Amendments to the Content of Bills / Report Stage

Infringing on financial initiative of Crown

Debates pp. 2723-4

Background

At report stage of Bill C‑12, an Act to amend the Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements and Established Programs Financing Act, 1977, the Speaker indicated that he had reservations regarding the admissibility of three of the motions standing in the name of Ms Jewett (New Westminster—Coquitlam). He stated that they infringed on the financial initiative of the Crown. The first two motions proposed to change the base year for calculations of cash contributions and entitlements. The third motion would change the basis for the calculation of the escalator used in determining the levels of post-secondary education entitlements. The Speaker heard procedural arguments from Ms Jewett before making his final ruling.

Issue

Is a motion in amendment in order if it infringes upon the financial initiative of the Crown?

Decision

No. The motions are out of order.

Reasons given by the Speaker

These amendments, were they to be adopted, would infringe on the financial initiative of the Crown. The first two motions call for greater expenditures than provided for in the Royal Recommendation. The third motion would mean an added charge on the public purse which requires a Royal Recommendation.