June 5, 1969

Journals p. 1125

Debates p. 9805

During consideration at report stage of Bill S-29, an Act respecting the production and conservation of oil and gas in the Yukon Territory and the Northwest Territories, Mr. Knowles (Winnipeg North Centre), speaking for Mr. Howard (Skeena), proposed as a motion in amendment that a clause be deleted and replaced by the following: "This Act shall come into force following a settlement mutually acceptable to the Crown and to the [indigenous people] ..., the said settlement relating to lands, resources and other tribal or community property rights of the said people". Mr. Chretien (Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs) rose on a point of order regarding the regularity of the motion in amendment, as the bill dealt solely with the production and development of oil resources in the Territories. After hearing Members' comments, the Acting Speaker (Mr. Bechard) ruled.

Issue

Does the motion in amendment exceed the scope of the bill?

Decision

Yes. The motion in amendment is thus out of order.

Reasons given by the Acting Speaker

This is a substantive motion that seeks to introduce a new question. "An amendment ... will not be entertained if it is beyond the scope of the bill, if it is inconsistent with clauses agreed to by the committee, or if it is in effect a redrafting of a clause which is already in the bill."

Sources cited

May, 17th ed., p. 558.

References

Debates, June 5, 1969, pp. 9802-5.