Amendments to Motions on Progress of Bills / Third Reading

Recommittal; beyond scope of bill

Journals pp. 220-1

Debates pp. 2099-100

Background

During debate on the motion for third reading of Bill C-171, an Act to amend the Company of Young Canadians Act, Mr. Schumacher (Palliser) moved that the bill, which provided for the appointment of a comptroller, "be not now read a third time but be referred back to Committee of the Whole with instructions that they have power to make provision for the dissolution of the Company of Young Canadians". Having "grave doubts" about the proposed amendment, the Deputy Speaker invited the Members to express their views before making his decision.

Issue

Is an amendment proposing that a bill be referred back to committee for addition of a specific provision admissible at third reading?

Decision

No. The amendment is out of order.

Reasons given by the Deputy Speaker

The scope of amendments at third reading is much more limited than at second reading. The proposed amendments must deal only with the particulars of the bill before the House rather than matters not contained in it. This amendment exceeds the scope of the bill and could nullify the original Act.

Sources cited

Beauchesne, 4th ed., p. 287, c. 415(1); p. 288, c. 418.

References

Debates, December 17, 1969, pp. 2097-9.