Amendments to the Content of Bills / Report Stage

Motion in amendment, beyond scope of clause

Journals p. 1398

Debates pp. 7717, 7727

Background

During consideration at the report stage of Bill C-17, an Act respecting the reorganization of Air Canada, the Speaker expressed reservations as to the acceptability of certain motions to amend put by Mr. Mazankowski (Vegreville). One of the motions sought to make certain operations carried on by Air Canada in Canada and abroad (described in Clause 6) subject to public hearings and the publication of a notice in the Canada Gazette.

Issue

Is the motion acceptable?

Decision

The motion is unacceptable.

Reasons given by the Speaker

The motion introduces an element that is completely foreign to the clause it seeks to amend by adding provisions relating to public hearings. In so doing, it goes beyond the scope of that clause.

Authorities cited

Beauchesne, 4th ed., p. 171, c. 203(3).

May, 19th ed., p. 521.