Bill C-1

2nd Session, 40th Parliament,

57 Elizabeth II, 2009

house of commons of canada

BILL C-1

An Act respecting the administration of oaths of office

Whereas the introduction of a pro forma bill in the House of Commons before the consideration of the Speech from the Throne demonstrates the right of the elected representatives of the people to act without the leave of the Crown;

Whereas that custom, which can be traced to 1558 in the Parliament at Westminster, is practised in a number of jurisdictions having a parliamentary form of government;

And whereas it is desirable to explain and record the constitutional relationship represented by that custom;

Now, therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows:

1. This bill asserts the right of the House of Commons to give precedence to matters not addressed in the Speech from the Throne.