Chapter 15: Legislative (Parliament)

Question 1

Chapter Summary

Answer 1

• Legislative confirms or sanctions decisions and bills proposed by exec.
• Chamber’s role is educating the public about what the gov. is doing and hold it accountable
• MPs represent constituents and geography

Question 2

Senate Reform

Answer 2

• abolition, election, provinces select own senators
• Triple-E Senate: Elected, Effective, Equal
• Senate not reformed through formal constitutional amendments.
• Younger senators put more effort than predecessors and become the “think tank of the Canadian government”

Question 3

Parts of Parliament

Answer 3

• House of Commons (Lower House)
• Senate (Upper House)
• Monarch (Queen)

All laws must be approved by 3 parts of Parliament

Question 4

Bill Readings in Chamber

Answer 4

1. First Reading: announce bill (symbolic vote)
2. Second Reading: gov. talks about why bill is important, explain rational, etc. If approved it goes to committee
3. Committee goes through bill in detail, consult experts, make changes. Chance to change original bill
4. Committee goes back with recommended changes. If approved there will be 3rd Reading
5. Third Reading decides to send it to Senate
6. Senate: same procedure all over again

Question 5

Backbencher

Answer 5

A member of Parliament - either on the gov. or opp. side - who sits on the back benches. Does not have a Cabinet post or equivalent position.

Question 6

• Public Bills
• Money Bills
• Government Bills

Answer 6

Most public bills (and all money bills) are sponsored by the gov. and introduced by a Cabinet minister.

• Public Bills: affects society in general such as Income Tax or EI
• Money Bills: involves the raising and spending of money
• Government Bills: introduced by a Cabinet minister on behalf of the whole gov.

Question 7

Private Bill

Answer 7

A bill introduced in Parliament that affects only a specific individual, company, organization, or group

Question 8

Private Member’s Bill

Answer 8

A public bill introduced in Parliament by an MP who is not in the Cabinet

• usually controversial, usually does not pass
• their bills might incorporate ideas into a government bill

Question 9

the Speaker

Answer 9

Both Houses there is a speaker (referee) whose job is to ensure decorum:

• Speaker is a tie-breaker
• House of Commons - Speaker votes last
• Senate - Speaker votes first
• If there is a tie on 1st/2nd reading - “yes” so it can go to committee
• Final vote and HofC and tie - “no”
• job is to keep the government and legislation going

Question 10

Proclamation

Answer 10

Until a bill is not proclaimed, the bill is not in effect. Bill could have Royal Assent but it has to be “proclaimed” for it to be in effect.