Precedence and Sequence / Government Orders

Government Orders

Journals pp. 156-7

Debates p. 1945

Background

During debate on second reading of Bill C-116, an Act to amend the Post Office Act, Mr. Skoberg (Moose Jaw) proposed to move that the House proceed to Order No. 8 under Government Orders, dealing with an Act to amend the Prairie Grain Advance Payments Act. Having expressed doubts on the acceptability of this motion, the Speaker invited comments from Members before ruling.

Issue

Can a motion to call a Government Order be made by a private Member?

Decision

No. Government Orders should be proposed by the Government.

Reasons given by the Speaker

The rules and precedents indicate that Government Orders may be called only as the Government sees fit, and this is done by the Government House Leader.

Sources cited

Standing Order 18(2).

Journals, May 14, 1956, p. 543.

Beauchesne, 3rd ed., p. 66, c. 136.

References

Debates, October 23, 1968, pp. 1943-5.