1. How a Bill becomes Law

2. The Branches of Government
Executive Branch – Makes Decisions
PM and cabinet
Legislative Branch – Discusses and Votes
Parliament – HOC and Senate
Judicial Branch – Makes sure everything is within Constitution and the Charter
Final decision rests with Supreme Court

3. Executive Branch
1. A policy proposal is presented to Cabinet by a Minister
2. Cabinet accepts or rejects the proposal
3. Supports all decisions once they are made

4. B The Role of the House of Commons
4. First Reading – Bill introduced and briefly explained
Any MP can introduce Bill.
5. Second Reading - Debate on the principle of the Bill -each MP can speak once

5. B The Role of the House of Commons
6. Committee Stage
Detailed examination of the bill by parliamentary committee.
Can invite expert testimony form outside of parliament
Committee numbers proportional to seats.
7. Third Reading
House of Commons votes on the Bill
Controlled by Party Whip

6. C The Role of Senate – (The Sober Second Thought)
8. First Reading
9. Second Reading
10. Committee Stage
11. Third Reading
If amended the Bill is returned to the House of Commons

7. Senate Reform?

8. D The Role of the Crown
12. The bill is signed by the Governor General (royal assent) and it becomes law

9. E The Judicial Branch
Judges appointed by Prime Minister from recommended short list
Only the most experienced and respected judges
Geographical representation – 3 Que, 3 Ont, 2 Western Can, 1 Atlantic
Check new law complies with constitution and charter
Can decide to hear “test cases” and force parliament to make changes

10. The Court System
Provincial court – different sections for different types of offences
Can ask for appeal and court decides if it will hear the case.
Supreme court of BC
Appeal court of BC
Supreme court of Canada

11. The Charter Part of 1982 Constitution
Guarantees basic rights and freedoms for all Canadians
What are the basic sections of the charter?:
Fundamental freedoms; Democratic rights; mobility rights; legal rights; Equality Rights; Official languages of Canada rights; Minority Language Education Rights