1. How are laws made in Canada?
From Bill to Law
How are laws made in Canada?

2. What is a bill?
Bill- A written proposal for a law. Introduced in Parliament and, if passed, becomes an act.
Act- A written law passed by parliament.

3. How does a bill become a law?
House of Commons
1) Pre-parliamentary stage
2) First Reading
3) Second Reading
4) Committee Stage
5) Reporting Stage
6) Third Reading
Senate
1) Same process as the house
2) Royal Assent and proclamation

4. From a Bill to Law
Governor General
Senate
House of Commons

5. Pre-Parliamentary Stage
An idea is proposed by a cabinet minister, private member or other source.
Cabinet will approves idea.
Civil servants investigate and lawyers help to draft the bill.
Cabinet and caucus approve the bill.

6. First Reading Bill is introduced into House of Commons.
Each MP receives a copy of the bill.
No vote takes place.
Opposition parties begin to discuss what their position on the bill will be.

7. Second Reading MP’s debate the bill in the House of Commons.
Following the debate, a vote is taken.
If passed, the bill is approved in principle.
2nd

8. Committee Stage
A legislative committee involving representatives from each party is set up to debate the bill in-depth.
Public input is heard.
Amendments are proposed as long as they do not alter the core of the bill.

9. Reporting Stage
The committee reports to the House of Commons the amendments that were proposed to the bill.
Amendments are voted on.

10. Third Reading
The bill with all of its amendments is read and a final vote is held.
This brings an end to the legislative process in the House of Commons.
3rd

11. Senate
Once the bill passes through the House of Commons the same procedures are held in the Senate.
Bills move through the Senate quite quickly.

12. Royal Assent The Governor General recognizes the bill as a law.
The bill officially becomes a law after proclamation.

13. Types of Bills
Government Bills- Bills introduced by the governing party.
Public Bills- Bills which have a large impact on all Canadians.
Private Bills- Bills which deal with private individuals or corporations.
Private Members Bill- Bills which are introduced by individual MP’s without government support.