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OTTAWA, February 21, 2003 (LifeSiteNews.com)  All political parties in the House of Commons agreed yesterday to make all Private Members’ Business subject to a vote, on a trial basis.  The Canadian Alliance Party which led the charge on the switch said the change “represents a big step forward for democracy.”  On a trial basis, all Private Members’ Business (bills or motions) will begin the process as votable items, and only in certain circumstances will some items be deemed non-votable by a sub-committee on Private Members’ Business.  Any Member who has an item deemed non-votable by the sub-committee can appeal to the main committee, Procedure and House Affairs.

Failing that, the member can appeal to the House of Commons provided the member could garner support from at least one member from four out of the five parties.  This is a significant gain from the old practice where a Private Member’s Item began as non-votable, relying on the sub-committee to unanimously agree to make it votable.  There was no appeal mechanism.