Federal Accessibility Legislation Alliance

Many people with and without disabilities in a park setting.
 

Second Reading for Bill C-81

Second reading for Bill C-81 is just around the corner. On Wednesday, September 19th at 4 pm in the House of Commons, second reading of the proposed Accessible Canada Act will take place and debates will begin. 

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The Federal Accessibility Legislation Alliance Has Been Hard at Work

On June 20th, the Honourable Minister Duncan tabled Bill C-81 – An Act to Ensure a Barrier-Free Canada in the House of Commons. It is also being called the Accessible Canada Act. The introduction of the new, draft legislation brings us closer to a Canada that we have imagined for a very, very long time. Dare we say that accessible legislation brings us “hope”? Let’s not jinx it. We've been working hard to move this legislation forward.
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What would Canada be like if it was truly inclusive and accessible?

Imagine a Canada where you are valued and respected by your community.

Imagine, you have a job that matches your skills; an education that matches your dreams, and an income that supports your independence.

Imagine a Canada where it is easy to get around. You can hop on a bus; flag down a cab; get to work on time; meet friends in the evening for dinner, and zip off on the weekend for a last-minute get away.

Chances are, if you are a person with a disability or someone who has felt excluded, these common scenarios aren't so common.

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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 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.

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