Amendments to Motions on Progress of Bills / Second Reading

Reference of private bill to Committee of the Whole

Debates pp. 4958-9

Background

During consideration of the motion for second reading of Bill S-5, an Act respecting the United Grain Growers, Mr. Harkness (Calgary North) requested the unanimous consent of the House for the bill to be considered in Committee of the Whole during the hour otherwise reserved for private Members' business. The Speaker invited the Members' comments before ruling.

Issue

Can a private bill be referred to Committee of the Whole?

Decision

Yes, but only by unanimous consent to suspend the relevant Standing Orders.

Reasons given by the Speaker

". . . this would be a very unusual, indeed unique, practice", since the Standing Orders provide that all private bills be automatically referred to certain committees. The Standing Orders are being departed from by the suspension of some of their provisions.

Sources cited

Standing Orders 102 and 105.

References

Journals, May 10, 1966, p. 526.

Debates, May 10, 1966, pp. 4956-60.