Amendments to Motions on Progress of Bills / Third Reading

Recommittal; beyond scope of bill

Journals p. 829

Debates p. 7055

Background

During debate on the motion for third reading of Bill C-173, an Act respecting the organization of the Government of Canada and matters relating or incidental thereto, Mr. Gilbert (Broadview) proposed that the bill be not now read a third time, but be referred back to Committee of the Whole to be amended to provide for the creation of a Department of Housing and Urban Affairs. Having doubts about the acceptability of the amendment, the Acting Speaker (Mr. Bechard) invited comments from Members before ruling.

Issue

Is an amendment recommending that a committee add a specific proposition acceptable at third reading?

Decision

In this case, no. The amendment is out of order.

Reasons given by the Acting Speaker

The proposed amendment exceeds the scope of the bill. Amendments moved at third reading may not include matters not contained in the bill.           ·

Sources cited

Beauchesne, 4th ed., p. 288, c. 418.

References

Debates, March 24, 1969, pp. 7054-5.