Rashmy Lobo
Chairperson of Legislation & Resolution (2019-2022)
St. Joseph’s Parish, Streetsville.T-072
Legislation
&
Resolution
Acknowledgements & Disclaimers
WHAT IS LEGISLATION?
To answer this very important question,
CWL Special Agent T.A.G., code name “The Seeker,” was brought in from a covert operation in the field.
Over to you, Seeker!
C.W.L. �Special Agent T.A.G.
C
W
L
T
A
G
Welcome to the mission!
According to the Government of Canada website,
“Legislation refers to
written laws, often referred to as Acts or statutes, which are enacted by Parliament, the legislative arm of government.”
Laws affect nearly every aspect of the daily lives of citizens.
Lawmakers work hard to put many laws in place as a way to help ensure a safe and peaceful society.
I began my investigation at canada.ca where I found the answer.
WHY IS LEGISLATION SO IMPORTANT?
It gives the opportunity to:
How can members affect legislation?
THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS
Involves three parts that work together to create new laws:
Draft legislation is introduced to parliament in the form of a bill to:
Intel sent word that an issue was being brought to parliament.
Let’s take a closer look. Strictly for investigative purposes of course!
Hi!
I’m Bill!
Code name: BILL
Third Reading
IMPORTANT STAGES IN THE LIFE OF BILL
Any cabinet minister, parliamentary secretary or individual parliamentarian (private member) introduces Bill.
The member must give 48 hours written notice to the clerk of the house to do so.
The title for Bill is put on the notice paper.
The day it appears on the notice paper, the title for Bill is put on the order paper.
It will remain there until the minister decides to introduce it.
Once Bill has been introduced, the speaker proposes the motion for Bill to be introduced, the motion is deemed carried.
The Speaker asks, “When shall Bill be read a second time?” And he answers with “at the next sitting of the house.”
This formality allows Bill to be placed on the order paper for the second reading.
This is the stage that a specific number is assigned to Bill.
In the House of Commons numbers are assigned C-1 – C-200.
Private members are assigned
C-201 – C-1000.
INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING
Bill has been followed to the parliament buildings. Sources confirm it is his first visit.
I hope my welcome is warmer than the weather.
Surveillance cameras on the inside have picked up Bill in the House of Commons. He is being introduced and read for the first time.
Bill
I’ve got eyes on Bill!
The MPs from all parties have an opportunity to debate the strength and weaknesses of Bill ending with a vote on the principle of Bill.
If the vote is in favour of Bill, “passing second reading,” he is sent to a parliamentary committee. The committee examines Bill in great detail. Changes can be made here.
Public hearings or special meetings are held. Different people inside and outside government can comment, hear views or suggest changes to be made to Bill.
The committee can ask for government officials, experts or witnesses, to come and answer questions.
Reflections by the committee may include:
Is what Bill represents good?
Does what Bill propose meet the needs of the people?
If the chamber votes for Bill and he passes this stage, he goes to a committee.
SECOND READING OF BILL
REPORT STAGE
How are you doing? Still with me?
THIRD READING
I’ve
picked up on a possible threat!
Bill may not
make it!!
Bill made it! He is in the Senate to be introduced to this group of senators.
He’s still not in the clear!
He must go through the same process as he did in the House of Commons.
When Bill is passed by the Senate, if any amendments were made, the other chamber must agree to those amendments.
Messages may go back and forth until an agreement is reached.
Once the House of Commons and the Senate agree to pass Bill in exactly the same way, he has a date with the governor general or a representative of the governor general for approval.
Be sure to include this in your file.
Important Final Steps
Just got word from my informant. Bill received his final approval by the governor general or the appointed representative and was granted royal assent. It has been quite a journey!
The grey hair and crown suit him, don’t you think?
New status, new Bill, Code Name: Law!
Welcome Bill Law! �You’ve just made �history!
The name is Law…
Bill Law
Laws come into force in the following ways:
LEGISLATIONS?
For CWL members it is
Faith in Action!
FAITH IN ACTION
The gospel tells us:
“Give justice to the weak and the orphan; maintain the right of the lowly and the destitute”
(Psalm 82:3)
“Learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.” (Isaiah 1:17)
DID YOU KNOW?
If a bill originates in the House of Commons, it is identified with the letter C and given a number.
E.g. Bill C-7.
In the Senate, the bill is identified with the letter S and given a number. E.g. Bill S-4.
Bill C-4 An Act relating to certain measures in response to COVID-19,
Bill C-9 An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy and Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy)
Bill C-13 An Act respecting certain measures in response to COVID-19 (COVID19 Emergency Response Act)
Bill C-14 A second Act respecting certain measures in response to COVID19
Bill C-15 The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and Bill C-24 An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act (additional regular benefits), the Canada Recovery Benefits Act (restriction on eligibility) and another Act in response to COVID-19 received royal assent
One bill that created a wave of concern and frustration was Bill C-7 An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying). Members rallied by contacting their local political representative with calls, letters and emails, as well as submitting petitions. Unfortunately, Bill C-7 received royal assent.
Bill C-8 An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s call to action number 94). “This enactment amends the Citizenship Act to include, in the Oath or Affirmation of Citizenship, a solemn promise to respect the Aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.”
WHAT IS A
RESOLUTION?
A Resolution, like a motion, is a proposal that introduces new business to the League. The new business is introduced in the form of a resolution because of its formality, its length or its complexity.
Resolutions exemplify that the League is:
Being involved in resolutions is a unique ministry and a service to the people of God
.
