Author:Bill C-71 and the Impact of Parliamentary Dissolution
With the dissolution of Parliament, all ongoing legislative work, including Bill C-71, ceases. Continue reading for an overview of what this means for Bill C-71 and the legislative process moving forward.
Understanding Parliamentary Dissolution
A Parliament is the period of parliamentary business between two general elections. Dissolution marks the official end of a Parliament, bringing an end to all parliamentary business before the Senate and the House of Commons. Dissolution is distinct from prorogation, which merely ends a parliamentary session within the same Parliament, allowing work to resume in a subsequent session.
Under the Canada Elections Act, a Parliament cannot last more than approximately four years. A general election must be held on the third Monday of October in the fourth year following the last election, unless Parliament is dissolved earlier. The new Parliament begins with a Speech from the Throne delivered by the King’s representative in Canada, the Governor General.
The Process of Dissolving Parliament
Dissolution occurs through three proclamations issued by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister. These proclamations, typically published in the Canada Gazette, include:
- Dissolution Proclamation – Officially declares Parliament dissolved and releases senators and MPs from their duties.
- Election Proclamation – Calls the next Parliament, issues election writs, and sets dates for polling and return of the writs.
- Summoning Proclamation – Establishes the date on which the new Parliament will convene.
The Fate of Bill C-71
Since parliamentary dissolution terminates all ongoing legislative business, Bill C-71 is effectively halted. This means that any progress made on the bill up to this point is erased from the legislative record, and it must be reintroduced in the new Parliament if the government wishes to pursue it further. This process is often referred to as a bill having “died on the Order Paper.”
Implications Moving Forward
If the government that forms after the general election remains committed to Bill C-71, it will need to reintroduce the bill in either the Senate or the House of Commons. This means that the legislative process will restart from the beginning, requiring new debates, committee reviews, and votes. While this may cause delays, it also presents an opportunity for revisions or improvements to the bill before it is reintroduced.
Exceptions to Parliamentary Dissolution
While most parliamentary business ceases upon dissolution, three Senate committees continue limited operations:
- Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration – Manages administrative functions of the Senate.
- Standing Committee on Ethics and Conflict of Interest for Senators – Continues as an intersessional authority to oversee ethical matters.
- Standing Committee on Audit and Oversight – Functions as an intersessional authority for audit-related work.
Conclusion
The dissolution of Parliament effectively resets the legislative agenda, impacting bills like Bill C-71. If the bill is to proceed, it must be reintroduced in the new Parliament following the general election.
