The Senate of Canada is the upper chamber in Canada's bi-cameral system. It is an integral part of Canada’s parliamentary system. The Senate works with the House of Commons and the Crown (represented by the Governor General) to draft, revise and pass the laws used to govern the nation.
The Legislation Process
In order for a bill to become law, it must be passed by both the Senate and the House of Commons and given Royal Assent by the Governor General on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen.
Bills, with the exception of money bills, may be introduced in either the Senate or the House of Commons. In both Chambers, the bill must pass first reading, second reading, committee stage, report stage (if required), and third reading before it is ready for Royal Assent and becomes law. Although some private and government bills are introduced in the Senate, most come to the Upper Chamber after having been passed by the House of Commons.
First Reading
Once a message is received that a bill is ready for the Senate's consideration, the bill is given first reading which is largely a perfunctory stage where the bill is printed and made available to Honourable Senators.
Second Reading
Second reading is an important stage in the passage of a bill. During second reading, members of the Chamber debate the broad principle of the bill, and may amend it and vote on it for the first time. Once all interested parties have spoken, the Speaker asks if a bill should be read a second time and, assuming this motion passes, the bill is then referred to a committee of the Senate for detailed study. Second reading is the first stage at which a bill can be defeated and, if defeated, the bill is removed from the Senate’s consideration.
Committee Stage
A bill is referred to committee after it has passed second reading. The Rules of the Senate dictate the appropriate committee for the bill in question. An exception can be made in specific cases with the approval of the Chamber.
There are several different types of committees in the Senate. The most commonly used are Standing committees that exist on a permanent basis to examine bills and issues that fall under their mandate. For example, there are standing committees on Foreign Affairs; Agriculture and Forestry; Aboriginal Peoples; and, Banking, Trade and Commerce. There are also two standing committees that deal exclusively with the functioning of the Senate. One is the Senate Committee on Privileges, Rules and Orders, and the other is Senate Committee on Internal Economy and Budgets and Administration.
In addition, the Senate participates in a number of joint committees. These committees include both members of parliament and senators. Examples of these kinds of committees are Scrutiny and Regulations and the Library of Parliament. Occasionally, committees are set up to allow both Houses to examine serious national issues together. The Child Custody and Access Special Joint Committee is a typical example.
The Senate has the option of creating special committees to study a particular subject or piece of legislation. These committees cease to exist when they report back to the Chamber. Finally, the Senate may examine a bill in the Committee of the Whole, a committee of the entire Senate chamber.
Senate committees vigorously examine the bill before them. They call witnesses, debate and produce a report on the benefits and weaknesses of the proposed legislation. Many analysts believe that it is at the committee stage that the Senate does its best work. Senators are able to examine legislation effectively because of their experience and expertise in policy areas.
Report Stage
If a committee reports a bill back to the Senate with suggested changes, the Chamber examines the legislation at report stage and votes on all proposed changes. If, however, the committee indicates that the bill is adequate as is, report stage does not occur and the bill is ready for third reading.
Third Reading
Third reading is the last opportunity for Senators to debate and amend a particular piece of legislation. If the Senate passes a bill after third reading (assuming it has been passed by the House of Commons), it is ready for Royal Assent. Bills that originate in the Senate, which are passed at third reading, are sent to the House for their consideration.
Royal Assent
Royal Assent is an ancient and interesting public ceremony wherein the Governor General or a representative comes to the Senate to indicate approval for a piece of legislation. This is the final stage of the legislative process and is required for a bill to become law. Royal Assent always occurs in the Senate, usually with a Justice of the Supreme Court presiding in the place of the Governor General. Governors General do attend, from time to time, as on April 13, 2000 when Her Excellency Adrienne Clarkson assented to the historic Nisgaa final agreement. Although Governors General may refuse assent to bills, this rarely occurs. Royal Assent is a formal, public way for bills to become law.
Committee Work: Mandate and Function
A major and significant portion of the Senate's work is carried out in its standing and special committees, as well as in its sub-committees. Senate standing committees consider bills and carry out special studies. They inquire into and report on matters referred to them by the Senate. They are authorized to hear expert witnesses and authorities, call for papers and records, and otherwise collect evidence that helps them with their work. On average, over 50 bills are examined and 30 special studies are undertaken by Senate committees each year.
Senate committees publish a permanent record of their deliberations for the information of the Senate and the general public. Almost all meetings of committees are held publicly and committee proceedings are announced so as to provide general access to the work of committees.
Senate committee reports are used for more than legislative development: they constitute a vital source of information for researchers, business persons and non-government agencies.
Detailed information about Senate Committees can be found at the following links:
Since Senator Hays' appointment to the Senate, he has been a member of:
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An Ex-officio member of all Senate Committees (1999 - Jan 26, 2001)
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The Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry (1984 - 1999)
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The Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources (1986 - 1999)
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The Standing Committee of Foreign Affairs (1989 - 1991)
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The Joint Committee on the Printing of Parliament (1984 - 1986)
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The Special Committee on Terrorism and Public Safety (1984 - 1988)