Resolutions play a major part in the League’s work.
•Through them, policy may be established, programs planned, or concerns and views expressed to governments.
•Resolutions can be a powerful tool.
• The League can serve the church’s mission and be a Christian witness through resolution.
Rules that apply to resolutions are the same as those that apply to motions, i.e. seconded, debated, passed by majority vote and all secondary motions can be applied to them.
What is the direction and purpose of a resolution?
•A resolution may be directed to the League itself at any level -
its purpose is to propose a plan, establish a policy, recommend action or censure.
•It may be directed to outside groups or institutions, such as the government, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, businesses, etc. -
its purpose is to influence others to take action that the League itself cannot take, to state the League’s position on an issue, to petition or to express concern.
The CWL members think of resolutions for a social justice issue, to speak for the vulnerable and those who have no voice. Do you have an idea for a resolution? What should you do next?
That is awesome start the process!
Resolutions that need some work to be done:
2009.01 Exit Strategies for Prostituted Persons: The topic is relevant; however, it needs new materials. The reference term “prostituted persons” is no longer used. This issue remains important for the League, but a new resolution is needed.
2005.06 Developing Countries and Water [shared with education and health]: The topic is relevant, and the issue was sent to the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organisations.
2003.01 Affordable Housing for Low-Income Canadians: The topic remains relevant.
2001.01 Water Quality in Canada: The topic is relevant.
1999.09 Bulk Fresh Water Resources [with education and health]: The topic remains relevant. Canadians do not want the agreement to share Canada’s bulk water with the United States. It is also a provincial issue: Jurisdiction over water is divided between parliament and the provincial
legislatures, with some overlap. Provinces generally have authority over natural resources within their boundaries. [Provincial focus].
1999.02 Childhood Abuse in Institutions: The topic is relevant, and resources are being made available, with focus coming from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. A new resolution can be presented with a focus on current events.
1999.01 Elder Abuse/Assault Awareness: The topic is relevant; however, the resolution was addressed to members only. A new resolution could be written with reference to long-term care homes [provincially funded]. Provinces continue to address this issue and other organizations.
1997.09 Restorative Justice Programs for Young Offenders: The topic remains relevant, and members continue to monitor this concern.
1984.06 Spousal Abuse: The topic is relevant. An action plan and references are not available on the website. Note: Claire’s Law; A resolution to address law enforcement applying the law could be considered. (No teeth to the law if law enforcement will not apply it). New references are required—too many types of abuse.
Resolutions we have undertaken:
2018.01 Attestation Requirement on Canada Summer Jobs Program
2017.02 Mandatory Age Verification Mechanisms for Adult Pornographic Websites (now in the Senate)
2016.02 Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide
2016.03 Warning Labels on Food and Drug Products for all Inactive Substances and Additives
2015.02 Ban Plastic Microbeads in Personal Care Products
2015.03 Banning the Use of Neonicotinoid Pesticides (partially banned)
2014.01 Restoration of Health Care for Refugee Claimants
2014.02 Electronic Cigarettes
2012.01 Criminalization of the Purchasing of Sexual Services
2011.02 Children of Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women
2011.03 National Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Registry
2011.04 Caffeine in Energy Drinks 2010.01 Use of Chrysotile Asbestos
2010.02 Income Tax Credit for Children’s Participation in Arts and Cultural Activities
2009.02 Protection and Support Services for Foreign Victims of Human Trafficking
2009.01 Exit Strategies for Prostituted Persons
2009.03 Hate Messages
2008.01 Preventing Human Trafficking at 2010 Olympics
2008.03 Toxic Substances in Household Products 2008.05 Transportation Tax Credit for Rural PostSecondary Students
2005.01 Nativity-related Postage Stamp
Canadian Parliament
&
CLW
Steeped in
History and Traditions
Intel has provided more background information to help with the mission.
The following can be used as a resource. Be sure to also use sources in the field for assistance.
This information will not
self-destruct.
Good luck Special Agent T.A.G.!
Resources we can use!
The following three websites are often helpful in providing information on parliamentary sessions and bills that are moving towards royal assent:
The file in this case is
very large. I have pulled some items out for you to become familiar with.
Investigate and research on your own with the resources I have provided for you.
Remember this is NOT
for your eyes only!
Spread the word.
Knowledge is…
Power!
As members of the League, your mission, should you choose to accept it…
Read, Research,
React!
All it takes is the power of one to get things rolling!
Yes,
Special Agent �T.A.G. …
You’re it!!
Social Justice Prayer
Almighty and eternal God, with You all things are possible. In our fractured world that bears the scars of suffering, we seek Your comfort to heal the wounds of division. We desire to answer Your call to act justly and bring about reconciliation.
We pray that You guide the nations of the world, and those that govern the countries within them, in the ways of justice and truth so they can live in unity with equality and peace.
Lord Jesus, give us the strength and courage to fulfill our baptismal promises of serving all people by following Your example and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth.
Send us Your Spirit to give us the gifts of wisdom and grace to guide our actions as advocates for the marginalized and a voice for the voiceless.
May we persevere in our hunger for social justice and thirst for peace.
As we journey together with our sisters and brothers, may our path be one of solidarity, understanding and compassion.
Heavenly Father, watch over our country and guide its leaders in knowledge and truth to deal with complex issues for the greater good of our nation.
As a final request on this day, dear Lord, we ask that you bless those of us gathered here together. May we leave with lasting friendships and kindled with the fire of Your love to fulfill our ministry.
Amen.