Amendments to the Content of Bills / Report Stage

Infringing on financial initiative of the Crown

Journals p. 301

Debates pp. 2326-7

Background

During consideration at report stage of Bill C-207, an Act to amend the Old Age Security Act, the Speaker expressed doubts about the acceptability of the motions in amendment by Mr. Rodrigte (Beauce), Mr. Laprise (Abitibi), Mr. Fortin (Lotbiniere) and Mr. Gauthier (Roberval). The motions were concerned with age requirements and levels of payment; in each case they appeared to involve a charge on the treasury. Before ruling, the Speaker invited Members' comments.

Issue

Can motions in amendment propose expenditures in addition to, or in excess of, those contained in the bill?

Decision

No. The motions in amendment are out of order.

Reasons given by the Speaker

The motions in amendment are out of order because they involve additional expenditures and thus infringe on the Crown's financial initiative. A private Member may not introduce a bill or an amendment entailing expenditures of public funds unless it is accompanied by a Royal Recommendation.

References

Debates, May 16, 1972, pp. 2325-7.