Privilege / Miscellaneous

Tabling of notices of Ways and Means motions during the Address Debate

Journals pp. 86-8

Debates pp. 459-61

Background

On April 21, during the debate on the Address in Reply to the Speech from the Throne, Mr. MacEachen (Minister of Finance) made a statement concerning the Government's fiscal measures and financial situation and he tabled notices of Ways and Means motions. The following day, Mr. Baker (Nepean—Carleton) rose on a question of privilege to argue that the Minister of Finance infringed on the privileges of the House by introducing a debate on the Budget by way of the Address Debate, thus preventing the holding of a debate as provided by the Standing Orders. After hearing comments from Members, the Speaker took the matter under consideration and ruled a few days later.

Issue

Does the fact that the Minister of Finance tabled notices of Ways and Means motions during the Address Debate constitute a question of privilege?

Decision

No. There is no prima facie case of privilege.

Reasons given by the Speaker

Even if the Member denounces the lack of debate on what he considers to be a budget presentation, the fact is that the Minister never stated that he was making a budget presentation. However, it is established that the Minister, as any Member, has the right to discuss any subject during the Address Debate. Moreover, the Standing Orders clearly establish that it is not necessary to make a budget presentation in order to table notices of Ways and Means motions and that these can be tabled at any time.

Sources cited

Standing Order 60(1).

Debates, October 20, 1977, p. 97.

References

Debates, April 21, 1980, pp. 241-8; April 22, 1980, pp. 265-85.