Precedence and Sequence / Miscellaneous

Resemblance to another bill

Journals p. 218

Debates p. 1131

Background

During debate on the motion for second reading of Bill C-170, an Act to provide for the payment of benefits with respect to children, Mr. McGrath (St. John's East) rose on a point of order. He maintained that since another bill purporting to amend the Income Tax Act in a manner similar to the bill under consideration was currently pending in the Senate, it would be irregular to proceed with the second reading motion.

Issue

Does the similarity between a clause in one bill and the subject-matter of another pending in the Senate constitute grounds for a valid point of order?

Decision

No, there is no point of order.

Reasons given by the Speaker

Although the House should not be asked to decide twice on the same question in the same session, "... no decision has been taken by this House in the current session, which began a few days ago, which would prevent anyone from proposing legislation of the nature before us at the present". Two or more pieces of similar legislation may be proposed within the same session; however, once a decision has been reached on one of them, it would be irregular for the House to consider the others during the same session.

References

Debates, March 24, 1972, pp. 1130-1.