1. Lesson 2
How do laws become Laws?

2. What are we looking for in this section?
How a Law becomes a law in Canadian Parliament?
How well the process for creating legislation (Laws) involves Canadians and their multiple views and perspectives on issues?

3. It all starts with an issue…
Laws are created or amended in response to _______________ relevant to Canadians.
Any member of the House of Commons or Senate may introduce a bill; however, the majority of bills are introduced by the ____________.
Why?

4. The general Path of a Bill towards Law
________
Royal Assent

5. Within the House of Commons & Senate
Report Stage
Third Reading
Debate and Vote on amendments
First Reading
Second Reading
Committee Stage
First Reading – printed copies made available, no vote or debate
Second Reading - Debate and vote: Does the bill serve the best interests of Canadians?
Committee Stage – Detailed study of bill – MPs or Senators review bill using experts and citizens they represent – The committee issues a report with a recommendation
Report Stage – Debate and vote on amendments (changes) to bill
Third Reading – Debate and Vote on the final form of the bill
Royal Assent – Once the Senate passes its final form of the bill, the house debates and votes on the amendments prior to sending for Royal Assent

6. Royal Assent
After a bill has been approved by both the House of Commons and the Senate, the ________________________ gives Royal Assent and the bill officially becomes a law.

7. Interesting Laws Comic books which depict any illegal acts are banned.
Criminal Code Chapter C (7) Definition of "crime comic"
(7) In this section, "crime comic" means a magazine, periodical or book that exclusively or substantially comprises matter depicting pictorially
(a) the commission of crimes, real or fictitious; or
(b) events connected with the commission of crimes, real or fictitious, whether occurring before or after the commission of the crime.
35% of a radio stations content must be “Canadian Content”.
To qualify as 'Canadian content' a musical selection must fulfill at least two of the following conditions:
M (music) -- the music is composed entirely by a Canadian.
A (artist) -- the music is, or the lyrics are, performed principally by a Canadian.
P (production) -- the musical selection consists of a live performance that is (i) recorded wholly in Canada, or (ii) performed wholly in Canada and broadcast live in Canada.
L (lyrics) -- the lyrics are written entirely by a Canadian.

8. Federal Accountability Act
The Federal Accountability Act was created in response to issues raised by the “sponsorship scandal.”
Examine p to see how the FAA became a law.
Fill in Handout 1-11 as we read.
Fill in Chart handout after viewing each news story.

9. Discussion p.41 & 43
How does the Canadian process of passing a law create a Canada where all of our people (with differing views and perspectives) can belong?
Do you see any challenges that the law making process can create for Canadians?
Read p. 43 to examine the roles of MPs in the law-making process.

10. What about Canada’s minority groups?
Read page 44 and respond to the question:
Are the needs of all Canadians being met by Canada’s Political System?
How can we change our Political or law making system to better address the needs of all Canadians?

11. Tell the story of a bill to law
Assignment: In groups of 2, write a brief story outlining the path of a bill introduced by a cabinet minister from First Reading in the House of Commons to Royal Assent.
- The bill should be designed to improve the quality of life for Canadians
- Your outline must follow the exact path a bill takes to becoming law and should briefly describe the changes made at each step (your bill can be sent back to the House of Commons from the Senate)
- Follow the example on p and keep it brief, but be specific (Do not be Lazy!!!!!)

12. Law Making Summary Basic Path of Law Making
Six step Process within each Institution
Federal Accountability Act meant to ensure government follows the law and law making process
Is law-making in Canada effective in meeting the needs of all Canadians?