First Reading
• Bill introduced to House of Commons
• No debate. Just a formal step
Second Reading
• Principle and purpose
of bill is debated in
House
Committee Stage
• Bill is examined clause by clause
• where final amendments can be made
Report Stage
• House reviews amendments made
Third Reading
• Final opportunity to review and amend bill.
Senate
• A similar process is followed and Senate
approves or does not approve the Bill.
Royal Assent
• The GG gives it Royal Assent, making it a law
Order-in-Council
• No parliamentary vote needed
• Signed by GG on advice of Prime Minister
• For Senate appointments and necessary
changes in law
• Undemocratic?
Free Votes
• Allow members of parliament to vote on
their own conscience
• Only allowed by leadership if it is in their
best interests to happen!
Private Member’s Bill
• Most Bills are introduced by Cabinet
Ministers
• Any MP can introduce a Bill. Non Cabinet
Minister’s Bills are Private Member’s Bills.