Point of Order
January 19, 1970
Texts
Hon. Lucien Lamoureux
Speaker of the House
Ruling Text
It would appear that there is a difference between the two texts of the proposed bill. However, in this particular case it seems that the difference is more of form than of substance. Nonetheless, it is not the duty of the Speaker to settle such questions. If it were, there would be the significant problem of deciding which version reflects the real intention of those who drafted the bill. A possible solution to the problem, as suggested during discussion on the point of order, would be to consider it during committee stage, "when the question could be submitted to the Minister's advisers". This would be more logical, practical and efficient. Nevertheless, a solution to this question could not be proposed at the stage of second reading by way of an amendment. To amend the preamble or any clause at this stage would be contrary to the rules. Moreover, "a private Member cannot move an amendment to the preamble of a bill".
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Holding
"The Chair will not rule on textual discrepancies within a bill, as determining legislative intent is not the Speaker's role; such matters should be addressed during the committee stage."
AI Summary
The Speaker rules that a textual discrepancy in a bill is a matter for the committee stage, not for the Chair to resolve at second reading.
AI Analysis
- Outcome
- Denied
- Tone
- Educational
- Procedural Stage
- Second Reading
- Significance
Low
High