1. CHV2O
Laws and Lawmaking

2. 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

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

4. How a bill becomes a law

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. Questions
Page 111 # 2 & 3