Precedence and Sequence / Estimates

Notice to oppose

Journals pp. 401-2

Debates pp. 3416-7

Background

As the Deputy Speaker put the motion to concur in Vote 1 of the Main Estimates for the Department of Communications for the fiscal year ending March 31, 1973, Mr. Knowles (Winnipeg North Centre) rose on a point of order. He suggested that the notice of opposition to that item standing in the name of Mr. Barnett (Comox-Alberni) should be put first. Mr. Knowles said that this notice of opposition proposed to reduce the amount of the item rather than merely to oppose it in its entirety, and should therefore be given precedence. In concluding, he stated that since opposition motions are given priority on supply days, the notice of opposition should be put before the vote on the estimates item. After hearing further procedural arguments, the Deputy Speaker ruled.

Issue

What is the character of a notice to oppose?

Decision

A notice to oppose an item in the Estimates is not in itself a motion. Its effect is only to place a particular item before the House for consideration separately from the other, unopposed, items.

Reasons given by the Speaker

The Standing Orders are clear that a notice to oppose any item in the Estimates is not a motion. The motion before the House is the item which the notice opposes, "and Members have the right to vote for or against it".

Sources cited

Standing Order 58(4) (a).

Journals, December 6, 1968, pp. 429-31.

References

Debates, June 22, 1972, pp. 3415-6.