Model Parliament Unit

Transcription

1 Model Unit Background Lesson 1: Why Study? Student Activity Sheet Instructions In small group discussion, your classmates and you will consider a number of questions about, its importance to you as an individual, and its importance to our country. You will then choose one of the questions and write a short personal response to it. 1. Group Discussion In your group, discuss the following questions as assigned. Observe 1. State 10 ways in which decisions made in affect your daily life. 2. If you have seen televised excerpts from Question Period or the Speech from the Throne, what visual images do you remember? 3. What does a Senator do? What does an MP (Member of House of Commons) do? 4. If you have met with, spoken to, or had written contact with a Senator or MP, or his or her staff, describe the interaction. What question did you ask and what was the response? Reflect 5. Have you ever visited? Have you ever watched events on Hill on television? What did it mean to you? 6. Have you ever had contact with Senators or MPs and let them know how you feel about important issues? Have you had successes or frustrations in contacting them? 7. What is the impression one gets about from watching television news broadcasts and reading newspapers? 8. What other forms of government might we have if we didn't have a? This page is from the Model Unit teaching resource. Permission is granted for teachers to reproduce the materials for classroom use. For information on this resource, please contact the Page 1 of 2

2 Model Unit Think about 9. makes decisions that affect you. What are some of those decisions? How do they affect your lives? 10. What role should the media play in its coverage of? Do you think its portrayal is accurate? 11. MPs are elected and Senators are appointed to make good decisions that serve the best interests of their constituents and the country. This may be a difficult balance. Sometimes they may be asked to make decisions that are not popular with their constituents. Should parliamentarians always consider the needs of their constituents first? 12. Why is our parliamentary democracy so important? If we did not have a democratic system, how would our lives be different? What if 13. If you were a parliamentarian, what would you do to represent the youth of Canada? 14. As a teenager, can you influence what decides? If yes, how? If no, why not? Does the situation change much when you reach voting age? Who do you think has the greatest influence in determining how our country is run? 15. Over the centuries, has evolved to become a fundamental means of resolving a society's conflict peacefully. What other options would you choose for resolving conflict peacefully? What if no one in our society exercised their right to vote? How would it affect our parliamentary system? 16. What are your responsibilities with respect to? To what degree do you and other Canadians meet these responsibilities? What can you do to make work better? 2. Personal Response Writing Choose one of the "Think about " or "What if " questions and write a short piece in which you express your thoughts, feelings and ideas about the issues the questions raise. Your piece may be a series of reflections or ideas, an argument for a position about which you feel strongly, or a narrative describing personal experiences. This page is from the Model Unit teaching resource. Permission is granted for teachers to reproduce the materials for classroom use. For information on this resource, please contact the Page 2 of 2

3 Setting the Agenda Background Lesson 2: Organization of the ary Day Student Activity Sheet List of Events in a ary Day Here is a list of events that might take place on a typical Tuesday or Thursday in. Each one of these events corresponds to one complete section of the unit. The events in italics are not included in this unit. Time House of Commons Senate Outside of Both Houses Note: This is the schedule for a typical Tuesday or Thursday when the House of Commons is sitting. Note: The Senate sits Mondays to Thursdays between 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm, and on Fridays between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. Depending on the orders to be discussed, it may sit until midnight Monday to Thursday. Caucus Meeting Senate and House of Commons Opening Exercises Opening Exercises Bells Parade Prayers Bells Parade Prayers 10:00 am Routine Proceedings Tabling of Documents Introduction of Government Bills Statements by Ministers Presenting Reports from Inter- parliamentary delegations Senators' Statements 15 minutes Senators make statements on matters of importance to them (three minutes each) Committee Meetings (Morning) Senate and House of Commons: daily This page is from the Model Unit teaching resource. Permission is granted for teachers to reproduce the materials for classroom use. For information on this resource, please contact the Page 1 of 3

4 Setting the Agenda Presenting Reports from Standing or Special Committees First Reading of Senate Public Bills Motions Introduction of Private Members' Bills Motions Presentation of Petitions Questions on Order Paper Until 2:00 pm Government Orders From immediately following Routine Proceedings Routine Proceedings 30 minutes Consideration of items of business that the Government calls Debate on motions or bills (e.g., second and third reading of bills) Tabling of Documents Presenting Reports from Committees Government Notices of Motion Introduction of Government Bills Introduction of Senate Public Bills (Private Senators Bills) First Reading of Commons Public Bills Reading of Petitions for Private Bills Introduction of Private Bills Tabling of Reports from Inter-parliamentary Delegations Notices of Motion Notices of Inquiries Presentation of Petitions 2:00-2:15 pm MPs' Statements MPs make statements on matters of importance to them (one minute each) Question Period 30 minutes Senators of the Opposition and Government Committee Meetings (Afternoon) Senate and House of This page is from the Model Unit teaching resource. Permission is granted for teachers to reproduce the materials for classroom use. For information on this resource, please contact the Page 2 of 3

