Amendments to the Content of Bills / Report Stage

Motions in amendment, beyond scope of bill

Journals p.1090

Debates p. 11556

Background

During consideration of the report stage of Bill C-61, an Act to provide a maritime code for Canada, a point of order was raised by Mr. Forrestall (Dartmouth—Halifax East) seeking the decision of the Acting Speaker (Mr. Turner) on the acceptability of a particular motion in amendment which had the affect of amending another statute, the Arctic Waters Pollution Prevention Act.

Issue

Can an amendment seek to amend a statute which is not presently before the House?

Decision

The amendment is out of order.

Reasons given by the Acting Speaker

The amendment goes beyond the scope of the bill.

Authority cited

Beauchesne, 4th ed., p. 285, c. 406.