Questions Related to Content of Bills / Ways and Means Motion

Scope; borrowing authority

Journals pp. 1160-1

Debates p. 6319

Background

On January 16, when the order was called for second reading of Bill C‑54, An Act to amend the statute law relating to income tax and to provide other authority for the raising of funds, Mr. Andre (Calgary Centre) rose on a point of order to argue that the bill did not correspond to the Ways and Means motion on which it was based. In his view, the bill, which was in two parts, contained a borrowing authority provision which was not included in the Ways and Means motion. After hearing Members' comments, the Speaker reserved her ruling until several days later, while allowing the debate to proceed.

Issue

Are borrowing authority provisions included in the Ways and Means motion on which the bill is based?

Decision

No. A separate notice of motion must be given. (The Chair accordingly ordered that the bill be reprinted with the necessary changes.)

Reasons given by the Speaker

Prior to 1975, it was the practice to include a borrowing authority in the supply bill. Subsequently, borrowing authority has been granted by means of separate legislation. As specific notice for the borrowing provisions was lacking, these provisions, as contained in Part I of the bill, should be struck from the bill.

Sources cited

Standing Order 42(1).

Journals, December 9, 1975, p. 924; November 5, 1976, p. 114; October 20, 1978, p. 42.

References

Debates, January 16, 1981, pp. 6276-82.