In order for the Legislative Assembly to enact a law, a Bill must be prepared. Bills are proposed laws. If passed by the Assembly and given Royal Assent, they become part of the law of the Province. Once part of provincial law, Bills are known as Acts or Statutes.
1. NOTICE
Notice of a Bill's intended introduction must appear in the Notice Paper one day prior to the introduction day.
2. INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING
The Sponsor of a Bill (an MLA) moves that a Bill be read a first time and introduced in the House. The motion is not debatable, but the MLA may offer a brief explanation of the Bill's purpose.
3. SECOND READING
During this stage, the Bill is debated and either accepted or rejected. This is the most important stage, since adoption of a second reading motion means the Legislative Assembly approves the principle of the Bill.
4. COMMITTEE STAGE
A Bill passing Second Reading is referred to a Standing, or Special Committee (comprised of Members selected from both sides of the House) or to a Committee of the Whole House (comprised of all Members.) Usually after consultation with Opposition House Leaders, the Government House Leader determines the Committee that will examine a Bill.
Since the public has the opportunity to have direct input into the law making process, the committee stage is important. Members of the public may present oral and written submissions concerning proposed Bills. After the public has been heard from, the sponsor of the Bill and the Opposition Critics may make opening statements. The Committee then proceeds to a clause-by-clause consideration of the Bill. At this time, amendments may be proposed and considered.
Persons wishing to make an oral presentation can register through the Clerk's Office at 945-3636.
Please refer toFact Sheet #5 How Standing Committees Operate for details on Committee registration and presentations.
5. REPORT STAGE
At this stage, the House considers a Bill that has been considered by a committee, and reported - with or without amendments - to the House. At this time, Members may propose further amendments to specific Bill clauses. The sponsor moves concurrence and third reading after any amendments have been disposed of.
6. CONCURRENCE AND THIRD READING
The sponsor of the Bill moves that the Bill "be now concurred in and read a third time and passed." At this point, the Bill is debatable and amendments may be proposed to apply a 6-month hoist, present a reasoned amendment, or refer the Bill back to Committee. At this stage, debates are usually brief, in part since most Concurrence and Third Reading motions are moved in the final days of session. Adoption of a Concurrence and Third Reading motion signals passage of a Bill.
7. ROYAL ASSENT
To become law, a Bill that passes all stages in the House must receive Royal Assent from the Lieutenant Governor. In the Lieutenant Governor's absence, the Administrator of the Province (The Chief Justice of the Court of Appeal, or another Judge of that Court) performs this task.
Where is the Ceremony performed?
This ceremony is brief, and takes place in the Assembly Chamber.
What happens during this ceremony?
The Speaker reads the address to the Lieutenant Governor and a Table Officer reads the titles of the Bills in English and French. The Clerk then announces that the Lieutenant Governor has granted Royal Assent.
Is the Bill effective immediately?
Although a Bill receives Royal Assent, it does not mean that it comes into effect immediately. It may come into effect on the date of Royal Assent, 60 days after the ceremony, on a specific date named in the Bill, or on a date to be set by order of the Lieutenant Governor in Council as set out in the coming into force provision of the Bill.
How many times a session does the Royal Assent ceremony occur?
The ceremony may occur several times during a session, the last time being immediately before the end of session.
PRINTED COPIES OF BILLS
Bills may be obtained by contacting Statutory Publications at 945-3101, or in person at 200 Vaughan Street. There is a small fee per copy. Bills may also be obtained from the Legislative Assembly Internet site at:
A Look at Bill 217 -- The Hunting, Fishing and Trapping Heritage Act
By Ralph Eichler
Progressive Conservative
Member of the Legislative Assembly for Lakeside
For many decades, Manitobans have engaged in hunting, fishing or trapping, either for sustenance, to earn a living, or as a part of their lifestyle.
However, this right to hunt, fish and trap is sometimes taken for granted. It shouldn’t be. It should be enshrined in law. To that end, last November in the Manitoba Legislature I introduced Bill 217 -- – The Hunting, Fishing and Trapping Heritage Act.
The philosophy behind the bill is clearly outlined in the preamble. It states:
…hunting, fishing and trapping have played important roles in shaping Manitoba's social, cultural and economic heritage;
…hunters, anglers and trappers have made important contributions to the understanding, conservation, restoration and management of Manitoba's fish and wildlife resources; and
…the best traditions of hunting, fishing and trapping should be valued by future generations.
Bill 217 guarantees a person’s right to hunt, fish and trap in accordance with the law. Moreover, nothing in the bill derogates from any aboriginal person’s right to hunt, fish or trap.
Manitoba’s anglers, hunters and trappers contribute a great deal to the conservation and management of our fish and wildlife resources because they understand the importance of preserving them for future generations.
Unfortunately, many Manitobans no longer have ties to people who hunt, fish or trap. They don’t have a complete understanding and appreciation of the work hunters, anglers and trappers commit towards the stewardship of our fish and wildlife resources. Bill 217 will provide that recognition, and send an important message to the courts and future lawmakers of the importance of hunting, fishing and trapping in Manitoba.
Right-to-hunt laws already exist in provinces like British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario. It’s high time these types of rights were formalized in Manitoba law and Bill 217 does that.
The Progressive Conservative Caucus is waiting for a clear signal that the Doer government will support the passage of Bill 217. Your support would help reinforce with the government the need for this important bill and encourage it to pass it into law during the spring session of the Legislature.
Along with the members of our Progressive Conservative Caucus, I am respectfully requesting that hunters, anglers and trappers consider and other stakeholders contact Conservation Minister Stan Struthers to let him know that you are favor of Bill 217. Minister Struthers’ office can be reached by fax at 945-3586, by e-mail at mincon@leg.gov.mb.ca or by mail c/o 330-450 Broadway, Winnipeg, R3C 0V8.
If you need more information, I may be reached at 204-945-0541. Thank you for your support.
