Amendments to the Content of Bills / Report Stage

Infringing on financial initiative of the Crown

Journals p. 434

Debates p. 3542

Background

At the outset of report stage consideration of Bill C-170, an Act to provide for the payment of benefits in respect of children, the Speaker gave his assessment as to the procedural acceptability of the motions in amendment which had been filed, and expressed doubts about the motion by Mr. Marshall (Humber-St. George's-St. Barbe), which added a clause having financial implications for the bill. Later, when the motion in amendment was called, the Acting Speaker (Mr. Laniel) ruled immediately.

Issue

Can a motion in amendment involving financial benefits beyond those set out in the bill be accepted?

Decision

No; therefore it is out of order.

Reasons given by the Acting Speaker

The motion in amendment "proposes to add a new clause which would have the effect of suspending the provision relating to a benefit as defined in the bill and provide for a period in advance of the defined benefit year . . . [T]his would have the effect of initiating payments in certain cases four months prior to the date which is provided for in the bill and in the recommendation ... [T]his represents a clear financial implication which could not be undertaken without a Recommendation."

References

Debates, June 27, 1972, p. 3533.