Home page Version françaiseHansard IndexHansard Index
 
 

 

USER GUIDE: HANSARD INDEX

House of Commons

Parliamentary Publications Directorate

Index and Reference Service

User Guide

What is this service?

The Index and Reference Service of the House of Commons prepares, in both official languages, a comprehensive cumulative subject index to the House of Commons Debates (Hansard) as well as indexes to other major parliamentary publications (Journals and Status of House Business).

The Index to the Debates is subject-based and extensively cross-referenced. It provides general subject analysis as well as subject breakdown under the names of Members of Parliament indicating those matters discussed by them in the Chamber. The numbers immediately following the entries refer to the appropriate page in Hansard followed by, in brackets, the issue sitting number and time checks. All subject entries in the index are arranged alphabetically, matters pertaining to legislation are arranged chronologically.

A typical entry consists of a main heading followed by one or more sub-headings:

·  Income tax

¡  Farmers

§  Capital gains

Cross-references to a first sub-heading are denoted by a long dash.

·  Capital gains see Income tax—Farmers

The most common abbreviations found in the Index are as follows:

·  amdt. = amendment

·  Chap. = Chapter

·  g.r. = government response

·  M. = motion

·  o.q. = oral question

·  qu. = question on the Order Paper

·  R.A. = Royal Assent

·  r.o. = return ordered

·  S.C. = Statutes of Canada

·  S.O. = Standing Order

Political affiliations are denoted by the following abbreviations:

 

BQ

Bloc Québécois

CA

Canadian Alliance

Ind.

Independent

Lib.

Liberal

NDP

New Democratic Party

PC

Progressive Conservative Party

The Index and Reference Service also provides reference assistance to persons seeking information regarding any of the above-named publications.

What types of questions do we answer?

Examples of questions we can answer include:

·  When did a Member ask a question in the House about gun control?

·  When was a particular Bill introduced in the House?

·  How did a Member vote on a particular Bill?

·  What is the current status of a Bill?

·  Could you tell me if the current government has introduced any legislation
   regarding gun control?

·  Can you provide me with a list of topics (subjects) that a Member has
   spoken on in the House and in Committee?

·  Where can I find a copy of a Committee report?

If we cannot answer your questions we will refer you to an appropriate source.

How to submit a question?

You may reach us by:

·  Telephone: (613) 992-8976

·  Fax: (613) 992-9417

·  E-mail: indref@parl.gc.ca 

Index and Reference Service
Last revised September 18, 2003