Routine Proceedings / Committee Reports

Recommittal

Debates p. 9476

Background

During debate on a motion for concurrence in the Third Report of the Standing Committee on Finance, Trade and Economic Affairs, Mr. Thacker (Lethbridge—Foothills) moved an amendment to refer the report back to committee. The amendment would empower the Committee to amend the report so as to recommend expeditious passage of a Government bill then before the House. The Opposition House Leaders contended that the amendment was out of order because it attempted to confer powers which the Committee already possessed when it prepared its report. The Speaker ruled immediately.

Issue

Can an amendment to the motion for concurrence in a committee report recommit the report with an instruction that the committee have the power to amend the report so as to make specific recommendations?

Decision

Yes. The amendment is in order.

Reasons given by the Speaker

Once a committee has reported to the House, it has no power over its report; only the House has power over the report, and while it cannot amend the report, it can refer it back to committee for reconsideration in whole or in part.

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Sources cited

Beauchesne, 5th ed., pp. 205-6, c. 660.

References

Debates, December 13, 1985, pp. 9471-2, 9475-7.