how parliament creates laws

Question 1

how is a bill proposed?

Answer 1

usually by a Cabinet Minister who presents a proposal to the Cabinet, and if it is endorsed, the Department of Justice drafts a bill

Question 2

what is a bill?

Answer 2

like a rough draft explaining the idea for a law

Question 3

House of Commons: first reading

Answer 3

the bill is introduced in the House of Commons

Question 4

House of Commons: second reading

Answer 4

the bill is debated by all Members of Parliament

a vote is held on the principle of the bill

Question 5

House of Commons: committee stage

Answer 5

if the bill passes the 2nd reading, a committee examines it clause-by-clause
the revised bill is debated in the House of Commons and amendments are proposed

Question 6

House of Commons: third reading

Answer 6

Members of Parliament vote on the revised bill

Question 7

Senate: first reading

Answer 7

once a bill is passed in the House of Commons, it has a first reading in the Senate

Question 8

Senate: second reading

Answer 8

the bill is debated by all Senators

Senators vote on the principle of the bill

Question 9

Senate: committee stage

Answer 9

if the bill passes the 2nd reading, a committee examines it clause-by-clause
the revised bill is debated in the Senate and amendments are proposed

Question 10

Senate: third reading

Answer 10

Senators vote on the revised bill

Question 11

Royal Assent

Answer 11

once all amendments are passed in both the House of Commons and the Senate, and both have passed the bill in exactly the same wording, it goes to the Governor General for approval
the Governor General signs the bill to indicate Royal Assent
the bill becomes a law