Amendments to Motions on Progress of Bills / Second Reading

Reference of subject-matter to committee

Journals pp. 482-3

Debates p. 3939

Background

During debate on the motion for second reading of Bill C-163, an Act to implement a broadcasting policy for Canada ..., Mr. Brand (Saskatoon) proposed an amendment that the bill be not read a second time until the subject-matter of the bill had been referred to the Standing Committee on Broadcasting, Films and Assistance to the Arts, and the Committee had reported back. The Speaker invited Members to present their views respecting the admissibility of the amendment before he ruled.

Issue

Can the subject-matter of a bill be referred to a committee before second reading?

Decision

Yes. However, the proposed amendment is unacceptable in its present form and cannot be put.

Reasons given by the Speaker

The House may refer the subject-matter of a bill to committee at second reading, but the Chair is not disposed to change the established procedure in order to allow the amendment in its present form. As it is, the amendment includes a condition that second reading not take place "until the committee has reported to the House". Such a condition deviates from the standard form and renders the amendment out of order.

Sources cited

Beauchesne, 4th ed., p. 278, c. 386.

References

Debates, November 6, 1967, pp. 3933-9.