Routine Proceedings / Introduction of Bills

Private Members' bills

Journals pp. 553

Debates pp. 6495-6

Background

On July 23, when the House reached the stage for the introduction of bills, the Speaker intervened and told Mr. Stackhouse (Scarborough East) of certain procedural difficulties relating to his proposed bill to amend the Family Allowances Act. Specifically, the Speaker said that as the proposed bill sought to expand the classes of individuals who could benefit under the Family Allowances Act, the bill needed a Royal Recommendation. The Chair suggested that the Member consider how to overcome this objection. On September 12, Mr. Stackhouse advised the Chair that he would withdraw his bill once he was satisfied that the Government's own proposed amendments to the Family Allowances Act matched the objective of his bill. The Chair pointed out, however, that it was not competent for a Member to suggest withdrawing a bill conditionally.

Issue

Can a public bill be allowed to proceed if it lacks a necessary Royal Recommendation?

Decision

No. The bill should be removed from the Order Paper.

Reasons given by the Speaker

"A bill, or an amendment to a bill cannot propose the expenditure of fonds without a recommendation of the Crown." Since the present bill is not accompanied by a Royal Recommendation, it cannot be put to the House at this time.

Sources cited

Beauchesne, 4th ed., pp. 214-5, cc. 249(1), 250.

References

Debates, July 23, 1973, p. 5860; September 12, 1973, p. 6462.