Bill C-347

An Act to amend the Constitution Act, 1867 (oath of office)

This enactment amends section 128 of the Constitution Act, 1867 to provide that every member of the Senate or House of Commons of Canada may, before taking their seat, choose to take and subscribe the oath of allegiance, an oath of office or both.

Constitution Act, 1867

[René Arseneault, Liberal, Madawaska—Restigouche, NB]

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-347, An Act to amend the Constitution Act, 1867 (oath of office).

Madam Speaker, today, I am pleased to introduce, seconded by the hon. member for Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook, Bill C‑347, an act to amend the Constitution Act, 1867, with regard to the oath of office. This bill amends section 128 of the Constitution Act, 1867, in order to provide that, before taking their seat, members of the Senate and the House of Commons can choose to take and subscribe the oath of allegiance or an oath of office, or both.

The fifth schedule to the Constitution Act, 1867, would be amended by adding the following after the oath of allegiance: “I A.B. do solemnly affirm that I will perform my duties in the best interest of Canada and in accordance with its Constitution”.

I want to be very clear. The purpose of the bill is not to detract from the monarchy's historic role in Canada but to provide an additional option for members and senators when they are sworn in. I therefore invite all parliamentarians to support this bill when the time comes.

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker, Carol Hughes]

I am wondering whether someone else can second the motion because the hon. member who was supposed to do so is not present in the House.

[An hon. member]

The hon. member for Willowdale will do it.

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker, Carol Hughes]

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

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker, Carol Hughes]

The hon. member for New Westminster—Burnaby on a point of order.

[Peter Julian, NDP, New Westminster—Burnaby, BC]

Madam Speaker, I listened with great interest to my colleague from Madawaska—Restigouche. As we know, members must not pass between the member speaking and the Chair. Unfortunately, the hon. member for Kingston and the Islands walked in front of the member who was speaking and obstructed the video a little because his head appeared while the hon. member for Madawaska—Restigouche was making his remarks.

Madam Speaker, I would ask you to remind all members not to pass between the Chair and the member who has the floor.

[Mark Gerretsen, Liberal, Kingston and the Islands, ON]

Madam Speaker, I want to apologize to you if I did indeed do that.

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker, Carol Hughes]

An apology is accepted, and I would hope that would also serve as an example of what we will try to avoid in the future.