Amendments to Motions on Progress of Bills / Second Reading

Seeking to amend clause

Journals p. 170

Debates p. 1615

Background

When debate resumed on the motion for second reading of Bill S-10, an Act respecting the Interprovincial Pipe Line Company, Mr. Peters (Timiskaming) moved an amendment that would alter the clause in the bill dealing with the company's capital stock. The Speaker ruled immediately.

Issue

Is an amendment directed at a particular clause in a bill acceptable at second reading?

Decision

No. The proposed amendment is out of order.

Reasons given by the Speaker

''A motion opposing second reading of a bill must not anticipate amendments which may be moved in committee." A Member may move an amendment relating to the principle of a bill before the House, but may not move an amendment at second reading that refers to a particular clause.

Sources cited

Beauchesne, 4th ed., pp. 279-80, c. 389.

References

Debates, February 22, 1966, pp. 1614-5.