z CHV 2 O Laws and Lawmaking z

z CHV 2 O Laws and Lawmaking

z Laws § A set of rules intended to be long-term solutions to issues that society faces. § Laws deal with more than crime. § Laws regulate trade between provinces and countries

z Passing Laws § When it is decided that a law is needed, the government must then create and pass the law

z How a bill becomes a law § https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=x_Vm 7 oao. Ou. U

Engaged Citizens Interest Groups z Government Concerned MP/MPP Introduction and First Reading • Bill introduced to House of Commons/Senate • Bill is given a # and can be read by the public Committee Stage Report Stage • A Committee studies the bill • Looking for errors or other problems • Committee reports its findings • Problems are corrected Bill goes to the Senate • Federal - bill is sent to the Senate and goes through the same process and readings Second Reading • MPs/MPPs debate on main ideas of bill. Third Reading • Revised bill is debated and voted on Royal Assent • Federal - Bill becomes law when it is signed by the Governor Geneal • Provincial - Bill becomes law when it is signed by the Lieutenant Geneal Law

z Voices in Lawmaking § Laws can only be made in the legislative branch of government § Any person or group, can push to create or reverse law.

z Groups that advocate for law change § Individuals § Ordinary citizens approach politicians about laws that affect them or society. § They cannot change the laws by themselves but they can organize a group to lobby the government § Lobby Group – A group that strongly supports a particular cause

z Groups that advocate for law change § Interest Groups § Groups such as businesses lobby about concerns like competition, property rights, labour laws, and environmental laws § Groups such as medical professionals may lobby to change laws based on health concerns. Ex – teen smoking, food safety.

z Groups that advocate for law change § Government Initiative § Governments are expected to act on promises made by changing laws, reversing laws, and making new ones. § May different areas such as: improving public services, reducing unemployment, raising or lowering taxes, or resource development.

z Groups that advocate for law change § Private Member’s Bill § MPs or MPPs who feel strongly about an issue will introduce a bill on their own, or as part of a group of representatives.

z Groups that advocate for law change § Other Tools § Push for change can also come from studies done by: § Academics § Research institutions § Legislative committees § The government can choose to act or not act on the recommendations.

z Questions § Page 111 # 2 & 3