Federal Accessibility Legislation Alliance

Printer-friendly version
Many people with and without disabilities in a park setting.
 

Back in Ottawa Visiting the Senate

February 19-22 the FALA Leadership Team was in Ottawa. We met with ten senators, Minister Qualtrough and the Accessibility Secretariat to discuss our 11 recommendations. These recommendations were developed with our 89 partners and 90 members, working towards our goal of a strong and effective Accessible Canada Act. We had the chance to be in the Senate Gallery to witness Senator Munson introduce Bill C-81 by delivering his Second Reading speech. It was a really good one. Don’t take our word for it… read it yourself. And thereafter began the Second Reading debate.
Read More

Senate Draft Recommendations Review

Partners and members of the Federal Accessibility Legislation Alliance are taking part in reviewing draft recommendations for the Senate. There are 11 recommendations being put forth. We are working on a tight timeline and we are eager to hear from all who want to participate in the process. We are wrapping this process up by Feb 6 so if you want to get involved sign up today: https://www.include-me.ca/join-us
Read More

Bill C-81 is Heading for the Senate

On November 27, 2018, Bill C-81, the proposed Accessible Canada Act, passed third reading in the House of Commons. The bill now moves on to the Senate.
Read More

Bill C-81 Was Back in the House

A revised Bill C-81 was presented to the House of Commons by the HUMA committee during the Report Stage. Minister Qualtrough addressed the changes made in response to recommendations from many organizations in the community, including the Federal Accessibility Legislation Alliance. Third reading debate will continue at times determined by the House of Commons before it moves on to the Senate for discussion and debate.
Read More

Presenting Bill C-81 Recommendations

Bill C-81 - The Accessible Canada Act - recommendations for improvements will be presented on October 24th, 2018 by the Federal Accessibility Legislation Alliance to the House of Commons’ Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities.
Read More

Bill C-81 Watch

Royal Assent
The Governor General gives Royal Assent to the bill, after which it becomes known as an Act. The Act is printed and made publicly available.
Senate
The Senate discusses and approves a bill that has passed the House in much the same way that the House did (i.e. three readings, plus a committee and report stage between second and third reading). After the Senate passes the bill, it lets the House know this. The bill is now ready for Royal Assent.
Third Reading Stage
A Minister moves a motion to give the bill third reading. This motion, which is sometimes debated during report stage, allows MPs to discuss the final form of the bill and decide whether it should be adopted; the bill cannot be amended at this stage. If the bill receives third reading, it has passed the House and it is then given to the Senate for its separate approval.
Report Stage
MPs discuss the version of the bill that was reported to the House by a committee, and even move amendments to it. The House then votes on whether to concur in the bill.
Committee Stage
A committee of MPs hears from the Minister, experts and individuals (speaking for themselves or an organization) wanting to make a presentation to the committee about the bill; they also answer MPs’ questions. After it has heard enough witnesses, the committee discusses and votes on each section of the bill; in doing so, it can amend the bill. At the end of this stage, the committee decides whether to adopt the bill (with or without amendment) and report it to the House. BA bill that is amended in committee is reprinted.
Second Reading Stage
A Minister moves a motion to give the bill second reading, and to send it to a committee of MPs so that it can be studied in more detail. This motion allows MPs to discuss the principle of the bill (i.e. whether it is a good idea), but not to amend it. At the end of this discussion, MPs vote on the motion. If a majority of MPs votes in favour of the motion, the bill receives second reading and is sent to the committee.
Introduction and First Reading Stage
The Honourable Kirsty Duncan moves motions to introduce and give first reading to the bill in the House of Commons on June 20, 2018, at which time the House automatically adopts the motions (without discussion, amendment or a vote). After it receives first reading, the bill is given a bill number, it is printed and it is made publicly available.
Notice
The Honourable Kirsty Duncan gives official notice on June 18, 2018 that she will introduce the bill for first reading in the House of Commons.

Follow Us on Social Media

Sign up for Updates