Precedence and Sequence / Miscellaneous

Notices of motions; private Members'

Journals pp. 73-5

Debates pp. 665-6

Background

When the sitting opened, Mr. Baldwin (Peace River) rose on a point of order regarding his notice of motion on the Order Paper, the main intent of which was to appoint a committee to introduce a bill amending the Farm Creditors Arrangement Act. He argued that the notice of motion should have appeared under Routine Proceedings rather than Private Members' Notices of Motions. After hearing Members' comments, the Speaker ruled.

Issue

Can a motion by a private Member that a committee be formed to draw up a bill and table it in the House be introduced during Routine Proceedings?

Decision

No. The motion must be considered during the time allotted for private Members' business.

Reasons given by the Speaker

Although the Standing Orders provide for the introduction of bills during Routine Proceedings, they do not allow for a motion to empower a committee to draw up a bill, nor is there any precedent for such a procedure. A proposed motion of this type might be considered under Government Orders, but because this one was entered in the name of a private Member, it can only be considered under Private Members' Notices of Motions. Further, two notices of motion now appear in the Member's name on the Order Paper, although he is only entitled to one. Consequently, the notice of motion under consideration must be withdrawn from the Order Paper.

Sources cited

Standing Orders 15(2), (4) and 68(1).

References

Debates, November 10, 1969, pp. 661-5.