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How a Bill Becomes Law PROCLAMATION AS LAW ROYAL ASSENT SENATE (Committee & 3 Readings) THIRD READING REPORT STAGE HOUSE OF COMMONS JUSTICE COMMITTEE SECOND READING FIRST READING DRAFTING OF BILL A proposal, known as a bill, is introduced into the House of Commons by a minister of the governing party or by any M.P. acting on behalf of his or her constituents who feel certain issues need attention. The introduction of a proposal into the House is called the "first reading" which is an announcement of the bill. It is given a number, sent for publication in both official languages, and finally placed on the House agenda for debate. The bill is given "second reading" in the House, at which time the basic principle of the bill is explained and defended by the proposing member. When discussion is complete, a vote of the members present is taken on the unaltered bill, and if approved, the bill is sent to committee for thorough examination. The appropriate committee, whether standing, such as justice, special or other committee deemed necessary, begins deliberations, calling expert witnesses and the public to critique the essence of the bill and to assist in the clause by clause examination of the fine points of the bill. A bill initiated by the government is ensured passage by a committee because a majority of members of the committee and the chair are from the ruling party, but amendments are moved, debated and voted upon at this stage. A private members bill is much more difficult to drive because it may not have the necessary support to ensure that it passes each stage of the legislative process. After committee examination, the bill is returned to the floor of the House for the "report stage." The bill is discussed, committee amendments are debated, and further changes are recommended, while keeping with the basic principle of the original proposal. Each proposed amendment is put to a vote and finally the whole bill is voted upon by the House. If the bill is supported, it goes to "third reading." At this stage, no further changes or amendments are considered and members must either accept or reject the bill as presented. With the approval of the House at third reading, the legislative process involving the House temporarily ends, and the bill is sent to the Senate for a similar process. The Senate can recommend amendments, but informs the House of any Senate proposals, and the House must vote on any new amendments. To be passed, the bill must be accepted in exactly the same form in both the House and in the Senate. If a bill has reached the Senate stage and is defeated, there is no other recourse but to reject the bill. It is defeated, and the vote cannot be overridden by the House. If a bill is passed by the Senate, it is sent to the Governor General's office where it receives "Royal Assent," an endorsement signalled by a nod from the Governor General or one of his representatives. The bill becomes an Act of Parliament with the Governor General's approval, and finally, it becomes law when it is proclaimed. Depending upon circumstances, such as the priority attached to a bill by the government, the urgency of public concern or the amount of work before the House, the speed with which a bill passes through the process varies. For example, bills have been passed in as little as five hours or as long as several months. Source: Gibbins, Roger. Conflict and Unity: An Introduction to Canadian Political Life. 3rd ed. Scarborough ON. Nelson Canada, 1994. copyright © 2000 - CAVEAT last updated:  07.11.2000 - 14:05:32 EDT

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