Selected Decisions of Speaker Lucien Lamoureux 1966 – 1974
Routine Proceedings / Introduction of Bills
Private Members' bills
Journals pp. 55-6
Debates pp. 690-1
Background
On March 18, when Mr. Reynolds (Burnaby-Richmond-Delta) sought to introduce a bill to amend the Canada Student Loans Act, the Speaker pointed out that the bill would create a charge upon the treasury because it sought to extend provisions of the Act to more categories of persons. Such a proposal would require a Royal Recommendation, which the bill lacked. The next day, March 19, Mr. Reynolds attempted to persuade the Speaker that "the bill does not say anything about spending money. The bill clearly wants the Government to allow people to apply for student loans if they wish to go to school part time. The Government could leave its Budget at the same amount as it is now... " The Speaker deferred his decision and ruled the next day.
Issue
Can a public bill be introduced and given first reading if it lacks a required Royal Recommendation?
Decision
No. The bill cannot be allowed to proceed.
Reasons given by the Speaker
The original Student Loans Act was adopted in 1964 and the Royal Recommendation which preceded it had force and effect for that session only. It would not be procedurally acceptable to suggest that the same recommendation could be valid a decade later for a proposition that would create a new and apparently direct and substantial charge on the treasury. Even if the Government itself were to propose a bill similar to that put forward by the Member, it would have to be supported by another recommendation.
Sources cited
Standing Order 62(1).