Amendments to Motions on Progress of Bills / Third Reading

Recommittal; beyond scope of bill

Journals p. 492

Debates pp. 4100-1

Background

During debate on the motion for third reading of Bill C-134, an Act to amend the Coastal Fisheries Protection Act, Mr. Crouse (South Shore) moved that the bill be not now read a third time but be referred to the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Forestry with instruction to consider inserting a new provision to allow the provinces the right to determine if foreign fishing vessels would have entry to their fishing zones. After a short debate on the amendment, and before putting the question, the Deputy Speaker indicated that he had certain reservations about the amendment's admissibility.

Issue

Can an amendment to have a new provision inserted in a bill be moved at third reading?

Decision

No, not usually. In this case, however, the amendment has been moved and debated in the House. Accordingly, "the House ought to decide on it". [The amendment was negatived.]

Reasons given by the Deputy Speaker

After further study of the amendment, a caveat should be entered about its admissibility since it seems to exceed the scope of the bill.

References

Debates, February 25, 1970, pp. 4094-100.