Mr. George A. Drew (Leader of ihe Opposition):

Mr. Speaker, in the ordinary

course of events I would readily concur in the suggestion, but we were assured that all the legislation that we would have to consider was before us. Amendments to the elections act should not be suddenly hurried through in the closing days of this session. I know that there is one reason put forward why it should be considered, but when it was indicated to me that this course might be followed I stated the objection I would have. It was indicated that it was hoped to hold a municipal election in the Northwest Territories. However, that would only call for a single amendment to the elections act as it stands. I would readily concur in the introduction of that amendment so that the election in question could, be proceeded with without delay, but I want to make it clear that consideration of amendments to an act as important as this should not be rushed.

It is true that amendments to the act have been considered by a committee, but there are a number of provisions in the act, relating not only to content but also to the form and wording of the sections, which might easily involve considerable discussion. For that reason, while I am most anxious to facilitate the business of the house, I do not propose to let the desire to complete that business interfere with adequate discussion of legislation coming before us.

I will agree to the introduction of notice of an amendment simply to provide for the municipal election which is under discussion, but I regret I cannot agree to any motion which would seek to bring before us at this time the whole elections act unless it is understood that we shall continue to sit for some considerable time to deal with it.

Mr. St. Laurent:

As there is not unanimous consent, the matter will just have to follow the usual course.

Mr. Angus Maclnnis (Vancouver East):

Mr. Speaker, I think we will all admit that the Dominion Elections Act is a most important one, and that an occasion might arise between now and the time we next meet when it would be very convenient to have the amended act. If the government is intending to go ahead with it, whether or not we grant consent today is in my opinion not of very great importance. What I should like to suggest is that there are other contentious matters on the order paper, and one of them might be removed to make room for the amendments to the Dominion Elections Act which have been brought forward at this late time. I suggest that the proposed legislation with respect to judges' salaries might be dropped for this year, and that we proceed with the Dominion Elections Act amendments.

Mr. J. G. Diefenbaker (Lake Centre):

should like to direct a question to the Minister of Agriculture with respect to the appointment of the body of experts to consider the South Saskatchewan river dam and irrigation plan. Has any word been received yet?

Inquiries of the Ministry Right Hon. J. G. Gardiner (Minister of Agriculture): The Prime Minister tells me that no further information has been received. When the information is received, an announcement will be made by the Prime Minister as to what is to take place.

Mr. Clarence Gillis (Cape Breton South):

I should like to direct a question to the Minister of Transport. Can the minister inform the house whether the commission inquiring into the Canso bridge project has finished its report? If not, when may we expect it to be completed, and will the minister bring the house up to date on that problem before the end of the session?

Hon. Lionel Chevrier (Minister of Transport):

The reconvened board of engineers on the Canso project has handed in its report. I expect to table it before the session is over.

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