Amendments and Subamendments to Motions / Relevance

Subamendment; beyond scope of the amendment

Debates p. 14342

Background

During consideration of a non-confidence motion moved by Mr. Clark (Leader of the Opposition) concerning the business of supply which asked the House to reject the budget presented by Mr. MacEachen (Minister of Finance), Mr. Broadbent (Oshawa) introduced an amendment proposing the establishment of a compulsory plan for lower interest mortgage rates and the imposition of a tax on the excessive profits earned by banks. Afterwards, Mr. Wilson (Etobicoke Centre) introduced a subamendment aimed at requiring the tabling of a white paper to explain these two measures, which would be studied by a special committee of the House. After expressing doubts as to the admissibility of the subamendment, the Acting Speaker (Mr. Blaker) heard comments from Members before making a ruling.

Issue

Is the subamendment relevant to the amendment?

Decision

No. The subamendment is therefore out of order.

Reasons given by the Acting Speaker

The aim of a subamendment is to "attempt to explain the substance of the amendment" and not to substitute an entirely new proposal. In this case, the subamendment enlarges the scope of the amendment since it calls for the production of a white paper and the creation of a special committee, which constitutes new matters.

Sources cited

Beauchesne, 4th ed., p. 169, c. 202(3); p. 171, c. 203(5); 5th ed., p. 155, c. 438(2).

Reference

Debates, January 26, 1982, pp. 14336-42.