legislative process

step 1

Introduced the bill—first reading: The concept of the bill is officially introduced and read for the first time

step 2

Second reading: discuss and vote in the first chamber on the bill

Step 3

Committee Study: discusses/studies the bill, making amendments

step 4

Report (final debate): The committee reports back to the whole chamber, and members debate the bill again, including any amendments

Step 5

Third reading (final vote): The final version of the bill is debated, then members vote to approve or reject it

Step 6

Other chambers: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (Senate or House of Commns) to go through a similar process

Step 7

Royal assessment: The bill is formally approved (signed) by the Governor General on behalf of the monarch and becomes a law