5 Setting the Agenda parties ask questions of the Government or to the chair of a committee, if it is a question relating to the activities of the committee Commons: daily 2:15-3:00 pm 3:00-5:30 pm 5:30-6:30 pm 6:30-7:00 pm Oral Questions ("Question Period") MPs ask questions of the Government, or of committee chairs, if about committee business Government Orders Resuming consideration of items of business that the Government calls Debate on motions or bills Private Members' Business Private MPs present bills and motions for debate Adjournment Proceedings MPs who did not receive a satisfactory response to a question posed during Oral Questions ask in writing to have it raised again at this time. When chosen, they may expand on their original question and then a Minister or ary Secretary responds. Orders of the Day Government Business Other Business Inquiries Senators call the attention of the Senate to matters of particular interest or importance Motions Senators present motions for debate This page is from the Model Unit teaching resource. Permission is granted for teachers to reproduce the materials for classroom use. For information on this resource, please contact the Page 3 of 3

6 Model Unit Background Lesson 2: Organization of the ary Day Student Activity Sheet Descriptions of Typical Events in a ary Day Opening of Sitting At the Opening of the Sitting, the Speaker reads a prayer, after which he or she orders that the doors be opened to allow the public to enter the galleries. The daily business then commences. Routine Proceedings: Tabling of Documents At this point, the Government Leader in the Senate, or a Minister in the House of Commons has the opportunity to table a report or document for the Senate or House of Commons to consider. This makes the item a public document. Routine Proceedings: Introduction of Government Bills When a bill is introduced, it becomes part of 's agenda for that session. The text of the bill is printed and distributed, and serves as the focus for the detailed discussions that will follow during second reading and later stages in the legislative process. Senators' and Members' Statements Senators' Statements or Members' Statements allow Senators or MPs to raise issues important to them and/or their specific regions. This procedure enables them to be heard and to draw the Government's attention to a problem of local, national or international interest. Routine Proceedings: Presentation of Reports from Committees Committees are assigned to look into specific issues. They also study bills that are referred to them, normally after second reading, and at this point they present their reports. These reports summarize the opinion of the majority of each committee's members. MPs who are not in agreement may also get the opportunity to voice their opinion. This page is from the Model Unit teaching resource. Permission is granted for teachers to reproduce the materials for classroom use. For information on this resource, please contact the Page 1 of 2

7 Model Unit Other Business (Senate)/Private Members' Business (House of Commons) This part of the day is reserved for the consideration of business sponsored by a private Senator or MP, that is, by any parliamentarian who is not part of the Cabinet. Routine Proceedings: Presentation of Petitions Petitions are one way Canadians can make themselves heard in. Petitions are taken seriously when large numbers of people support issues and can result in major changes. Government Orders: Second Reading, Report Stage or Third Reading of a Government Bill During second reading, the bill is subjected to a thorough debate for the first time. The Opposition is able to criticize both the underlying policy that the bill expresses, and its specific purpose. The Government defends it. Speeches alternate between those in favour and those opposed. Question Period Question Period allows the Opposition and Government backbenchers to ask for information and to question the Government on any matter within federal responsibility that they feel is in the public interest. The importance of Question Period is the fact that any MP, without advance notice, can ask any Minister any question relating to his or her portfolio. It is a means of holding the Government of the day accountable. Committee Meetings Committee consideration of a bill allows parliamentarians to consider opinions from experts on the subject of the bill. They may also hear from those groups and individuals who will be affected by its provisions. arians of both chambers can then propose amendments to the bill that reflect the viewpoints they hear from witnesses, as well as their own conclusions. Adjournment Proceedings After a motion to adjourn the Commons has been moved, an MP who is not satisfied with the answer he or she received during Question Period can raise the matter during the adjournment debate. (Note: This procedure relates only to the House of Commons.) This page is from the Model Unit teaching resource. Permission is granted for teachers to reproduce the materials for classroom use. For information on this resource, please contact the Page 2 of 2

