If I’m reading Wednesday’s Order Paper correctly, shortly after 3 p.m. (the end of Question Period), MPs will begin to debate the following:
No. 12 — December 1, 2006 — The Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister for Democratic Reform — That this House call on the government to introduce legislation to restore the traditional definition of marriage without affecting civil unions and while respecting existing same-sex marriages.
Then, somewhere around 5:30 pm (all times Ottawa time) on Thursday, MPs will actually vote on this motion.
Justice Minister Vic Toews — who is the minister who would draw up the legislation if the motion passes — was coy today when reporters asked him if he had legislation ready to go on the chance that the Conservatives win this one. He told reporters that he didn’t want to speculate but he never actually answered that question.