Amendments to the Content of Bills / Report Stage

Beyond scope of bill

Journals pp. 618-9

Debates pp. 7519-20

Background

At the beginning of report stage consideration of Bill C-132, an Act to provide for the review and assessment of acquisitions of control of Canadian business enterprises ..., the Speaker reviewed all motions in amendment that had been filed, and expressed his reservations concerning the acceptability of the motion standing in the name of Mr. Nystrom (Yorkton Melville). The motion proposed that the Canadian Development Corporation be given first option to buy equity in foreign companies that had enjoyed growth benefits while operating in Canada. After suggesting that this was a new proposal, the Speaker invited comments from Members before making his ruling.

Issue

Is the motion in amendment beyond the scope of the bill?

Decision

Yes, and is therefore not acceptable.

Reasons given by the Speaker

The proposed motion is beyond the scope of the bill. Furthermore, if the motion were accepted, nothing in the bill could give effect to it as additional legislation and amendments would be required. This fact alone indicates the proposed motion is not acceptable.

Sources cited

May, 18th ed., p. 508.

References

Debates, November 5, 1973, pp. 7518-9.