8 Model Unit Background Lesson 2: Organization of the ary Day Student Activity Sheet Senate You are a parliamentary assistant working in Senator Blaire Royale's parliamentary office. He has been in his home district for the weekend and is due back tomorrow. He has just sent you the following . With the help of the "List of Events in a ary Day" handout, the "Description of Events in a ary Day" handout (both include reference to the Senate), and the Daily Planner Sheet, help Senator Royale plan his Tuesday. Begin by taking a look at the "List of Events in a ary Day" and in the middle column of the Daily Planner write out the activities that will take place in the Senate. Next, use the information in the to schedule in your Senator's other business in the right-hand column. You will have to prioritize and may have to leave some activities for another day. Good luck! To: Renée Aide From: Senator Blaire Royale Subject: Tuesday's Agenda c.c.: Renée, I hope everything is fine in the office. I wanted to let you know that I am confirmed on the flight arriving in Ottawa at 7 a.m. on Tuesday morning and will need a ride in from the airport. Please make the necessary arrangements. There's been a last minute Caucus meeting called at 9 a.m. Then I'll need to be in the Chamber in time to present my three-minute statement on societal violence. Before the meeting, though, I'll stop by the office to catch up on the mail and read through the latest journals, especially anything relating to the urban housing crisis. Please make sure that these are prioritized and ready on my desk. I know you have quite a few letters to be signed so have those prepared as well. Some of this may have to wait This page is from the Model Unit teaching resource. Permission is granted for teachers to reproduce the materials for classroom use. For information on this resource, please contact the Page 1 of 3

9 Model Unit until later in the day if I don't get it all done. I am anticipating many questions in Question Period on the final report of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Forestry related to the farm crisis and feel it important to be there to hear the discussion. In the afternoon, there's an important meeting scheduled at 3 p.m. for the Standing Committee on Human Rights. We expect two key witnesses to be there to advise us on the adherence to international human rights instruments, so I don't want miss it. A News Release will be issued at 4 p.m. with a brief news conference related to the housing crisis. A reporter from one of the national papers has asked to speak with me after the news conference. I asked her to call you to book a time. Please confirm that appointment and make sure I have her full name. (Speaking of the media, please note in my diary that I have an interview on CBC the following morning at 7:30. I'll need a full copy of the report on the farm crisis and any background documents from my files in hand.) I believe that the Governor General may be coming to the Senate Chamber later in the afternoon, to give Royal Assent to the bills that have now passed third reading. I'll want to be in attendance. Can you please check to see if her usual 4:30 arrival is confirmed? This doesn't take long - often only 10 minutes, but I'd want to be in my seat. The Lee family, visitors from my home province, will be in Ottawa and have asked if they could have a photograph taken with me in front of the Buildings. Have they called? When you book a time, please assure them that they are welcome at Question Period in the Senate. The University Faculty of Law and the Women's Studies program has invited me to a joint seminar at 5:30 to discuss domestic violence. It's just meant to be an hour, so that should still allow time for me to get to the Governor General's reception for new Canadians at 7. This page is from the Model Unit teaching resource. Permission is granted for teachers to reproduce the materials for classroom use. For information on this resource, please contact the Page 2 of 3

10 Model Unit Just another day in the life, Renée! I hope you can fit most things in for me. Blaire This page is from the Model Unit teaching resource. Permission is granted for teachers to reproduce the materials for classroom use. For information on this resource, please contact the Page 3 of 3

11 Model Unit Background Lesson 2: Organization of the ary Day Student Activity Sheet House of Commons You are a parliamentary assistant working in MP Jane Doe's parliamentary office. She has been in her riding for two days and is due back tomorrow. She has just sent you the following . With the help of the handouts "List of Events in a ary Day" and "Descriptions of Typical Events in a ary Day" and the Daily Planner Sheet, help MP Doe plan out her Tuesday. First, take a look at the "List of Events in a ary Day" and in the middle column of the Daily Planner Sheet write out the activities that will be taking place in the Commons. Next, use the information in the to schedule in your MP's other business in the right-hand column. You will have to prioritize and leave some activities for another day. Good luck! To: André Helper From: MP Jane Doe Subject: Tuesday's Agenda c.c.: André: I hope everything is fine in the office. I just wanted to let you know that I'll be arriving in Ottawa at 7 a.m. on Tuesday morning and would like someone to pick me up at the airport. Please make the necessary arrangements. There's been a last minute meeting called from 9 to 10 a.m. for the Standing Committee on Finance. Then I need to be in the Commons on time to present the petition from my constituents on protecting the B.C. rainforest. Before the meeting, though, I'll stop by the office to catch up on my mail and read through the latest journals. Please make sure that these are prioritized and ready on my desk for Tuesday morning. I know you mentioned that there are quite a few letters to be signed, so please have those prepared as well. I also have to take a look at the Notice Paper for those amendments on the Youth Justice bill we're voting on that afternoon. Some of this This page is from the Model Unit teaching resource. Permission is granted for teachers to reproduce the materials for classroom use. For information on this resource, please contact the Page 1 of 2

