Bill C-271 (Historical)

An Act to amend the Governor General’s Act

This bill is from the 43rd Parliament, 2nd session, which ended in August 2021.

Sponsor

Simon Marcil  Bloc

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, 2021 Failed 2nd reading of Bill C-271, An Act to amend the Governor General’s Act

Governor General's ActRoutine Proceedings

February 19th, 2021 / 1:10 p.m.

Bloc

Simon Marcil Bloc Mirabel, QC

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-271, An Act to amend the Governor General’s Act.

Madam Speaker, today I am pleased to introduce a bill to reduce the amount of money that Quebeckers pay to support the monarchy. I am sure that all of my colleagues will be pleased to support it out of respect for the taxpayers they represent.

The monarchy is an outdated, archaic and undemocratic institution based on the idea that we are not equal. To remain connected to it in any way is tantamount to saying that we agree to submit, which is obviously out of the question. It goes against our values of freedom and equality.

It is outrageous to pay $270,000 a year to a representative of the monarchy. We are told it is a symbolic position, so let us solve the problem by providing only a symbolic salary for this position. We are proposing a salary of $1 a year. We are also proposing to do away with the generous retirement pension for the Queen's representative. To be frank, even $1 is far too much, but as members know, our party is all about compromise.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)