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David Johnston, 28
th
Governor General since
Confederation, with
grandchildren
29
Discover Canada
making laws
How a bill becomes law — The Legislative Process
STEP 1 First Reading
– The bill is considered read for the first time and is printed.
STEP 2 Second Reading
– Members debate the bill’s principle.
STEP 3 Committee Stage
– Committee members study the bill clause by clause.
STEP 4 Report Stage
– Members can make other amendments.
STEP 5 Third Reading
– Members debate and vote on the bill.
STEP 6 Senate
– The bill follows a similar process in the Senate.
STEP 7 Royal Assent
– The bill receives royal assent after being passed by both Houses.
Living in a democracy, Canadian citizens have
the right and the responsibility to participate in
making decisions that affect them. It is important
for Canadians aged 18 or more to participate in
their democracy by voting in federal, provincial
or territorial and municipal elections.
Constitutional monarchy
As a
constitutional monarchy
, Canada’s
Head of
State
is a hereditary Sovereign (Queen or King),
who reigns in accordance with the Constitution:
the rule of law. The Sovereign is a part of
Parliament, playing an important, non-partisan
role as the focus of citizenship and allegiance,
most visibly during royal visits to Canada. Her
Majesty is a symbol of Canadian sovereignty,
a guardian of constitutional freedoms, and a
reflection of our history. The Royal Family’s
example of lifelong service to the community is
an encouragement for citizens to give their best
to their country. As Head of the Commonwealth,
the Sovereign links Canada to 53 other nations
that cooperate to advance social, economic
and cultural progress. Other constitutional
monarchies include Denmark, Norway, Sweden,
Australia, New Zealand, The Netherlands, Spain,
Thailand, Japan, Jordan and Morocco.
There is a clear distinction in Canada between
the
head of state
—the Sovereign—and the
head
of government
—the Prime Minister, who actually
directs the governing of the country.
The Sovereign is represented in Canada by the
Governor General
, who is appointed by the
Sovereign on the advice of the Prime Minister,
usually for five years. In each of the ten provinces,
the Sovereign is represented by the
Lieutenant
Governor
, who is appointed by the Governor
General on the advice of the Prime Minister, also
normally for five years.
The interplay between the three branches
of government—the Executive, Legislative
and Judicial—which work together but also
sometimes in creative tension, helps to secure
the rights and freedoms of Canadians.
Each provincial and territorial government has
an elected legislature where provincial and
territorial laws are passed. The members of the
legislature are called members of the Legislative
Assembly (MLAs), members of the National
Assembly (MNAs), members of the Provincial
Parliament (MPPs) or members of the House of
Assembly (MHAs), depending on the province or
territory.
In each province, the
Premier
has a role similar
to that of the Prime Minister in the federal
government, just as the Lieutenant Governor has
a role similar to that of the Governor General.
In the three territories, the
Commissioner
represents the federal government and plays a
ceremonial role.
Canada’s System of Government
Parliament
Judiciary
Sovereign
Represented in Canada by
the Governor General
Supreme Court of Canada
Nine judges appointed by
the Governor General
Federal Court
of Canada
Prime
Minister
and
Cabinet
Provincial
Courts
Government
Members
Opposition
Members
Senate
Appointed on the Prime
Minister’s recommendation
House of Commons
Elected by voters
Legislative
Branch
Executive
Branch