1993 Legislative Session: 2nd Session, 35th Parliament
FIRST READING


The following electronic version is for informational purposes only.
The printed version remains the official version.


MR. JOHN WEISGERBER

BILL M 205

FREE VOTES ENABLING ACT

HER MAJESTY, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, enacts as follows:

Free votes defined

1 Section 1 of the Constitution Act, RSBC 1979, Chapter 62, is hereby amended by the addition of the following:

"In this Act, "free vote" means a vote of individual conscience, with due regard for the views of a member's constituents and the public interest generally, without the requirement that a particular position be taken as a condition for continued membership in the Executive Council, or in the caucus of a political party."

Free votes provided for

2 Section 50 of the Constitution Act, RSBC 1979, Chapter 62, is hereby amended by the addition of the following:

"Save and except that all votes in the Legislative Assembly shall be free votes of personal conscience, unless taken on:

(1) matters which are advised to be matters of fundamental government policy at the time of their first introduction, whether by way of Bill, particular sections of a Bill, Resolution, Motion or otherwise, or,

(2) Supply Bills, or,

(3) motions specifically asserting confidence or non- confidence in the government of the day, all such votes being considered to be questions of confidence or non- confidence in the government of the day."

 
Explanatory Note

This Bill abolishes party-line voting in the Legislative Assembly except on fundamental policy or money bills, which are treated as votes of confidence or non-confidence in the government of the day.


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