The legislative process and advocacy

It’s important to understand how a bill is passed through Parliament and eventually becomes a law, so that you know when and how to influence the process.

How a bill becomes a law

1. In the first stage is the introduction of the bill. A motion is introduced to put a bill on the parliamentary agenda. This is usually done by a government minister, but a private member can also introduce a motion for a private member’s bill. Any MP can introduce a private member’s bill on any topic, but it may be difficult to pass it, especially in a majority government. Nonetheless, this is the primary mechanism for the opposition to enact legislation.
2. Next, there is the first reading in the house. The law is introduced to members of Parliament, but no debate is held. The bill is printed and given a number. A House bill is given C-# and a Senate bill is given S-#.
3. After the second reading, there is a debate in which individual members can discuss the issues raised in the bill. At this stage, it is the general principles of the bill, and not the fine details, that are discussed.
4. If the bill passes the second reading, it goes on to the committee stage. In this stage, a subcommittee or standing committee (composed of members from all parties) reviews the legislation in detail. Each clause is discussed and considered, and amendments are proposed. Witnesses may also be brought in to provide testimony. When the committee has finished its review, it orders that the bill be sent back to the House of Commons.
5. In the report stage, the House of Commons reviews the amendments proposed by the committee. There is also opportunity for members not on the committee to propose additional amendments. Each amendment is moved, debated, and voted on by the House of Commons.
6. In the third reading, the bill is sent back to the House for a final reading and debate. The final vote is then taken. If there are unresolved issues with the legislation, then it may be sent back to committee for review and further amendments.
7. If the bill passes the third reading, the House sends a message to the Senate, requesting that it also pass the bill.
8. The bill passes through the same process (stages 1-6) in the Senate. The Senate only has power to delay passage of the bill or suggest changes to the House. It cannot defeat the bill. (If the bill is originally introduced in the Senate, then stages 1-6 occur in the Senate first, then in the House of Commons.)
9. The final step is Royal Assent. When the bill is approved by both the House and the Senate, it is sent to the Governor General for Royal Assent. When it has passed this stage, the bill is officially an Act of Parliament.

What to do at different stages