12 Model Unit may have to wait until later in the day if I don't get it all done. There's an important meeting scheduled for the Committee on the Environment and Sustainable Development from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. We expect two key witnesses to be there to advise us on the environment clean-up bill we're examining, so I want to make sure not to miss it. I was given the go ahead by the House Leader to speak Tuesday afternoon regarding the foreign aid bill. Heather Chow and her family, constituents from my riding, will be visiting Ottawa and they would like a photograph of me with them in front of the Buildings, and a pass for Question Period. Another of my constituents has asked me to attend the Order of Canada ceremony between 5 and 6 p.m. because she will be one of the recipients. I have been invited to a dinner at the National Arts Centre for a national youth conference from 6 to 10 p.m. where one of my constituents will be attending. I also have to table a report in the Chamber concerning the interparliamentary delegation that visited Japan. I know it's going to be a hectic day, André, but please do your best to try and help me fit most things in. Jane This page is from the Model Unit teaching resource. Permission is granted for teachers to reproduce the materials for classroom use. For information on this resource, please contact the Page 2 of 2

13 Model Unit Student Activity Sheet Daily Planner Sheet Senate Tuesday Time Senate Schedule Activity 8:00 am 8:30 9:00 9:00 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 pm 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 This page is from the Model Unit teaching resource. Permission is granted for teachers to reproduce the materials for classroom use. For information on this resource, please contact the Page 1 of 1

14 Model Unit Background Lesson 2: Organization of the ary Day Student Activity Sheet Daily Planner Sheet House of Commons Tuesday Time Commons Schedule Activity 8:00 am 8:30 9:00 9:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 pm 12:30 1:00 1:30 2:00 2:15 2:30 3:00 3:30 4:00 4:30 5:00 5:30 6:00 6:30 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 This page is from the Model Unit teaching resource. Permission is granted for teachers to reproduce the materials for classroom use. For information on this resource, please contact the Page 1 of 1

15 Model Unit Background Lesson 3: Who's Who in? Student Activity Sheet Instructions Fill in the blanks with the title of the person who fits the description. Use the role descriptions if necessary. 1. I am the head of a group that carefully examines bills and other matters. During our meetings, I must ensure fairness, keep parliamentarians on track and keep order. I must also report back to the House on the work of the group. Who am I? 2. I am an MP who has been chosen by the Prime Minister to be part of his Cabinet. Therefore, in addition to the regular duties of an MP, I have the added responsibility of heading a government department. My busy schedule includes attending Cabinet meetings where we make key government decisions. We also talk about starting up bills we would like to see made into law. Who am I? 3. I am the elected leader of the Canadian people. I select Cabinet Ministers from among my party MPs to head the various government departments. I meet with the leaders of other countries to discuss international matters. Who am I? 4. I am an advisor to the Speaker of the Senate and the Senators, keeper of all Senate documents and supervisor of all Senate staff. I wear a traditional black gown. Who am I? 5. I am guardian of the Mace. I play a ceremonial role in the Commons and my duties are centred on the security of parliamentarians and visitors while they are within the parliamentary precincts. Who am I? This page is from the Model Unit teaching resource. Permission is granted for teachers to reproduce the materials for classroom use. For information on this resource, please contact the Page 1 of 2

16 Model Unit 6. I preside over the sittings of the Senate, read the motions and put forward the questions to which the Senate must respond with a vote. It is important that I enforce all of the Senate rules. I represent the Senate in Canada and abroad. Who am I? 7. I am responsible for presiding over the sittings of the Commons. It is sometimes difficult especially during heated discussions but I must be fair and impartial and maintain order at all times. I also hear points of order and questions of privilege, make rulings based on precedent and practice, and represent the House of Commons in Canada and abroad. Who am I? 8. I was elected by the people in my riding to hold a seat in the House of Commons. I spend much of my time on Hill. Also, much of my time is devoted to dealing with the concerns and problems of my constituents. Because of this, I regularly return to my riding to keep in close contact. Who am I? 9. Although my party did not win enough seats in the last general election to form the Government, we did win the second largest number of seats. As party leader, I meet with my caucus to discuss strategy and alternatives to government policies, speak daily in the House of Commons, and provide Canadians with an alternative to the present Government. Who am I? 10. I was chosen by the Prime Minister to serve in the "Upper House" of. After bills have passed through the House of Commons, they must be sent to our House for approval. It can also work the other way around. Bills may be started in our House, but must later go to the House of Commons for approval. Who am I? This page is from the Model Unit teaching resource. Permission is granted for teachers to reproduce the materials for classroom use. For information on this resource, please contact the Page 2 of 2

