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How a Government Bill becomes Law - Canada
Prepared by Inba Kehoe,
Government Documents, Stauffer Library, Queen's University
The following guide will explain the process by which a typical government
initiated bill becomes law. This guide provides an overview of the Federal
Legislative Process. Adapted from "The Federal Legislative Process in
Canada".
NOTE: To become law, a bill must first be introduced
in either the Senate or the House of Commons. It must then pass through
various stages in each House: first, second and third reading. Then it
must receive Royal Assent.
A. DEFINITIONS
- Public Bills
These are proposals for laws that will affect the public in general.
Most public bills are introduced by Government Ministers. Bills sponsored
by the Government are numbered from C-1 to C-200 in order of presentation.
If they are introduced first in the Senate, they are numbered starting
S-1.
- Private Bills
These are limited in scope: they concern an individual or group of individuals
only. They confer a right on some person or group, or relieve them of
a responsibility.
B. POLICY PROPOSAL
Most legislation originates with the Government. Policy proposal
requiring legislation is submitted to Cabinet by Minister(s).
C. CABINET
- Policy proposal is considered by the appropriate Cabinet committee
and recommendations are made to the Cabinet.
- If Cabinet approves, the responsible Ministry issues drafting instructions
to the Legislation Section of the Department of Justice.
- Draft bill is prepared in two official languages and approved by the
responsible Minister.
- Draft bill is presented to Cabinet for approval.
- If approved it is ready to be introduced in Parliament.
D. PARLIAMENT
- FIRST READING
First reading in either the Senate or the House of Commons. Bill is
printed.
- SECOND READING
Second reading in the same House of Parliament. Members debate and vote
on the principle of the bill. The House may decide to refer the bill
to a legislative, standing or a special committee, or to Committee of
the Whole.
- CONSIDERATION IN COMMITTEE
Consideration by the appropriate parliamentary committee (clause-by-clause
study of the bill). Committee can summon witnesses and experts to
provide it with information and help in improving the bill.
- REPORT STAGE
Committee reports the bill to the House clearly indicating any amendments
propsosed. House considers amendments and votes for or against them.
- THIRD READING
Debate and vote on bill as amended.
NOTE: Once bill has been read 3 times in the House, it is
sent to the Senate for its consideration.
E. ROYAL ASSENT
- Bill is presented to the Governor General for assent.
- Governor General may assent to Bill in the Queen's name, withhold
assent or reserve assent.
- When Bill is given Royal Assent it becomes law.
F. IN FORCE
- Statute is in force:
- upon Royal Assent, or
- when it is proclaimed by the Governor General, or
- on a day specified in the act
- Different sections may come into force at different times
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