Amendments to Motions on Progress of Bills / Third Reading

Recommittal; beyond scope of bill

Journals p. 1024

Debates pp. 8602, 8605

Background

During debate on the motion for third reading of Bill C-150, an Act to amend the Criminal Code ..., Mr. Caouette (Témiscamingue) proposed an amendment to refer the bill back to committee with instructions to add a clause deferring the enactment of a specific clause in the bill until it had been approved by the Canadian people by a referendum. The Acting Speaker (Mr. Bechard) declared the amendment out of order. A point of order having been raised, the Acting Speaker heard the views of Members. The Speaker subsequently upheld the decision made by the Acting Speaker.

Issue

Is the amendment imposing a condition on the passage of the bill acceptable?

Decision

No. The amendment is out of order.

Reasons given by the Acting Speaker

The proposed amendment is not relevant to the motion for third reading. In addition, it proposes a referendum that would involve the expenditure of public funds, which can only be done by a Minister of the Crown.

References

Debates, May 12, 1969, pp. 8596-605.