Governor general's warrant
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A governor general's warrant is a document authorizing Canada 's President of the Treasury Board to spend money appropriated by Parliament . The Governor General may also issue a special warrant which allows the government to spend funds without an appropriation from Parliament. A special warrant may only be issued when money is "urgently needed" after Parliament has been dissolved and until sixty days after the dates set for the return of election writs .
Until 1997, when an act sponsored by Peter Milliken received royal assent, special warrants were available whenever Parliament was not is session, including adjournments and prorogations . Milliken had introduced similar bills since 1989 in response to the use of special warrants in 1988. [1] [2] Parliament convened in December 1988 and adjourned quickly without considering appropriations. During the adjournment and subsequent prorogation, the government resorted to special warrants to fund operations. [3] The issue was raised in both chambers after Parliament returned. [1]
References
- 1 2 Peter Milliken (1989). "Appropriation Acts and Governor General's Warrants" .
- ↑ Financial Administration Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. F-11) .
- ↑ Marleau, Robert; Camille Montpetit. "House of Commons Procedure and Practice: 18. Financial Procedures (footnote 300)" .