First Reading Bill introduced to House of Commons No debate. Just a formal step

Second Reading Principle and purpose of bill is debated in House

Bill is examined clause by clause where final amendments can be made Committee Stage Bill is examined clause by clause where final amendments can be made

Report Stage House reviews amendments made

Third Reading Final opportunity to review and amend bill.

Senate A similar process is followed and Senate approves or does not approve the Bill.

Royal Assent The GG gives it Royal Assent, making it a law

Free Votes Allow members of parliament to vote on their own conscience Only allowed by leadership if it is in their best interests to happen! Example – Mulroney used this tactic in 1987 as he was pressured by Conservative backbenchers on the issue of capital punishment. Knowing the vote would fail, he allowed MPs to vote using their conscience.

Private Member’s Bill Most Bills are introduced by Cabinet Ministers Any MP can introduce a Bill. Non Cabinet Minister’s Bills are Private Member’s Bills. Peter Stoffer (NDP) is known as the King of Private Member’s Bill. In 2009 he introduced a total of 24 bills to the House, including one to remove the GST from funeral costs and another to designate April 6 as Tartan Day. Many Private Member’s Bills do not get passed. In 2008 some bills that did pass were an Act respecting National Peacekeeper’s Day, an Act to protect heritage lighthouses, and an Act to increase the penalty for animal cruelty.