November 21, 1867

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Joseph Bellerose (Conservative, Laval), introduced a Bill respecting the rafting of timber on navigable rivers.

David Mills (Liberal, Bothwell) has introduced a Bill that would disqualify members of provincial legislatures from sitting or voting in the Senate or House of Commons.

LOCAL MINISTERS IN THE COMMONS

Along with the introduction of the Bill by Mr. Mills which would cover all members of provincial legislatures, Luther Holton (Liberal, Châteauguay) raised a question of privilege over the legitimacy of provincial cabinet ministers sitting in the Commons. The question, Holton said, was whether or not “placemen,” those holding Crown appointments, with the exception of members of the Government and officers in the army and navy, were precluded by the Independence of Parliament Act from sitting in the Commons.

Holton began his remarks with the caveat that he raised “the question in no spirit of dogmatism or captiousness, but as a simple and earnest enquirer” and that he hoped that it was in that spirit the question would be discussed.

Following a lengthy debate, Sir John A. Macdonald said Holton was right to raise the matter and suggested that the question be postponed until members had some time to consult the authorities.

HOUSE BUSINESS

Prior to the adjournment, Sir John A. Macdonald allowed that the Government hoped to pass the following pieces of legislation prior to the December adjournment:

• the Post-Office Act;
• the Intercolonial loan bill;
• the Tariff and Excise laws;
• the Customs Regulation Act;
• the Excise Regulation Act;
• the Habeas Corpus Act;
• the Supply Bill.