OHS Model Parliament Structure of The House | Parties & Roles | Rules & Format of The House

A Day in Parliament House of Commons 1. Opening Exercises 2. Routine Proceedings 3. Government Orders 4. MP’s Statements 5. Question Period 6. Government Orders 7. Private Member’s Business* 8. Adjournment Proceedings*

Opening Exercises Sergeant-at-Arms, Speaker, Clerk “parade” into the House of Commons. Mace is placed by SaA on a long table in front of the speaker. Speaker reads prayer, then orders the doors be opened to allow public entry.

Routine Proceedings Tabling of documents. Introduction of bills. Statements by Ministers and delegates. Presentation of reports from committees. Introduction of Private Members Bills. Motions. Presentation of Petitions.

Government Orders Consideration of items of business that the government calls. Second and third reading of bills.

Member of Parliament’s Statements Statements are made by Members of Parliament on matters of importance to each of them (1 minute each). Matters are relevant to their ridings.

Question Period Members of Parliament ask the government questions. Excellent chance for the Opposition Parties to challenge decisions of the ruling party.

Government Orders Continued

How a Bill Becomes Law Bill: a proposed law under consideration by the House of Commons (legislature). Reading: A step in the process of a bill becoming law. 1.Introduction of a Bill 2.Second Reading 3. Committee Meeting & Report Stage 4. Third Reading 5. Royal Ascent

Introduction of a Government Bill Takes place during Routine Proceedings. MP asks permission of the House to introduce a bill. Brief statement about why they wish to introduce the bill and what it will do. A bill number is given to the bill (ex. C-1). The bill is slated under Government Orders.

Second Reading Takes place during Government Orders. Motion is moved that the bill be read a second time, and proceed to consideration in committee (essentially, a vote to proceed with the following two steps.) Debate between parties on the bill; topics include what the bill will do in general terms, and why it is needed. There is rarely ever agreement at this stage with the original bill. Amendments can occur (e.g. a vote to postpone the bill).

Consideration in Committee & Report Stage A closer examination of the bill is done in parties (committee of the whole). Detailed look at each clause: 1. Amendments 2. addition of parts. 3. removal of certain parts. Amended bill then follows approval procedures. Changes are proposed, House votes for or against the amendments. The MP responsible for the bill motions that the House agree.

Third Reading Review of the bill in its final form. The debate focuses on whether or not the bill does what the house agreed to in the second reading. This debate is much shorter; only certain amendments can be done at this point. At the end of the debate, it is voted on to pass on to the Senate and the process repeats.

Royal Ascent Formal Ceremony. The Governor General signifies assent. Usually takes place in the Senate Chamber, however can also occur at Rideau Hall or Supreme Court. It’s long and tedious.

OHS MODEL PARLIAMENT 2013 Opening Exercises Routine Proceedings Tabling of documents Introduction of bill Statements by MPs Government Orders Second Reading of Bill Consideration in committee Question Period Government Orders Continued Third reading of Bill Royal Ascent

For Next Time… Parties Conservative | NDP | Liberal | Bloc Quebecois Roles Speaker | Prime Minister | Leader of Opposition | Leader of Third Party| Minister | Member of Parliament | Sergeant at Arms | Clerk of the House | Conduct some general research on the above parties & Roles