Questions Related to Content of Bills / Estimates

Legislative items; grants

Debates pp. 21425-6

Background

On December 8, Mr. Stevens (York—Peel) raised a point of order to question the alleged irregularity of two votes in the Supplementary Estimates (B) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 1983. The votes in question were 26b and 27b, concerning payments of $200 million as equity to de Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited and Canadair Limited, two commercial enterprises to be transferred to the Canada Development Investment Corporation. According to the Member, these votes were irregular because they were not based upon legislative authority and, therefore, they should be deleted from the Estimates. After hearing Member's comments, the Speaker took the matter under consideration and ruled the next day.

Issue

Must votes authorizing the granting of sums of money be based on existing legislation?

Decision

Yes. In this case, the two votes in question are proper.

Reasons given by the Speaker

These votes are based on the Appropriation Acts of 1973 and 1975. Therefore, the two votes are being presented to the House in proper form. What is important is that the votes must be presented in a clear manner within the Estimates, and the grouping of these votes under a given title or heading is of no importance.

Sources cited

Beauchesne, 5th ed., p. 169, c. 484; p. 170, c. 487(2).

Appropriation Act No. 4, 1973, S.C. 1973-74, c. 16.

Appropriation Act, No. 3, 1975, S.C. 1974-75-76, c. 57.

References

Debates, December 8, 1982, pp. 21398-401.