1. How a Bill becomes Law

2. The different kinds of Bill
Government Sponsored
Put forward by government through a cabinet minister
High chance of success
Private Members Bill
Put forward by single MLA or MP
Unlikely to succeed because lack of time

3. A The Role of Cabinet
1. A policy proposal is presented to Cabinet by a Minister
2. Cabinet accepts or rejects the proposal
3. Bill is drafted by the Department of Justice

4. B The Role of the House of Commons
4. First Reading – Bill introduced and briefly explained
5. Second Reading - Debate on the principle of the Bill -each MP can speak once

5. B The Role of the House of Commons
6. Committee Stage
a) Standing Committee
Detailed examination of the bill by parliamentary committee
b) Committee of the Whole
Recommendations of Standing Committee examined and amended and the bill is debated.
7. Third Reading
House of Commons votes on the Bill

6. C The Role of Senate – (The Sober Second Thought)
8. First Reading
9. Second Reading
10. Committee Stage
11. Third Reading
If amended the Bill is returned to the House of Commons

7. D The Role of the Crown
12. The bill is signed by the Governor General (royal assent) and it becomes law

8. The Branches of Government
Executive Branch – Makes Decisions
PM and cabinet
Legislative Branch – Discusses and Votes
Parliament – HOC and Senate
Judicial Branch – Makes sure everything is within Constitution and the Charter
Final decision rests with Supreme Court

9. Crime and Punishment
For an act to be considered a crime it must consist of two elements:
1. Actus Reus – Physical Element
2. Mens Rea – Mental Element