17 Model Unit Background Lesson 4: How a Bill Becomes a Law Student Activity Sheet Blank Flow Chart of How a Bill Becomes a Law This page is from the Model Unit teaching resource. Permission is granted for teachers to reproduce the materials for classroom use. For information on this resource, please contact the Page 1 of 1

18 Model Unit Background Lesson 4: How a Bill Becomes a Law Student Activity Sheet Flow Chart of How a Bill Becomes a Law This page is from the Model Unit teaching resource. Permission is granted for teachers to reproduce the materials for classroom use. For information on this resource, please contact the Page 1 of 1

19 Model Unit Background Lesson 4: How a Bill Becomes a Law Student Activity Sheet Read and discuss with your class the following stages that a bill must go through before becoming law. Fill in the Blank Flow Chart provided as demonstrated on the overhead by your teacher. Introduction of a Bill A bill is first introduced during Routine Proceedings. A Minister or MP moves a motion asking permission or "leave" of the House to introduce the bill. (This does not happen in the Senate.) This is granted without any debate, amendment or formal vote. The Minister or MP then moves a motion that "the bill be now read a first time and printed." This motion also passes automatically. In order to expedite proceedings, the Speaker, who had been told ahead of time which Ministers or MPs wished to introduce bills that day, will read the motions to the House and the Minister or MP only needs to nod assent. A Minister introducing a bill rarely says anything at this time, but MPs are allowed to and normally do make a brief statement about why they wish to introduce their bill and what it will do. A bill number is given to the bill (C-1, C-2, C-3 if a Government bill is introduced in the House; C-201, C-202, C-203 if it is a private Member's bill) and it is entered on the Order Paper. Before all this happens only certain Government or House of Commons officials know about the bill, but now it becomes public knowledge. In the Senate, a bill is introduced and receives first reading automatically. It is assigned a bill number (S-1, S-2, etc.) and placed on the Order Paper under "Government Orders" if it is introduced by the Leader of the Government or the Deputy Leader, and under "Other Business" if it is introduced by any other Senator. In the House of Commons, private Members' bills are subject to a random draw to determine if they will be considered or debated by the House. In the Senate, private Members' bills are not subject to a random draw. Senators introduce bills, which automatically receive first reading, and are placed on the Order Paper for second reading at a later date. All private Members' bills are "votable." In the House of Commons, if a Minister sponsors a bill, it is recorded under "Government Orders." If a private Member sponsors a bill, it goes under "private Members' Business." Government ills and private Members' bills are not treated exactly the same. One significant difference is that not all private Members' ills will be chosen for debate. Because of a lack of time, the private Members' ills to be considered are selected through random draws. This page is from the Model Unit teaching resource. Permission is granted for teachers to reproduce the materials for classroom use. For information on this resource, please contact the Page 1 of 6

20 Model Unit In the case of private Members' bills, all items drawn for debate may come to a vote unless the Member indicates otherwise. Any Member can suggest that another Member's business is not admissible for debate and a panel of Members will determine if the complaint is legitimate. Discussion Questions 1. What two motions have to be passed at this stage? 2. How would you feel if you were a private Member and the bill you had been working on for many months, or even years, had never come up for debate because you were unlucky in the random draw? 3. Rather than using a random draw, can you think of a better way that could be used to choose which bills are selected for debate? Second Reading First, a motion is moved that the bill be read a second time and sent to a committee for consideration. Then the second reading debate begins. The second reading debate focuses solely on the principle of the bill that is, what the bill will do in general terms, and why it is needed. This debate is typically long and lively for a Government bill. Even if the Government has a solid majority, it is unlikely that a bill will pass easily through second reading, unless it is non-controversial. Opposition parties will often try to use tactics to stall the process. In the Senate, the motion is only that the bill be read a second time. Once second reading is given, a motion may be moved to refer it to committee. Certain changes or "amendments" are allowed at this phase: a reasoned amendment which spells out particular reasons for opposing a bill; a discharged amendment which refers the subject matter of the bill to a committee while discharging the order for second reading; or a hoist amendment which prevents the bill from being "now" read a second time and postpones the reading for three or six months, which in effect kills the bill for the session. At the termination of the debate at second reading, the question is put first on any amendment that has been proposed. If the amendment is defeated or if no amendment has been proposed, then the question for second reading is put and voted on. If agreed to, the bill is then sent to committee for the next stage in the legislative process. In the case of private Members' bills, traditionally, few make it beyond second reading. They are usually voted down at this stage. This page is from the Model Unit teaching resource. Permission is granted for teachers to reproduce the materials for classroom use. For information on this resource, please contact the Page 2 of 6

