts and/or to enact one or several new Acts.

Official report

The in extenso report – transcribed, edited, and corrected – of what is said in the House and in a Committee of the Whole. The Official Report often identified as “the Hansard” which is the name of the British family originally responsible for arranging the official reporting of debates in the British House of Commons.

Official of the House

An officer responsible to the House for the carrying out of duties assigned by statute or by special order. Among those included in the designation are the Clerk of the House and the Clerk of the Senate.

Officer of Parliament

An officer responsible to one or both Houses for the carrying out of duties assigned by statute.

Oath of allegiance

An oath of loyalty to the country, in accordance with the requirements of the constitution, sworn by a Member before taking a seat in the House.