Answer:
The debate in the House of Commons must always be relevant to a definite motion. A motion initiates a discussion and gives rise to the question to be decided by the House. A motion, a debate, and a decision on the question, is the essence of the work of the House.
Process of Debate in the House
During the process of debate, the House follows a basic sequence of steps: providing notice of the motion, moving and seconding the motion, debating the motion, amending the motion, and finally, making a decision on the motion.
Giving Notice
Moving the motion
Proposing the motion
Debating the motion
Giving a speech
Speech length
Asking questions
Amending the motion
Decision on the motion
Giving Notice
In most cases, members must signal their intent to move a motion by submitting a notice of motion, which is printed in the Notice Paper.
Motions
A motion is a proposal moved by a member that the House:
do something, such as modify the sitting hours of the House;
order that something be done, such as order a committee to undertake a study on a given subject; or
express an opinion about some matter, such as a natural disaster.
Only one motion can be debated at any one time. A motion may be:
debated;
amended;
superseded;
adopted;
defeated; or
withdrawn.
A motion is adopted if it receives the support of the majority of the members present in the House at the time at which the decision is made. Every motion, once adopted, becomes either an order, which is an instruction to the Chair or staff, or a resolution, which is when the House expresses an opinion on a specific matter.
The following video provides an overview of what a motion is and how it is different from a bill.