21 Model Unit Discussion Questions 1. This is the most important stage a bill must go through. Why? 2. What types of amendments are allowed at second reading? 3. Give an example of a case in which you think the "hoist" might be used. Consideration of a Bill in Committee The committee stage is designed for close examination of a bill. When a bill is urgent or non-controversial, however, it may be referred to a Committee of the Whole. In other words, the committee is actually made up of all the Senators or MPs sitting in the House as a committee. In some cases, a bill could pass through several stages at one sitting. The principle of the bill normally needs to be accepted by the House before going to a committee. Next, the committee examines the bill in detail. The committee members must decide whether to add amendments to the bill before it goes back to the House. They will often call upon witnesses or experts to help them improve the bill. A detailed study of the bill is made, clause by clause, and often changes to wording are proposed, new provisions added or certain parts deleted. Committee members may receive help from either the Legislative Counsel or the Department of Justice (if the Government proposes them) in drafting the amendments, that is, putting them in proper wording. Decisions made in the committee stage are usually final. The bill as amended must be reported back to the House and follow the normal approval procedures. Amendments made to the bill in the committee stage are not often changed when the bill is returned to the House. Discussion Questions 1. Why do you think the committee stage is important? 2. What is the purpose of amendments? Report Stage House of Commons After the committee's report to the House of Commons and a time delay to allow members time to consider further amendments, the Speaker begins debate on the bill by calling for "consideration of the report stage of Bill X, as reported from Committee Y." This page is from the Model Unit teaching resource. Permission is granted for teachers to reproduce the materials for classroom use. For information on this resource, please contact the Page 3 of 6

22 Model Unit The House of Commons can either express agreement with the bill or consider and vote on further amendments if any have been put on notice, and then agree to the bill (as amended). All MPs have an opportunity to propose amendments at the report stage, but they must give written notice. The Speaker selects the amendments to be debated, ensuring fairness and an efficient use of time (for example, by avoiding duplication). The underlying principle of the bill was already approved at second reading, so any amendments made must not change that principle. The Commons votes for or against the amendments. The Minister responsible for the bill, or the sponsoring parliamentarian, then makes a motion that the House of Commons agree to the bill (as amended). Senate Senate procedure is different from that of the House of Commons. In the Senate, if a Committee reports a bill without amendment, the report stands adopted and a motion is made that it be read a third time on a future day. If a committee reports a bill with amendments, debate on the adoption of the report will take place at a future sitting. Once the committee report is dealt with, the bill can then move on to third reading. Discussion Question 1. Do you agree or disagree with the rule that the basic principle of the bill cannot be changed at this point? Explain your reasons. Third Reading A motion that "the bill be now read a third time and do pass" is made at third reading. The House can now review the bill in its final form. The focus of the debate is on whether the bill in its final form does what the House agreed to at second reading. As at the second reading, debate must focus on the basic principle of the bill and only certain types of amendments are permitted basically, the same as at second reading. The possibility exists of referring the bill back to committee for reconsideration of a particular clause at this stage. As a general rule, the debate at third reading is shorter than at second reading. At the termination of debate at third reading, the question is put to the chamber and voted on and, if agreed to, the bill is then sent to the other chamber for the next stage of the legislative process. This page is from the Model Unit teaching resource. Permission is granted for teachers to reproduce the materials for classroom use. For information on this resource, please contact the Page 4 of 6

