Cecily Zamora
In Canada, a bill must go through several stages before it becomes a law. The process begins with the introduction of the bill in either the Senate or the House of Commons, where it is debated and voted on. If the bill passes, it is sent to a committee for further review and potential amendments. The bill then goes back for a final debate and vote, and if it passes again, it is sent to the other chamber, where it undergoes the same process. Once the bill has been passed by both chambers in identical form, it is given to the Governor General for Royal Assent, at which point it officially becomes a law.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of houses a bill must pass | 2 |
| First house | Can be either the Senate or the House of Commons |
| Second house | If the first house is the House of Commons, then the second house is the Senate and vice versa |
| Number of stages a bill must pass | 3 |
| First stage | First reading |
| Second stage | Second reading |
| Third stage | Third reading |
| Approval by | The Governor General or the Monarch |
| Approval required | Royal Assent |
| Numbering of bills | Bills introduced in the Senate are identified with the letter S and given a number (e.g. Bill S-4). Bills introduced in the House of Commons start with the letter C (e.g. Bill C-78) |
| Bill sponsor | Government Minister or private member |
| Public bills | Deal with matters of national interest |
| Private bills | Benefit a particular individual or group |
| Bill status if not passed during a session of Parliament | The bill "dies on the order paper" but can be reintroduced in the next session of Parliament with a new bill number |
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First reading
The first reading is the initial step in a bill's progress through Parliament. The parliamentarian proposing the bill will introduce it in their chamber. Although this step is called the first reading, the bill is not actually read aloud in the chamber; instead, it is made available for parliamentarians and Canadians to read and examine. The objectives of the bill are explained, and members of Parliament decide whether to accept the bill for future debate.
During the first reading, the bill is printed in its first reading form, often accompanied by explanatory notes. The main principle and purpose of the bill are outlined, and if passed, the bill is then referred to a committee for further study. In some instances, a bill may be referred to the committee before receiving a second reading. At this stage, the bill is not re-printed.
The first reading is a critical step in the legislative process, as it sets the tone for the rest of the bill's journey through Parliament. It is during this stage that the bill is introduced, and members of Parliament get their first opportunity to review and consider the proposed legislation. The first reading also allows for the bill to be distributed and examined, ensuring that all members of Parliament have access to the bill and can provide informed input during the subsequent stages of the legislative process.
While the first reading is a crucial step, it is just the beginning of the journey for a bill to become a law in Canada. Following the first reading, the bill will undergo further debate, scrutiny, and voting as it progresses through the second and third readings and, ultimately, receives Royal Assent to become a law.
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Second reading
The second reading of a bill is a crucial stage in the legislative process in Canada, providing an opportunity for parliamentarians to engage in robust debate and scrutiny. During this stage, members of Parliament debate and vote on the principles, scope, strengths, and weaknesses of the bill. They delve into the potential impact of the bill on various groups, allowing them to consider different perspectives and opinions. This democratic exchange of ideas ensures that proposed legislation is thoroughly examined before proceeding further.
Once the second reading debate concludes, the bill is put to a vote, determining whether it will advance in the legislative process. If the bill passes this vote, it is then referred to a committee for further scrutiny and refinement. This committee stage involves a detailed clause-by-clause study of the bill, where amendments may be proposed. The committee may also summon witnesses and experts to provide additional insights and help improve the bill's effectiveness.
The committee's role is significant as it reviews the bill in its entirety, considering any proposed amendments and the overall impact of the legislation. They may recommend accepting the bill as is or suggest modifications to address concerns raised during the second reading debate. This back-and-forth collaboration between parliamentarians and committees ensures that the legislation is refined and strengthened before moving closer to becoming law.
During the second reading, parliamentarians can express their support or opposition to the bill's main idea and highlight specific concerns they may have. This stage is essential for fostering transparency and allowing Canadians to understand the potential implications of the proposed legislation. It also enables parliamentarians to gather feedback from their constituents and advocate for their interests during the legislative process.
The second reading stage is a pivotal point in the journey of a bill becoming a law in Canada. It encourages thoughtful deliberation, encourages public participation, and helps shape the direction of the legislation. By engaging in vigorous debate and scrutiny, parliamentarians can make informed decisions and work towards creating laws that reflect the needs and values of the Canadian people.
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Committee review
In Canada, a bill must go through several stages before it becomes a law. After the second reading stage of the legislative process, the bill is referred to a committee for further scrutiny. The committee reviews the text of the bill and can invite witnesses to appear and present their views. The committee may be a standing committee, whose mandate most closely corresponds to the bill's subject matter, or a legislative committee, created solely to undertake the consideration of legislation.
During the committee review, the bill is studied in depth and the committee may suggest changes. The minister or member sponsoring the bill may be invited to appear before the committee to present their views and answer questions. Witnesses may also be called to give their perspectives. Once the witnesses have been heard, the committee proceeds to a clause-by-clause study of the bill, considering each clause separately. Members may propose amendments to the bill at this stage.
After the committee has finished its review, it reports the bill back to the Chamber, indicating any proposed amendments. The committee's report may recommend that the bill be accepted in its original state, with amendments, or that it should not proceed further. The House then considers any amendments and votes for or against them. A debate then takes place, focusing on the final form of the bill. Once the bill has been read three times in the House, it is sent to the Senate for its consideration.
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Royal Assent
The written declaration procedure involves the Clerk of the Parliaments meeting with the Governor General to present the bills and request assent. A representative from the Privy Council Office is also present for the signing of the declaration, as is a House table officer from the House of Commons if there are any supply bills to receive assent. After the bills are presented, the Governor General signs the declaration, which is witnessed by the Clerk of the Parliaments.
Once the written declaration procedure is complete, the Secretary to the Governor General provides a letter to the Speakers of both the Senate and the House of Commons, formally advising them that Royal Assent has been granted. These letters are then delivered to the Speakers, who read them in their respective chambers to notify their members. Royal Assent is only deemed to have been granted once both chambers have been notified.
It is important to note that a bill will not be given Royal Assent unless it has passed through all the stages of the legislative process and has been approved by both Houses of Parliament in identical form. Once a bill has received Royal Assent, it officially becomes law and comes into force on that day, unless the act specifies otherwise.
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Proclamation date
In Canada's constitutional monarchy, bills require the assent of the Monarch to become a law. Once a bill has been passed in identical form by both the Senate and the House of Commons, it is given to the Governor General for Royal Assent. The Governor General may assent to a Bill in the Queen's name, withhold assent, or reserve assent.
Royal Assent may be granted by a nod of the head in a traditional Royal Assent ceremony in the Senate Chamber or by the Governor General signing the bill. Once a bill has been granted Royal Assent, it becomes law and comes into force either on that date or at a date provided for within the act or specified by an order of the Governor in Council.
The Royal Assent Act, S.C. 2002, c.15, s.5 states that:
> Where royal assent is signified by written declaration, the Act is deemed to be assented to on the day on which the two Houses of Parliament have been notified of the declaration.
Royal Assent has never been refused to a federal bill in Canada.
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Frequently asked questions
A bill is a proposed law that can be introduced in either the Senate or the House of Commons.
For a bill to become a law, it must be approved in identical form by both houses of Parliament – the Senate and the House of Commons. All bills follow a process of debate, review and voting. After a bill is passed by both the Senate and the House of Commons, the Governor General grants Royal Assent and the bill becomes a law.
Royal Assent is the final step in the enactment process. It may be granted by a nod of the head in a traditional Royal Assent ceremony in the Senate Chamber or by the Governor General signing the bill. Once the bill receives Royal Assent, it officially becomes a law.
