Federal Accessibility Legislation Alliance

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Many people with and without disabilities in a park setting.

We Did It

Congratulations to all of you. The vote in the House of Commons passed unanimously. Once Bill C-81 has Royal Assent we will have an Accessible Canada Act.
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Good News from Minister Qualtrough

Minister Qualtrough writes to say that the government intends to accept all of the amendments made by the Senate and the Bill C-81 debate in the House of Commons will take place next week coinciding with National AccessAbility Week.
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Send a Letter to MPs Telling them to Pass Bill C-81

Send a letter to all the Members of Parliament telling them you want Bill C-81 passed. You want an Accessible Canada Act before the next election.
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Bill C-81 is Back in the House

On May 13th, 2019, the Senate passed 3rd reading of Bill C-81. The Social Affairs, Science and Technology Senate Standing Committee has recommended the following amendments to strengthen Bill C-81. We did not get all the changes we asked for, but the changes are pretty good.
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Building a New Coalition with Canada’s Disability Community

This Draft Document is Provided to Not-for-profit Organizations in Canada’s Disability Community for Comments via a Survey and for Discussion at an Open Meeting May 8, 2019 in Ottawa. Please read and consider participating.
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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
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
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
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.

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