The following guide will explain the process by which a typical government initiated bill becomes law. Adapted from Ontario Legislative Library guide #1.
First Reading
- Bill is introduced in the Legislature and given First Reading and put on the agenda of the Legislature.
- Minister may make statement or explanation of purposes of bill
- compendium of background information is supplied to Opposition critics
- bill is printed and distributed
Second Reading
- Debate on principle of the Bill - Minister and each member
- No amendments to text of Bill may be moved at this stage
- After debate concludes, Speaker puts question on the motion for Second Reading
- If Bill is given Second Reading, it may, by unanimous consent, be ordered for Third Reading
- Otherwise Bill is referred to a Standing or Select Committee or a Committee of the Whole House as designated by the Minister.
- Select or Standing Committee
- Purpose is to comment on, ask questions about and/or propose amendments to various sections of Bill
- Committee may invite individuals, groups and Ministry officials to comment on the Bill in writing or in person before the Committee
- Committee may travel to various locations in the province to receive comments
- Each clause of Bill is then considered and may be amended or deleted
- Bill is reprinted if amendments have been made
- Bill is reported back to House
- Bill may, by unanimous consent, be ordered for Third Reading
- If unanimous consent is not given, Bill is referred to Committee of the Whole House for further consideration
- Committee of the Whole House
- Purpose is to comment on, ask questions about and/or propose amendments to various sections of Bill
- Individuals and groups cannot participate in the proceedings
- Ministry officials may sit on the floor of the Legislative Chamber to provide advice to Minister
- Each clause of Bill is then considered and may be amended or deleted
- Bill is reprinted if amendments have been made
- When Committee of the Whole House reports Bill to House, Bill is ordered for Third Reading
Third Reading
- Debate is more restricted than at Second Reading and is limited to contents of the Bill
- No amendments to text of Bill may be moved at this stage
- After debate concludes, Speaker puts question on motion for Third Reading
Royal Assent
- Bill is presented to the Lieutenant Governor for assent
- Lieutenant Governor may assent to Bill in the Queen's name, withhold assent or reserve assent
- When Bill is given Royal Assent it becomes an Act and is given a statute number and reprinted
In Force
- Statute is in force:
- upon Royal Assent, or
- when it is proclaimed by the Lieutenant Governor, or
- on a day specified in the act
- Different sections may come into force at different times
Prepared by Inba Kehoe, Government Documents, Queen's University, 1997
