The following guide will explain the process by which a typical government initiated bill becomes law. Adapted from Ontario Legislative Library guide #1.

First Reading

• Bill is introduced in the Legislature and given First Reading and put on the agenda of the Legislature.
• Minister may make statement or explanation of purposes of bill
• compendium of background information is supplied to Opposition critics
• bill is printed and distributed

Second Reading

• Debate on principle of the Bill - Minister and each member
• No amendments to text of Bill may be moved at this stage
• After debate concludes, Speaker puts question on the motion for Second Reading
  • If Bill is given Second Reading, it may, by unanimous consent, be ordered for Third Reading
  • Otherwise Bill is referred to a Standing or Select Committee or a Committee of the Whole House as designated by the Minister.
• Select or Standing Committee
  • Purpose is to comment on, ask questions about and/or propose amendments to various sections of Bill
  • Committee may invite individuals, groups and Ministry officials to comment on the Bill in writing or in person before the Committee
  • Committee may travel to various locations in the province to receive comments
  • Each clause of Bill is then considered and may be amended or deleted
  • Bill is reprinted if amendments have been made
  • Bill is reported back to House
  • Bill may, by unanimous consent, be ordered for Third Reading
  • If unanimous consent is not given, Bill is referred to Committee of the Whole House for further consideration
• Committee of the Whole House
  • Purpose is to comment on, ask questions about and/or propose amendments to various sections of Bill
  • Individuals and groups cannot participate in the proceedings
  • Ministry officials may sit on the floor of the Legislative Chamber to provide advice to Minister
  • Each clause of Bill is then considered and may be amended or deleted
  • Bill is reprinted if amendments have been made
  • When Committee of the Whole House reports Bill to House, Bill is ordered for Third Reading

Third Reading

• Debate is more restricted than at Second Reading and is limited to contents of the Bill
• No amendments to text of Bill may be moved at this stage
• After debate concludes, Speaker puts question on motion for Third Reading

Royal Assent

• Bill is presented to the Lieutenant Governor for assent
• Lieutenant Governor may assent to Bill in the Queen's name, withhold assent or reserve assent
• When Bill is given Royal Assent it becomes an Act and is given a statute number and reprinted

In Force

• Statute is in force:
  • upon Royal Assent, or
  • when it is proclaimed by the Lieutenant Governor, or
  • on a day specified in the act
• Different sections may come into force at different times

Prepared by Inba Kehoe, Government Documents, Queen's University, 1997