Selected Decisions of Speaker Lucien Lamoureux 1966 – 1974
Amendments and Subamendments to Motions / Relevance
Direct negative
Journals p. 28
Debates p. 228
Background
During debate on the motion moved by Mr. Trudeau (Prime Minister), under Standing Order 43, that the House approve the Government's action in invoking the War Measures Act, Mr. Baldwin (Peace River) moved an amendment. He proposed that the Government introduce legislation comparable to the invocation of the War Measures Act. The Speaker expressed doubts as to the acceptability of the proposed amendment and heard comments from Members before ruling.
Issue
Is an amendment acceptable if it substitutes the original proposition with another?
Decision
No. The amendment is out of order.
Reasons given by the Speaker
The proposed amendment involves an entirely new proposition and on this basis is not acceptable. Furthermore, Members who wish to express their disapproval of a motion should vote against it, rather than propose an amendment that is actually a direct negative and goes against the rules.
Sources cited
Beauchesne, 4th ed., p. 170, c. 202(12); p. 171, c. 203(5).