The Chambers
What is the House of Commons?
This elected lower house of Parliament introduces most government bills and debates them in French and English.
What is First Reading?
During this initial step, the bill is formally introduced, printed, and no debate takes place.
What is a bill?
Proposed legislation introduced in Parliament is officially known by this term.
What is the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms?
The Minister of Justice checks all bills to ensure they are consistent with this foundational human rights and freedoms document created in 1982.
What is the Constitution Act, 1982?
This 1982 constitutional document entrenched the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms into law, completing the country's full political independence.
What is the Senate?
This appointed upper house of Parliament reviews, amends, and passes bills after they leave the lower house
What is Second Reading?
Parliamentarians debate the general principle of the bill and vote on whether to let it proceed.
What is an Act?
Laws created by the federal government are given this publication title before they officially take effect.
What are both Canada's official languages?
English and French :)
What is the Criminal Code?
This foundational federal act is the primary source of criminal law in Canada, codifying most offenses, procedures, and sentencing guidelines.
Who is the Monarch?
This Head of State, represented federally by the Governor General, is the final step in the legislative process.
What is the Committee Stage?
A specialized group of members studies the bill in-depth, holds public hearings, and can propose changes.
What is a Private Member's Bill?
When an MP or Senator who is not a government minister introduces a proposed piece of legislation, they introduce this.
What is the provincial government?
In addition to the federal Parliament, this level of government also uses a legislature (like MPPs or MLAs) to pass laws regarding health care, education, and property.
What is the OnlineStreamingAct (Bill C-11)?
Passing its third reading in 2023, this major update to the Broadcasting Act mandates that tech giants and streaming services financially support Canadian content.
The Governor General was recently appointed. Who is she?
THe right honourable Louise Arbour
What is the Report Stage?
The stage right after committee where members debate proposed amendments to the specific wording of the bill.
What is exchange messages?
If the House of Commons and the Senate disagree on the text of a bill, they must do this until both chambers agree on the exact same wording.
What is proclamation?
Once a bill passes, it must "come into force" in order to become enforceable law. This is another term for that process.
What is the Canada Labour Code?
This 1970s landmark act outlines the basic rights of employees in federally regulated workplaces, covering areas like hours of work, minimum wage, and statutory holidays.
What is a constitutional monarchy?
This is the system of government where the Monarch, the Senate, and the House of Commons work together to enact legislation.
What is Royal Assent?
When a bill receives this final signature, it officially ceases to be a bill and becomes a Canadian law.
What is a cantidate?
person running for government.
What is the Department of Justice's Laws Website?
The federal registry that officially publishes all newly enacted Canadian laws.
What is the Cannabis Act?
Enacted in 2018, this highly debated piece of legislation legalized the recreational use, sale, and production of cannabis nationwide.