SSII

 This activity is a simplified version of the process the legislative branch goes through to make a law. It is intended to give you a better understanding of:  how political parties function.  how a law is made in Canada

Everyone in the class will be MPs and will be in a political party (Conservative, Liberal or NDP).

The party with the most MPs will form the government. It will be either a majority or minority government.

Next, the cabinet will meet to create a bill. Their goal will be to have this bill become a law. The Bill will be called “Bill 100”.

BILL 100: “Minimum Wage will be raised to $12 per hour.”

Your party’s caucus will discuss your party’s position on this bill. YOUR PARTY’S POSITION MUST BE CONSISTENT WITH THE PARTY’S POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY IN REAL LIFE!

a) Debate. You should take the position of your party, even if you don’t agree with the position personally. b) Vote on the bill. If the bill passes the second reading, it will be sent to a Parliamentary Committee for review and editing

 A committee with members from many different parties work out the details of the bill. It is at this stage where the public has a say. Citizens can suggest ways to improve the bills.

The update version of the bill is now read aloud to the House of Commons, and voted on again. If the House accepts the committees changes…

The bill is sent to the senate, where it will go through the same process of three readings

 If the bill passes all 3 Senate Readings it will be sent to the Governor-General for her signature. Once she has signed it, the bill is law.