Laws and Lawmaking

• Law: set of rules intended to be long term solutions to issues that society faces (prevent harm, settle disagreements, protect environment, etc.)

  • Only legislative branch of government may formally introduce/pass a law
• Bill: proposal for new laws
• Legislative process: the steps in Parliament to ensure that a bill in properly considered, and that Canadians are consulted and informed
• 1. First reading: bill is introduced in H of C or Senate

  • Also available for the public
• 2. Second reading: debate and vote

  • Debate the main idea (strengths and weaknesses)
  • Able to listen to different perspectives and opinions
  • Vote on the idea (if it should continue)
• 3. Committee

  • Small group of parliamentarians: parliamentary committee 
  • Individuals/researchers/government officials can have a say
  • Amendments are voted on
• 4. Report stage: back to the chamber

  • Bill is returned to chamber
  • Debate and vote on any new amendments
  • Bill is finalized and ready for final reading
• 5. Third reading: debate and vote

  • Debate final form of bill to decide if it should go to the other chamber
  • Parliamentarians can choose to stop supporting a bill at any point during process
  • If a bill is rejected/decision not made before session of Parliament ends, the bill stops going through legislative process
  • If bill is passed by majority, it is sent to the other chamber
• 6. Sent to other chamber

  • The bill is read again for the first time and goes through the same steps at the other chamber
  • If second chamber makes any changes, the bill gets sent back to first chamber for review 
  • Both H of C and Senate have to pass the bill in identical form
• 7. Royal Assent

  • The bill is given to the governor general for royal assent
  • With a nod of the head or a signature
  • Royal Assent has never been refused in Canada
  • Now your bill is a law!
• • Public bills: matters of national interest and affect the whole country
  • Government bills: introduced by cabinet ministers, parliamentary secretaries, or a government representative in the Senate. Take up most of parliament’s time.
  • Private members’ bills: introduced by someone who is not a minister or parliamentary secretary. Only takes up one hour of the H of Cs time. Senators who are not ministers may also introduce bills
• • Private bills: benefits/exemptions to a specific person/corporation. Based on a petition signed by a person/organization. Most are introduced by the Senate.