23 Model Unit Discussion Questions 1. What is the purpose of the third reading? 2. Do you think debate at third reading is necessary? Why or why not? Consideration in the Other Chamber Once the bill has made it through the Senate or House of Commons, it now must pass through the other chamber where the process starts again from its introduction. The two chambers communicate through messages, informing one another that a bill has passed or that amendments have been made. The other chamber must agree to any amendments to a bill, and messages may go back and forth until agreement is reached. Once a bill is passed by both chambers in the same format, all it needs is Royal Assent before it can be proclaimed into law. Discussion Question 1. What are the benefits of sending a bill to the other chamber? Royal Assent and Proclamation Royal Assent may be signified in two ways: first, by a traditional ceremony in the Senate Chamber; and second, by a written declaration which takes place at either Rideau Hall (the Governor General signifying assent) or at the Supreme Court (if the Deputy of the Governor General signifies assent). The ceremony in the Senate Chamber proceeds as follows: the Governor General or his or her Deputy a justice of the Supreme Court presides at this ceremony in the Senate Chamber. After a procession of the Speaker and parliamentarians into the Chamber, the titles of the bills are read by the Clerk of the Senate. A simple nod of the head by the Governor General or Deputy means that Royal Assent is given. When the bills have received Royal Assent, the Speaker and parliamentarians return in procession to the House of Commons and the Speaker announces that the Governor General or Deputy has been pleased to give assent to these bills in Her Majesty's name. After Royal Assent, note that the Act is published in the Canada Gazette so that Canadians are made aware of it. This page is from the Model Unit teaching resource. Permission is granted for teachers to reproduce the materials for classroom use. For information on this resource, please contact the Page 5 of 6

24 Model Unit A bill may or may not come into force immediately following Royal Assent. The provisions of the bill sometimes specify that it will not come into effect until the date set by proclamation. This is a further step in which the Governor in Council proclaims the bill law. Discussion Question 1. Why do you think this formal step exists? This page is from the Model Unit teaching resource. Permission is granted for teachers to reproduce the materials for classroom use. For information on this resource, please contact the Page 6 of 6

25 Model Unit Senate Pre-Simulation Activities Opening of Sitting Who's Involved Government in the Senate, Opposition Party in the Senate, Independent Senators What It Is When the day's sitting begins, the Usher of the Black Rod, the Mace Bearer, the Speaker, two Pages, the Clerk and Senate Table Officers parade into the Senate Chamber. The Usher of the Black Rod carries the Black Rod and the Mace Bearer carries the Mace over his or her right shoulder. The Speaker reads a prayer and the Mace Bearer then places the Mace on the table in front of the Speaker to symbolize 's authority and to signify that the Senate is in session. The Speaker orders that the doors be opened to allow the public to enter the galleries. The daily business then begins. Why It's Important The ceremonial opening of the parliamentary day reflects the serious purpose of the Senate and commemorates our history. The ritual parade, from the Speaker's chambers into the Senate, has its roots in the British parliamentary process, which dates back several hundred years. What You Need To Do 1. Working in your group, define the terms "," "Session of " and "Sitting of." Then compare your definitions with those in the Glossary. 2. Discuss why you think the ceremonial rituals of have been retained. Record your thoughts on this in your learning log. 3. As a group, read through the Senate Simulation Script "Opening of Sitting." This page is from the Model Unit teaching resource. Permission is granted for teachers to reproduce the materials for classroom use. For information on this resource, please contact the Page 1 of 1

26 Model Unit Senate Pre-Simulation Activities Senators' Statements Who's Involved Government in the Senate, Opposition Party or Parties in the Senate, Independent Senators What It Is This procedure gives Senators an opportunity to speak for a maximum of three minutes on a subject of particular interest to them. The Speaker allows a period of 15 minutes for Senators' Statements. Why It's Important Senators' Statements allow Senators to speak to the Senate about any subject of international, national, provincial or local concern. This is an effective way for Senators to make their views known. It also allows them to publicly present the opinions of citizens of the province or region they represent. What You Need To Do 1. As a group, pick one person (who is not the Deputy Leader in the Senate or the Whip) to represent a province or region that your group has chosen. 2. With your group, search the debates on to find Senators' Statements from the chosen province/region. Go to "Chamber Business" and choose "Debates" from the Senate. Write a short summary of one of the statements. 3. Your group will prepare a one-minute Senators' Statement on a topic that is important to the chosen region/province. Your group representative will present the statement. 4. As a group, read through the Senate Simulation Script "Senators' Statements." 5. Record today's observations in your learning log. This page is from the Model Unit teaching resource. Permission is granted for teachers to reproduce the materials for classroom use. For information on this resource, please contact the Page 1 of 1

