Ken Kowalski disciplined a number of MLAs in the house Tuesday for sending text messages and Twittering during question period.
"Six of you were observed to have been utilizing these devices," said Kowalski.
Kowalski said he has received a number of complaints, and said the practice violates the decorum of the legislature.
Etiquette teacher Terry Pithers said there is a time and place for everything, and even if you multitask you should think twice about where you're doing it.
"It really signals a lack of respect for people, its almost no different than taking a straight phone call, where you are taking a cell phone call from someone else, people are aware you're attention isn't on them," said Pithers.
City councillor Kim Krushell agrees Blackberry use can be rude, but is necessary at times to keep in contact with others.
"I will look at my BlackBerry and if I think its appropriate or depending on where we are in the agenda, sure I will respond, but usually I am pretty quick and I am prudent about it and I don't do it when the public is actually coming to speak before us," she said.
And councillor Dave Thiele maintains it's not always necessary to listen during council meetings.
"You know the issue you don't need to be involved in it, so listening to people asking questions or expounding on an issue at length, it's really unnecessary to pay full attention to the things," he said.
There have been motions put forward to ban cellphones and BlackBerrys from council chambers but have never been passed.
With files from Sonia Sunger
