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

Answer 4

To become law in Canada, a bill must pass through multiple stages in both the House of Commons and the Senate. The process involves multiple readings, debates, committee reviews, and potentially amendments. Once approved by both chambers, the bill receives royal assent from the Governor General to become law.