Introduced as a private member’s bill. (These don’t often become law.)
Status
Defeated, as of June 16, 2021 (This bill did not become law.)
Summary
This is from the published bill.
This enactment amends the Governor General’s Act to set the Governor General’s annual salary at $1. It also repeals Part II of the Act in order to remove the right to a retiring annuity and amends other acts in consequence.
Elsewhere
All sorts of information on this bill is available at LEGISinfo, an excellent resource from Parliament. You can also read the full text of the bill.
Bill numbers are reused for different bills each new session. Perhaps you were looking for one of these other C-271s:
C-271 (2022)
St. Lawrence River Capacity and Protection Act
C-271 (2016)
An Act to amend the Excise Tax Act (batteries for medical or assistive devices)
C-271 (2013)
Internet Child Pornography Prevention Act
C-271 (2011)
Internet Child Pornography Prevention Act
Votes
June 16, 2021Failed 2nd reading of Bill C-271, An Act to amend the Governor General’s Act
This is a computer-generated summary of the speeches below.
Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Bill C-271 proposes to amend the Governor General's Act, reducing the Governor General's annual salary to $1 and eliminating the right to a retirement annuity.
Bloc
Governor general's role is symbolic: The Bloc argues the Governor General's role is purely symbolic and should therefore receive only a symbolic salary of $1 per year, with no lifetime pension.
Excessive costs and expenses: The party highlights the excessive annual costs, salary, pension, and lifetime expenses associated with the Governor General's position as wasteful spending of taxpayer money.
Symbol of colonization: The Bloc views the Governor General and the monarchy as symbols of colonization and submission, arguing that Quebeckers overwhelmingly wish to abolish these outdated relics.
Conservative
opposes $1 salary and no pension: The Conservative party does not support the bill's proposal to pay the Governor General an annual salary of $1 and deny a pension, arguing it is insulting and makes the role inaccessible.
scandal caused by prime minister's failure: The bill arises from public anger over the previous Governor General's conduct, which Conservatives attribute to the Prime Minister's failure to properly vet the candidate and respond promptly to allegations.
governor general role is important: Despite the scandal, the role of Governor General is important for honouring Canadians, representing the monarchy, and providing a non-political locus of national loyalty.
address benefits for early departure: A better approach is Senator Carignan's bill, which would deny pension and expenses if a Governor General leaves the position early for reasons other than medical necessity.
NDP
Opposes bill C-271: The NDP opposes the bill, viewing it as a "stunt" and not a serious attempt to reform the office of the Governor General.
Bill does not address key issues: The bill fails to address crucial issues such as the proper vetting process for appointments and clear consequences for Governors General who fail in their duties.
Calls for reform of process and consequences: The party calls for reforms to the appointment process, including better vetting, and for clear consequences for Governors General who create toxic workplaces or otherwise fail in their role.
Pension for failed duty: The NDP argues that someone who leaves their post due to failing their obligations should not automatically receive a lifetime pension and expense account.
Liberal
Opposes $1 salary proposal: The party opposes reducing the Governor General's salary to $1, arguing it erodes the importance of the role, which is not just symbolic.
Highlights important duties: The Governor General performs essential constitutional duties, like approving legislation and handling hung parliaments, as well as demanding ceremonial functions.
Salary impacts candidate diversity: Reducing the salary to $1 would restrict the role to only wealthy individuals, limiting diversity and fairness in this important public office.
Calls for reform, not abolition: The party suggests reforming the Governor General's office, potentially reviewing salary and expenses, rather than abolishing the role or making it symbolic.
Pursuant to order made on Monday, January 25, the House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the motion at second reading stage of Bill C-271 under Private Members' Business.
Links & Sharing
(The House divided on the motion, which was negatived on the following division:)
