Precedence and Sequence of Business / Time Allocation Motion

Notice of motion

Debates pp. 21580-1

Background

During Routine Proceedings, Mr. Nielsen (Yukon) rose on a point of order to protest the manner in which the Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Whelan) gave notice of his intention to move a motion allocating an additional sitting day to consideration at report stage, and to third reading, of Bill C-85, An Act to establish Canagrex. According to Mr. Nielsen, the notice was out of order because it should have been given during Routine Proceedings or during debate on the bill in question. After hearing Members' comments, the Speaker ruled.

Issue

Can a notice of motion for time allocation be given at any time during a sitting?

Decision

Yes. The motion is in order.

Reasons given by the Speaker

The Minister met the requirements of the Standing Orders, in that the notice was given by him "from his place in the House" and "at a previous sitting". There are many precedents to indicate that giving notice at the stage at which the public bill in question is under consideration is not an essential condition. In consequence, the Speaker has to rule that the notice of motion to be made later this day by the Hon. Minister of Agriculture is in order.

Sources cited

Standing Order 75C.

Debates, March 9, 1976, p. 11639; February 11, 1981, p. 7147; March 25, 1981, p. 8615; June 8, 1981, p. 10373; July 27, 1982, p. 19756.

References

Debates, December 13, 1982, pp. 21551, 21556; December 14, 1982, pp. 21574-81.