Amendments to the Content of Bills / Report Stage

Motions in amendment, infringing on financial initiative of the Crown; beyond scope of bill

Journals p. 972

Debates p. 10246

Background

During proceedings at the report stage of Bill C-52, an Act amending various statutes to provide for changes in pensions, contributions, benefits etc., a point of order was raised by Mr. Knowles (Winnipeg North Centre) on the acceptability of most of the nine motions in amendment to the bill, particularly motions 6, 7 and 8 proposed by Mr. Lambert (Bellechasse).

Issue

Can amendments at report stage go beyond what is contained in an amending bill or include an expenditure of money?

Decision

The motions are out of order.

Reasons given by the Speaker

Amendments cannot propose the spending of money without the benefit of a Royal Recommendation. Not even the unanimous consent of the House would be sufficient to overcome the objection.

Amendments cannot seek to amend the parent Act of a bill since it is not before the House.