Questions Related to Content of Bills / Scope of Royal Recommendation

Scope of Royal Recommendation

Journals p. 82

Debates pp. 836-7

Background

During debate on the motion for second reading of Bill C-175, an Act respecting grain, Mr Baldwin (Peace River) raised a point of order with respect to the Royal Recommendation, on the grounds that it did not provide for all the charges that might result from the bill. After hearing other Members, the Speaker ruled on the specific point of order; he then expanded his remarks to include a statement on the Royal Recommendation in general.

Issue

Is it necessary that a Royal Recommendation cover all details of a bill?

Decision

No. All that is required is a general statement from His Excellency to the effect that he has looked at the bill and is recommending it to the attention of the House.

Reasons given by the Speaker

The Crown retains the financial initiative through a recommendation from the Governor General. The Royal Recommendation need not cover all details of a bill. A general recommendation from the Crown that the Governor General is recommending the bill to the attention of the House would be sufficient. The general recommendation is not to be confused with the resolution stage of a bill, which is no longer in use.

Sources cited

Journals, October 26, 1970, pp. 53-4.

Standing Order 62(1) and (2).

References

Debates, November 3, 1970, pp. 832-6.