The Law Game: How Ontario Bills Become Laws

The How an Ontario Bill Becomes Law game is an educational tool that teaches players about the legislative process in Ontario, Canada. The game explains how a bill becomes a law, outlining the steps from the introduction of a bill to its final passage. It is a fun and interactive way to learn about the political system and the journey of an idea from proposal to legislation. The game is especially relevant for those interested in Ontario's legislative process and the roles of Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) and the Lieutenant Governor in shaping the province's legal landscape.

How a bill is introduced

The first step in the legislative process is the introduction of a bill. A bill is an idea, written in legal language, and presented by a Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) in the Legislative Chamber. There are several types of bills that can be introduced:

• Government Bills: Introduced by Cabinet Ministers, these bills direct the expenditure of public money and reflect the policy agenda and priorities of the government party.
• Private Member's Public Bills: Introduced by any Private Member, except Cabinet Ministers and the Speaker, these bills pertain to any topic with provincial responsibility but cannot impose a tax or direct the spending of public funds.
• Committee Bills: Introduced by the Chairs of certain Standing Committees, committee bills must pertain to the ministries and offices assigned to the committee. The proposal must receive the support of at least two-thirds of the Committee, excluding the chair.
• Private Bills: Introduced by a Private Member (not a Cabinet Minister or the Speaker), private bills pertain to special powers or exemptions from the general law and originate with the municipality, company, or individual seeking the special power or exemption.

Once a bill is introduced, it is given its First Reading and put on the agenda of the Legislature. At this stage, the objectives of the bill are explained, and MPPs decide whether to accept the bill for future debate. If it is accepted, it is assigned a number, printed, and distributed to each member. The bill is also made available to the public on the Assembly's website in English and French.

The role of Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs)

Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) play a crucial role in the legislative process of turning bills into laws in Ontario. A bill is an idea written in legal language and presented by MPPs in the Legislative Chamber. MPPs are responsible for introducing bills to the House for the first reading. During this stage, the main objectives of the bill are outlined, and MPPs decide whether to accept the bill for future debate. If accepted, the bill is assigned a number, printed, and distributed to each member. The bill is also made available to the public on the Assembly's website in English and French.

During the second reading, MPPs engage in a debate on the principles of the bill. Each member is allowed to speak only once during this stage. After the debate, MPPs vote on whether to let the bill proceed to the next step. The bill may move directly to the third reading or be referred to a Standing or Select Committee for further examination. The committee stage allows for witness testimony, detailed examination of the bill, and potential amendments. Committees may travel to different locations in the province to gather information and receive comments.

During the third reading, MPPs engage in the final debate on the bill. After the debate, the Speaker calls for a final vote. If a majority of MPPs vote in favour of the bill, it is presented to the Lieutenant Governor for Royal Assent. The Lieutenant Governor agrees to the bill on behalf of The King or Queen, and the bill officially becomes a law.

MPPs have the power to study and suggest improvements to bills during their journey through the legislative process. They participate in debates, vote on the progression of bills, and ultimately decide whether a bill will become a law in Ontario.

The different types of readings

The legislative process of passing bills into law is the most important work that takes place at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. All bills go through several stages called readings, which give Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) a chance to study the bill and give their suggestions on how the bill can be improved before it becomes a law.

The first stage is the Introduction and First Reading, where the objectives of the bill are explained and the MPPs decide whether to accept the bill for future debate. If it is accepted, it is assigned a number, printed, and scheduled for debate for Second Reading. Each member receives a copy of the bill and the debate is usually scheduled for several days later, giving MPPs time to study the bill. During the Second Reading, MPPs debate the principles of the bill and are each allowed to speak only once during this time. After the debate, the MPPs vote on whether to let the bill proceed to the next step.

In some cases, the bill may move directly to Third Reading, but often it is first examined by a Standing or Select Committee. The bill can be in the committee stage for a few days or up to several months. After review by the Committee, the bill is reported back to the House. It may be sent to the Committee of the Whole House or directly to the final debate. The Committee of the Whole House is used to consider amendments to a bill after second reading, or after it has been reported from a Standing or Select Committee.

The final stage is the Third Reading, where MPPs debate the bill for the last time. Following the debate, the Speaker calls for a final vote about the proposed law. If the majority of MPPs vote to make the bill a law during Third Reading, it is presented to the Lieutenant Governor for Royal Assent, which officially makes the bill a law.

The role of the Lieutenant Governor

The Lieutenant Governor plays a crucial role in the legislative process of passing a bill into law in Ontario. Once a bill has passed through the various stages of readings and committee examinations, it is presented to the Lieutenant Governor for Royal Assent. This is the final step in the process, and the Lieutenant Governor's assent officially makes the bill a law.

The Lieutenant Governor may choose to assent to the bill in the Queen's name, withhold assent, or reserve assent. When the Lieutenant Governor gives Royal Assent, the bill becomes an Act and is assigned a statute number. This number is then used to identify the Act.

The new Act may come into force immediately upon receiving Royal Assent, or it may come into force at a later date specified in the Act or proclaimed by the Lieutenant Governor. In some cases, different sections of the Act may come into force at different times.

It is important to note that, according to the Constitution Act of 1867, the passage of a bill by the Legislature requires the assent of the Sovereign or her representative. Therefore, the role of the Lieutenant Governor in providing Royal Assent is a key aspect of the legislative process in Ontario.

What happens after a bill becomes law

Once a bill becomes a law, it is given Royal Assent by the Lieutenant Governor, agreeing to the bill on behalf of the King. After this, the law is assigned a statute number and reprinted. The law comes into force upon Royal Assent, or when it is proclaimed by the Lieutenant Governor, or on a day specified in the act. Different sections of the law may come into force at different times.

After a bill has been passed, the Office of Legislative Counsel assigns a chapter number to the Act, and it is posted on the Ministry of the Attorney General's e-Laws website under Source Law.

In the pre-legislative stage, the proposal may be rejected, significantly amended, or ranked too low a priority to continue. This process occurs almost entirely out of the public eye. The opposition, media, and citizens learn about the legislative proposals that emerge, but not usually about those that are rejected or held up.

The legislative process is never quite the same from one government to the next. The pre-legislative stages involve the various structures and rules of cabinet, which each premier designs as they see fit.

Frequently asked questions