Amendments and Subamendments to Motions / Relevance

Beyond scope of motion

Journals p. 719

Debates pp. 7076-7

Background

During the debate on the motion of Mr. Pearson (Prime Minister) that "this House does not regard its vote of February 19 in connection with third reading of Bill C-193, [an Act to amend the Income Tax Act], which had been carried in all previous stages, as a vote of non-confidence in the Government", Mr. Dionne (Kamouraska) proposed an amendment. He sought to add to the motion an assurance that the Government would not present the bill again in the current session, and that taxpayers would receive credit for any sums collected in anticipation of the passage of Bill C-193. The Speaker asked for comments from Members before announcing his decision on the acceptability of the amendment.

Issue

Is the amendment relevant to the motion?

Decision

No. The amendment cannot be accepted.

Reasons given by the Speaker

The motion states clearly that the vote of the House was not one of non-confidence in the Government. The amendment, however, seeks to add irrelevant conditions. It also raises a new proposition and can only be presented to the House as a substantive motion with notice.

Sources cited

Beauchesne, 4th ed., p. 171, c. 203(1), (5).

References

Debates, February 28, 1968, pp. 7072-6.