How does a federal bill get passed in Canada?

Answer 1

1. Passage through the first House (sometimes the Senate, usually the House of Commons)

The process in each Chamber is similar:

* First reading (the bill proposing a law is received, printed and circulated)

* Second reading (the principle of the bill is debated: is the bill good policy?)

* Committee stage

Step one: members of the public appear as witnesses before a committee*

Step two: committee members study the bill, clause by clause

Step three: the committee adopts a report on the bill, recommending that it be accepted as is, or with amendments, or that it not be proceeded with further

* Report stage (motions to amend specific clauses of the bill are considered by the whole House)

* Third reading (final approval of the bill)

2. Passage through the second House

3. Royal Assent by the Governor General makes the bill law

Answer 2

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 proposed. 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

Answer 3

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 proposed. 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