HOW DO BILLS
BECOME LAWS?
A bill’s journey through our
government
Bill vs. Law
• A bill is a proposed law. Not all bills become
laws.
• A law is what a bill becomes when it receives
royal assent.
First Introduction of A Bill
(First Reading)
• Bill is introduced by MP
in the House of Commons
• If MP is a member of the
government, it is known
as a “Government Bill”
• If MP is not a member of
the government, it is
known as a “Private
Member’s Bill”
• There is no debate and no
vote at this stage
Second Reading
• Focuses on the
principle of the billwhat it will do and why
it is needed
• Heavily debated
• The house will debate
and vote on the
principle of the bill
Committee Stage
• Close examination of the
bill (detailed study of bill)
• Add amendments
(changes), call on
witnesses and experts to
improve the bill
• A report is made for the
house with amendments
Report Stage
• Debate and vote on
amended bill
• Further amendments
allowed as long as
they don’t change
the principle
Third Reading
• Debate about the bill in its
entirety
• Does it do what it is intended
to do?
• If agreed to, the bill is sent to
the other chamber (senate)
• So…they debate and vote on
the final form of the bill
If once wasn’t enough…
• Once it goes through
the first house, it
goes to the other to
begin the process
again.
• The senate does not
reject bills outright,
but adds
amendments as they
see fit.
Finally: Royal Assent and Proclamation
• Ceremony in Senate
• Declaration at Rideau
Hall
• Bill is signed by the
governor general
• Announcement of bill’s
acceptance in His
Majesty’s name
Your Turn: Making a Bill
1.
2.
3.
If you could propose a bill, what would it
be? Be specific with your writing of the bill,
and try to make it a new bill, or an
amendment (change to an existing law)
based on our current needs as a society.
How/what would your bill contribute to
Canadian society? What values are reflected
in your bill?
What people/groups would support and
oppose your bill, and why?
Reading Bills: Questions
In your group, read your bill out loud. Discuss
it’s meaning. Answer the following questions.
Be prepared to share.
• What is this bill proposing?
• Who would agree/disagree with it?
• What groups should be consulted at the
committee stage?
• In your opinion, should it become a law?
https://www.parl.ca/LegisInfo/H
ome.aspx?Language=en&Parliam
entSession=42-1