[Download] "Pro Forma Bills and Parliamentary Independence from the Crown (Essay)" by Canadian Parliamentary Review * Book PDF Kindle ePub Free
eBook details
- Title: Pro Forma Bills and Parliamentary Independence from the Crown (Essay)
- Author : Canadian Parliamentary Review
- Release Date : January 22, 2009
- Genre: Law,Books,Professional & Technical,
- Pages : * pages
- Size : 281 KB
Description
Historically, before the Speech from the Throne may be tabled, let alone debated, in each chamber of Parliament a private members' public bill was introduced 'pro forma' (meaning for form's sake). This tradition goes back 400 years in Britain and like many ancient traditions some of its significance has been forgotten over time. In 2008, the Canadian Government broke with that tradition and introduced government bills summarizing the claim of privilege it identified as being enjoyed by each chamber. This paper reviews the history of 'pro forma' bills, placing them in their original context so as to show that the claim of privileges and rights, all of which were fought for and obtained before the advent of responsible government and are the cornerstones of the legislative branch of government, are more multilayered than is described in these two new bills. It notes that the very act of substituting these new bills is reflective of the increasing domination of the legislative agenda by the Crown. It concludes by recommending that the new format be modified and that MPs and Senators who are not Ministers or Parliamentary Secretaries be selected as movers for the 'pro forma' bill, and that bills be chosen that better embrace the full breadth of rights and privileges claimed by the Commons, the Senate and members of Parliament. **********