Questions Related to Content of Bills / Scope of Royal Recommendation

Scope of Royal Recommendation

Journals p. 53

Debates p. 575

Background

When the motion was called for second reading of Bill C-3, an Act respecting investment companies, Mr. Lambert (Edmonton West), on a point of order, stated that the Royal Recommendation accompanying the bill was inadequate as it did not provide for coverage of the losses suffered by the corporation named in the bill, and that it should be corrected accordingly.

Issue

Can consideration of a bill at second reading continue if the Royal Recommendation is incomplete, provided that the necessary corrections are made later?

Decision

Yes. Corrections may be made to a Royal Recommendation before the question is put on the motion for second reading.

Reasons given by the Speaker

If the recommendation is incomplete, it is possible for the Crown to make the necessary corrections, as has been done in the past. To avoid delay, consideration of the bill may resume, but the question on the motion for second reading will not be put until a decision has been reached or the connections have been made.

References

Debates, October 26, 1970, pp. 574-5.