The Leader of the Government in the House of Commons is a senior cabinet minister who navigates the government’s business in the House.

In researching an explanation of what role the Government House Leader has, I needed to look no further than Jay Hill’s website.

Follow him in picture form and get to know him.

His website has a wealth of information on it which indicates to me that we are in for good communication from this Minister.  Source of direct quotes.

THE     HOUSE

The most visible political work of a Member of Parliament
happens in the House of Commons. Every Day the House is sitting, there are Specific rules for what happens and when.

While most people are familiar with the fireworks and theatrical oratory of Question Period, plenty of other debate and discussion takes place in the Commons Chamber.

A great deal also occurs in the Committees of Parliament, which hold meetings in various places around the complex of buildings known collectively as Parliament Hill.

QUESTION     PERIOD

They call it Question Period for a reason – it’s more about questions than answers.

When the House of Commons is sitting, “Oral” Question Period happens from 2:15
pm. to 3 pm (Mon. to Thurs.) and 11:15 am to 12 pm (Fri.).(All Eastern Standard Time)

During this time, Members of Parliament in the Opposition (and occasionally Government Members) ask questions of Cabinet, through the Speaker of the House, on issues that are within the administrative responsibilities of the Government. While the result is often partisan barbs and sidestepping rather than a real answer, a good question can catch the interest of the media. That will lead to a scrum in the foyer outside the Commons Chamber and a media question barrage that can actually get some answers.

STATEMENTS

Every day in the House of Commons, just before the start of Question Period, MPs from
all parties get the chance to make a 60-second statement on any topic they choose.

On most days, fifteen MPs (allocated to all parties on a ratio based on their representation
in the House of Commons) have the chance to make a statement.

Known as a Standing Order 31, this procedural rule of the House offers an MP a chance to congratulate constituents for their good work, grill the government for it’s less-than-stellar
work, or make comment on the issues of the day.

To view transcriptions of Jay’s statements click
here

SPEECHES

If you see action from the House of Commons on television, it’s likely from Question
Period. If it were a game show, it would be the short-snapper round.

Members get the chance to speak about issues in a more in-depth fashion at various
points, such as during Supply Day Motions (each party routinely gets the opportunity to put forward a motion for debate) or in the debate of a government bill.

To view transcriptions of Jay’s speeches click
here

PRIVATE    MEMBERS     BUSINESS

Most legislation is sponsored by the government, introduced in the House of Commons for debate by cabinet ministers.  Individual Members of Parliament from the opposition
parties and backbench members of the government can sponsor their own bill, called Private Member’s Bills.

Though they rarely become a votable item in the House (and even more rarely pass into law) they offer one way an individual MP can bring an issue to the attention of the government, and even see action done.

Private Member’s Motions are a little less complex. Rather than being a full piece of legislation, they are merely a statement calling on the government to take a certain action.

I have had the privilege of sponsoring a number of Bills and Motions. For some of my recent ones, click on the Private Member’s Bills link.

MORE      INFORMATION

For more detailed information on the rules of the House and other Daily Proceedings
of the House, click
here.

Recently an article was posted about reaction to Mr. Hill’s appointment.

I have quoted some of it for you.

Source

Opposition parties say Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s appointment of Jay Hill into the key Cabinet position of government House leader and stick handler of the government’s legislative agenda is a positive move in the upcoming 40th Parliament when it opens on Nov. 18.

source- the hill times
“I think it’s a good appointment. I have great respect for Jay. We worked together as whips. I think he deserved this promotion,” said Bloc Québécois whip Michel Guimond (Montmorency-Charlevoix-Haute-Côte-Nord, Que.).

A former farmer, Mr. Hill (Prince George-Peace River, B.C.), who was first elected in Preston Manning’s Reform Party “wave” in 1993, was promoted last week from the chief government whip’s position. Regarded as tough, folksy, and fair, most see Mr. Hill as a breath of fresh air.

As chief government whip in the last Parliament, Mr. Hill held a secretary of state position, but he is now a full Cabinet minister who will be responsible for stickhandling the government’s legislative priorities through the House.

“Everybody is different,” Mr. Guimond said, when asked how Mr. Hill would manage the House differently from Mr. Van Loan. “He will know very well the procedure, because he was a former House leader when they were the official opposition, and I think he’ll do a good job. I hope he will work on a consensus basis, respecting the fact and accepting the democratic choice of Canadians in the last election. This is another minority government and they must work together with the opposition.”

A fresh and new flavour to the House of Commons is about to begin.

As Mike Duffy often says to his viewership, when advising us of something he recommends we watch,

- “Be there or be square”.

So be sure you come to CPAC and watch Question Period.

Another source for your information [ Wikipedia style ]