Amendments to the Content of Bills / Report Stage

Scope of the bill

Debates p. 4232

Background

When the House proceeded to the report stage of Bill C-15 (Investment Canada Act) on April 23, 1985, the Speaker made a preliminary statement regarding the procedural acceptability of several motions, and invited comments from the Members before making a final ruling. In particular, the Speaker suggested that Motion No. 33, standing in the name of Mr. Axworthy (Winnipeg—Fort Garry), sought to establish a Cabinet committee not envisaged in the bill and was therefore a new proposition which went beyond the four comers of the bill. Mr. Axworthy argued that since the Minister had indicated his intention to consult with colleagues in Cabinet, the purpose of the propose d amendment was to formalize that consultation in legislation so as to clarify the procedures for those who might be affected by the bill. Mr. Hnatyshyn (President of the Privy Council) questioned whether Parliament could create a Cabinet committee, and asserted that the amendment was clearly beyond the scope of the bill.

Issue

Is it in order to amend the bill to create a Cabinet committee with which the Minister is to consult?

Decision

No. The proposed amendment cannot be put.