Mr. SPEAKER:

I would draw the attention of the hon. member and of the house to the fact that the motion before the house is not debatable, and the hon. member can proceed only with the unanimous consent of the house. Has the hon. member the unanimous consent of the house?

Mr. SPEAKER:

The hon. leader of the opposition has repeatedly used the word "trickery". I do not think that is parliamentary.

Mr. SPEAKER:

I will have it read by the clerk assistant.

Honourable Members of the Senate:

Members of the House of Commons:

During the months which have elapsed since the close of the special session, my ministers have given unremitting attention to the organization and prosecution of Canada's war effort. The government has been in constant consultation with the government of the United Kingdom, and the measures adopted have been those which it is believed will best serve the common cause.

Vigorous action has been taken through all branches of the armed forces to provide for the security and defence of Canada, and for cooperation with the allied forces on land, on sea and in the air.

For the effective prosecution of the war, Canada's industrial, financial and other resources are being steadily mobilized and all war activities coordinated. The production and marketing of agricultural and other primary products have been given constructive direction; and safeguards have been provided against undue enhancement, under war conditions, of the prices of food, fuel and other necessaries of life.

Since last you met the developments of the war have made increasingly clear the nature of the struggle in which we are engaged. The very existence of nations that cherish independence and democratic ideals is menaced by enemy forces of ruthless aggression which aim to dominate mankind by terror and violence. The Canadian people have shown their determination to share with Britain and France to the utmost of their strength in the defence of freedom.

My ministers are of the opinion that the effective prosecution of the war makes it imperative that those who are charged with the grave responsibility of carrying on the government of Canada should, in this critical period, be fortified by a direct and unquestioned mandate from the people. My advisers, accordingly, having regard to existing conditions and the stage of the life of the present parliament, have decided upon an immediate appeal to the country.

Honourable Members of the Senate:

Members of the House of Commons:

In all that pertains to the discharge of your responsible duties, may Divine Providence be your strength and guide.

Mr. SPEAKER:

I have the honour to state that the house having attended on His Excellency -the Administrator in the Senate Chamber, I informed his excellency that the choice of Speaker had fallen upon me, and in your names and on your behalf I made the usual claim for your privileges, which his excellency was pleased to confirm to you.

Mr. SPEAKER:

I have the honour to

inform the house that I have appointed J. Laundy to be acting deputy sergeant-at-arms during the present session.

On motion of Mr. Mackenzie King the house adjourned at 4.04 p.m.

Friday, May 17, 1940

Mr. Speaker read a communication from the Governor General's secretary, announcing that His Excellency the Governor General would proceed to the Senate chamber at three p.m. on this day, for the purpose of formally opening the session of the dominion parliament.

A message was delivered by Major A. R. Thompson, Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod,

as follows:

Mr. Speaker, His Excellency the Governor General desires the immediate attendance of this honourable house in the chamber of the honourable the Senate.

Accordingly the house went up to the Senate chamber.

And the house being returned to the Commons chamber: