While there's great sympathy from the chair also with Mr. McGuinty's amendment, I am advised that it is inadmissible. The ruling I have states that
Bill C-11 creates, among other things, a new mediation process for transportation matters. Amendment L-5 proposes a new clause, which would create a separate scheme for multiple shippers within the final-offer arbitration process, and Bill C-11 does not address any issues relating to the final-offer arbitration process.
I would refer you to page 654 of House of Commons Procedure and Practice:
An amendment to a bill that was referred to a committee after second reading is out of order if it is beyond the scope and principle of the bill.
Therefore, it is my opinion that the introduction of a new scheme for shippers within the final-offer arbitration process—while I think there is agreement around the table that it is needed—is a new concept that is beyond the scope of Bill C-11 and therefore inadmissible.
I'll entertain one comment from each party, and then we'll move on.
Mr. McGuinty.