Selected Decisions of Speaker James Jerome 1974-1979
Amendments to the Content of Bills / Report Stage
Motions in amendment, beyond scope of bill
Journals p. 881
Debates p. 9430
Background
At the report stage of Bill C-73, an Act to provide for the restraint of profit margins, prices, dividends and compensation in Canada (Anti-inflation Act), Mr. Stevens (York Simcoe) proposed an amendment, the effect of which would control spending by the government.
Issue
ls such an amendment beyond the scope of the bill?
Decision
The amendment is beyond the scope of the bill and out of order.
Reasons given by the Speaker
An amendment to control government spending is beyond the scope of a bill intended to control wages and prices.
Such an amendment cannot be offered to the clause relating to the application of the bill.
References
Debates, November 25, 1975, pp. 9417-8.