CHV2O Laws and Lawmaking

Laws A set of rules intended to be long-term solutions to issues that society faces. Laws deal with more than crime. Laws regulate trade between provinces and countries

Passing Laws When it is decided that a law is needed, the government must then create and pass the law

How a bill becomes a law https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_Vm7oaoOuU

Introduction and First Reading Second Reading Engaged Citizens Interest Groups Government Concerned MP/MPP Introduction and First Reading Bill introduced to House of Commons/Senate Bill is given a # and can be read by the public Second Reading MPs/MPPs debate on main ideas of bill. Committee Stage A Committee studies the bill Looking for errors or other problems Report Stage Committee reports its findings Problems are corrected Third Reading Revised bill is debated and voted on Bill goes to the Senate Federal - bill is sent to the Senate and goes through the same process and readings Royal Assent Federal - Bill becomes law when it is signed by the Governor Geneal Provincial - Bill becomes law when it is signed by the Lieutenant Geneal Law

Voices in Lawmaking Laws can only be made in the legislative branch of government Any person or group, can push to create or reverse law.

Groups that advocate for law change Individuals Ordinary citizens approach politicians about laws that affect them or society. They cannot change the laws by themselves but they can organize a group to lobby the government Lobby Group – A group that strongly supports a particular cause

Groups that advocate for law change Interest Groups Groups such as businesses lobby about concerns like competition, property rights, labour laws, and environmental laws Groups such as medical professionals may lobby to change laws based on health concerns. Ex – teen smoking, food safety.

Groups that advocate for law change Government Initiative Governments are expected to act on promises made by changing laws, reversing laws, and making new ones. May different areas such as: improving public services, reducing unemployment, raising or lowering taxes, or resource development.

Groups that advocate for law change Private Member’s Bill MPs or MPPs who feel strongly about an issue will introduce a bill on their own, or as part of a group of representatives.

Groups that advocate for law change Other Tools Push for change can also come from studies done by: Academics Research institutions Legislative committees The government can choose to act or not act on the recommendations.

Questions Page 111 # 2 & 3