Selected Decisions of Speaker Lucien Lamoureux 1966 – 1974
Amendments to the Content of Bills / Report Stage
Infringing on financial initiative of the Crown
Journals p. 829
Debates p. 8191
Background
Before consideration at report stage of Bill C-262, an Act to support employment in Canada ..., the Speaker assessed the motions in amendment which had been filed and expressed doubt about the acceptability of the motion by Mr. Burton (Regina East). The motion proposed to amend a clause by adding a provision involving an income support grant for farmers and fishermen. When the motion came up later for debate, the Speaker invited Members to comment before he ruled.
Issue
ls a motion in amendment which broadens the objectives and purposes of the Royal Recommendation acceptable?
Decision
No. The motion in amendment is out of order.
Reasons given by the Speaker
Once passed, the motion in amendment would make possible the payment of an income support grant to fishermen and farmers; the clause to be amended, however, deals exclusively with the provision of employment support grants. Consequently, the motion in amendment would affect the terms of the Recommendation. An amendment infringes on the Crown's financial initiative if "it increases the amount, extends the objectives and purposes, or relaxes the conditions and qualifications expressed in the communication by which the Crown has demanded or recommended a charge".
Sources cited
Beauchesne, 4th ed., p. 207, c. 246(3).