Amendments and Subamendments to Motions / Amendment Beyond Scope of Motion in Amendment at Report Stage

Amendment beyond scope of motion in amendment at report stage

Journals p. 1418

Debates pp. 15216-7

Background

During consideration at the report stage of Bill C-84, an Act to amend the Criminal Code, Mr. Halliday (Oxford) proposed an amendment to a motion standing in the name of Mr. Fortin (Lotbiniere). A point of order was raised by Mr. Blais (Nipissing) challenging the introduction of the "amendment" at this time without the unanimous consent of the House since the requirement of 24 hours notice under Standing Order 75 had not been met. Mr. Knowles (Winnipeg North Centre) noted that the amendment appeared to introduce "substance which is new to what is already there".

Issue

Can amendments be moved to report stage motions? If so, does this amendment introduce a new concept to the report stage motion?

Decision

The amendment is not in order.

Reasons given by the Speaker

Amendments may be moved to report stage motions. The amendment to this report stage motion, however, introduces a new concept; it must, therefore, be put forth as a separate report stage motion which requires notice. As an amendment, it must be rejected.

Authority cited

Standing Order 75.

References

Debates, July 9, 1976, pp. 15215-6.