Amendments to the Content of Bills / Report Stage

Infringing on financial initiative of the Crown

Journals pp. 1172-3

Debates p. 10218

Background

During consideration at report stage of Bill C-195, an Act to amend the Fisheries Improvement Loans Act, Mr. Crouse (South Shore) proposed a motion in amendment that would raise the amount that could be borrowed under the terms of the Act from $25,000 to $50,000. The Speaker had serious doubts about the acceptability of the motion in amendment, and asked the Member to present arguments before he ruled.

Issue

Does the motion in amendment infringe on the Crown's financial initiative?

Decision

Yes. The motion in amendment is out of order.

Reasons given by the Speaker

The motion in amendment "proposes an increase in the amount of a loan that may be made under the provisions of the bill ... An amendment infringes on the financial initiative of the Crown not only if it increases the amount but also if it extends the objects and purposes or relaxes the conditions and qualifications expressed in the communication by which the Crown has demanded or recommended a charge. This standard is binding not only on private Members but also on Ministers."

Sources cited

Beauchesne, 4th ed., p. 207, c. 246(3).

References

Debates, June 17, 1969, pp. 10217-8.