Selected Decisions of Speaker James Jerome 1974-1979
Amendments to the Content of Bills / Report Stage
Motions in amendment, infringing on financial initiative of the Crown
Background
As consideration of the report stage of Bill C-69, an Act to amend the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1971, was about to begin, the Speaker made a statement to the House as to the procedural acceptability of the motions in amendment which had been filed. Two of the motions, 4 and 6, standing in the name of Mr. Rodriguez (Nickel Belt) appeared to be out of order in the opinion of the Chair. The effect of the motions was "to introduce into the bill a concept larger than that originally envisaged in the Royal Recommendation in that they would extend the qualifying period to those who are on strike lawfully and to those who are out of work for the purpose of establishing a self-employed operation. Both would appear to increase benefits by extending the period of qualification." Despite these misgivings, the Speaker indicated that he was willing to hear arguments from Members when the motions were called later that day.
Issue
Are motions in amendment acceptable if they propose or involve an expenditure of money which has not been sanctioned by a Royal Recommendation?
Decision
No, they are not acceptable.
Reasons given by the Deputy Speaker
Any expenditure of money has to be accompanied by a Royal Recommendation. In this particular case, the Royal Recommendation does not specify the categories of people to be included or excluded from the unemployment insurance; however, the bill to which the Royal Recommendation is attached does. In the judgment of the Chair "the Royal Recommendation is limited by the bill."
May's 18th edition states that amendments or new clauses creating public charges cannot be proposed.
Authorities cited
Beauchesne, 4th ed., pp. 206-7, c. 246.
May, 18th ed., pp. 508-10.
References
Journals, December 15, 1975, pp. 936-7.