Rules of Debate / Miscellaneous

Seconder of a Government motion

Debates p. 22176

Background

As debate was about to begin on the motion for third reading of Bill C-133, An Act to amend the Supplementary Retirement Benefits Act (No.2), Mr. Nickerson (Western Arctic) rose on a point of order to note that the motion had not been seconded by a Minister. After hearing Members' comments, the Acting Speaker (Mr. Corbin) declared that he would rule later on in the course of debate and that, in the meantime, he would allow debate to proceed.

Issue

Must a motion moved by a Minister necessarily be seconded by a Minister?

Decision

No. The motion may be seconded by any Member.

Reasons given by the Speaker

The Standing Orders do not require that the seconder be a Minister of the Crown. Only a Minister may move a Government motion, but any Member may second such a motion. The motion is thus in order and debate may proceed.

Sources cited

Standing Order 49(1).

Journals, November 18, 1982, p. 5361.

References

Debates, January 25, 1983, p. 22169.