Passing Laws in Parliament

Passing Laws in Ottawa Parliament

Procedure

Parliament

A Bill

House of Commons

Governor General

Prime Minister

Branches of Government

Downtown Ottawa at night

1. First Reading - An idea for a new law or change is written down, this is called a bill.2. Second Reading - Parliamentarians debates the idea behind the bill. If the house votes for the bill, the bill goes to a Committee of a House.3. Committee Stage - The bill is studied carefully. Committee members host hearings so that people can make comments on the bill.4. Report Stage - The committee reports the bill back to the house.5. Third reading - Parliamentarians can change their minds about the bill.6. Royal Assent - Governor General approves or disapproves.