Topic – How Canadian Laws Are Made

How Canadian Laws Are Made

Did you know that the Legislative Assembly is the place where ideas are presented and made into laws? Laws begin as ideas, then ideas become bills. A bill is like a rough draft explaining the idea for a law. Bills go through a special procedure called the legislative process to become laws or acts.

Creating a laws

The legislative process is important because Members of Parliament make sure that an idea is worthwhile before it becomes a bill and finally a law or act. During the legislative process, a bill is discussed and the public can come and express their opinions so that changes to a bill can be made before it becomes a law.

Creating a law is just like the process of writing. First, you start with an idea of what to write about. Second, you write a rough draft. Third, you add details and edit your work to make sure it is clear for the reader. Finally, you publish it.

A cabinet minister usually presents government bills or “public bills” into the House of Commons. Government bills usually have something to do with the government’s plan to spend public money or to raise taxes. Bills are supposed to do something good for Canada, such as providing more public housing for people who are forced to live in the city streets. Other types of bills are called private Members’ bills which affect the whole country, and private bills that affect only one person or a group of people.

The Supreme Court of Canada

The Supreme Court of Canada

The Supreme Court of Canada is made up of nine judges appointed by the prime minister. It only considers cases that involve legal cases that have already been through the highest courts. The purpose of the Supreme Court is to interpret laws and acts passed by federal and provincial governments to ensure that they follow
The Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Constitution.

Step 1: The First Reading

This is when a Member of Parliament presents the bill. A bill is a document that explains a proposed law. Usually, a bill is presented by a cabinet minister, but not always. During the first reading, there are no debates or votes.

Step 2: The Second Reading

This is when Members of Parliament, as a group, discuss and debate the advantages and disadvantages of a bill.

Step 3: Standing Committee

The bill is sent to be studied by a group of Members of Parliament called a standing committee. A standing committee is made up of MPs from all the political parties so that all points of view are taken into consideration when studying a bill on a specific issue. For instance, there are standing committees that study all bills about agriculture. This is also the time when experts and other members of the public may appear before the committee to present their views.

Step 4: The Report Stage

Any changes or amendments suggested by the standing committee are discussed in the House of Commons.

Step 5: The Third Reading

The bill is debated in its final form and voted on two more times.

Step 6: Royal Assent

Once the bill has been passed three times in the House of Commons, it must be approved by the Senate and signed by the governor-general. The bill is now an official law.

Now, show what you know!

Complete some questions about the reading selection by clicking “Begin Questions” below.