Rules of Debate / Relevance

Report stage

Debates p. 2360

Background

During debate at report stage on Bill C-207, an Act to amend the Old Age Security Act, Mr. Fortin (Lotbinière) rose to discuss various provisions of the bill. Mr. Munro (Minister of Health and Welfare), on a point of order, suggested that the rule of relevance should be applied and Mr. Fortin's remarks be confined to the amendment under consideration. After listening to the Member's comments, the Acting Speaker (Mr. Laniel) ruled.

Issue

Can debate at report stage deal with the bill as a whole?

Decision

No. Debate must be limited to the motion in amendment and the affected clause.

Reasons given by the Acting Speaker

At report stage, the rule of relevance applies specifically and stipulates that the debate must bear formally on the amendment and the clause before the House.