27 Model Unit Senate Pre-Simulation Activities Tabling of Documents Who's Involved Government in the Senate What It Is Tabling of documents allows the Leader of the Government or the Deputy Leader to present papers dealing with Government matters to the Senate. The Leader or Deputy can table a document in two ways. The first is known as "front door" tabling. When the Speaker calls for tabling of documents during the part of the day called Routine Proceedings, the Leader or Deputy may rise to indicate that he or she has a document to present. A Page will take each document and place it on the table of the Senate. In "back door" tabling, the documents are sent to the Clerk during the day. The tabling is not done formally in the Senate. In both cases, the name of the document is entered in the Journals of the Senate for that day. This is the official record that the document was tabled and is available for all to read. Why It's Important Tabling of documents is important because it makes documents public. Copies are now available to the public and the media, and Senators may quote the documents during debates. What You Need To Do 1. Visit the Government of Canada Web site at Find a department's Web site (for example, Environment, Health, Defence). Find and print five documents that can be tabled in the Senate. Include their full titles and dates. 2. Choose one of these documents to table in the simulation. If the document is less than 10 pages, print the whole document. If it is more than 10 pages, print the introductory material and the first chapter. 3. As a group, read through the Senate Simulation Script "Tabling of Documents." 4. Record today's observations in your learning log. This page is from the Model Unit teaching resource. Permission is granted for teachers to reproduce the materials for classroom use. For information on this resource, please contact the Page 1 of 1

28 Model Unit Senate Pre-Simulation Activities Presentation of Committee Reports Who's Involved Government in the Senate, Opposition Party in the Senate, Independent Senators What It Is Committees study specific subjects and then present reports to the Senate. They do research and often make recommendations. Committees also study bills and make amendments, or changes, to them. There are two basic types of committees: A standing committee is formed at the beginning of a parliamentary session. A special committee is created as needed to examine a specific bill or issue. During Routine Proceedings, the Speaker calls for presentation of committee reports. Committee chairs rise in turn and briefly state the subject matter of their reports for the Senators. Why It's Important Presentation of committee reports is important because it provides Senators with specific, detailed information that there is no time or opportunity to gather in the Senate. Once a committee has presented a report, Senators can read it and form opinions on it. Although committees are small, they have a great deal of responsibility. They have the power to recommend revisions to bills that may eventually become law. What You Need To Do 1. For the purposes of this activity, you will work in a standing or special committee. Since both Government and Opposition parties are represented on committees, you will likely hold opposing views on the report you choose. Choose a chair for your committee. This page is from the Model Unit teaching resource. Permission is granted for teachers to reproduce the materials for classroom use. For information on this resource, please contact the Page 1 of 2

29 Model Unit 2. In your committee, research the different kinds of committee reports that can be presented in. To find committee reports, visit and go to "Committee Business" and choose "Committee Reports" of the Senate. 3. Choose a committee report and summarize it briefly. Your committee chair will read this summary aloud in the simulation. 4. Prepare a dissenting (opposing) opinion for a committee member to present in the simulation. 5. As a group, read through the Senate Simulation Script "Presentation of Committee Reports." 6. Record today's observations in your learning log. This page is from the Model Unit teaching resource. Permission is granted for teachers to reproduce the materials for classroom use. For information on this resource, please contact the Page 2 of 2

30 Senate Pre-Simulation Activities Model Unit Introduction and First Reading of a Government Bill Who's Involved Government in the Senate What It Is Introduction of a bill presents the bill to the Senate during that part of the day called Routine Proceedings. The bill is printed, distributed, given a number and placed on the Order Paper. A bill can be introduced in either the Senate or House of Commons. If it is a bill that authorizes spending, however, it must be introduced in the House of Commons. In this exercise, you will prepare a bill to introduce into the Senate. You will continue to use this bill throughout the stages of preparation and in the simulation. Why It's Important Introduction is important because it makes the bill public. arians can now read the bill and decide if they are going to support it. The media now have access to the proposed law and a public debate is possible. The "reading" of a bill derives from an ancient parliamentary practice that originated in the United Kingdom. At that time, when the technology was not yet available to reproduce large numbers of copies at low cost, bills were introduced in handwritten form, one copy at a time. In order for parliamentarians to know what the content of the bill was, the Clerk read the document to them: the idea of reading the bill was taken literally. Today, a bill is no longer read aloud, but the formality of holding a "reading" is preserved. What You Need To Do 1. With your group, review what you have learned about introduction in the background lesson "How a Bill Becomes a Law." 2. Read over the selected sample bill. 3. Prepare your own short summary (about 250 words) of the aims and provisions of the bill. This page is from the Model Unit teaching resource. Permission is granted for teachers to reproduce the materials for classroom use. For information on this resource, please contact the Page 1 of 2

31 Model Unit 4. As a group, read through the Senate Simulation Script "Introduction and First Reading of a Government Bill." 5. Record today's observations in your learning log. Optional Activity View the status of a bill currently before. To find a sample bill, visit Use the A-Z Index (Quick Links) to find LEGISINFO. This page is from the Model Unit teaching resource. Permission is granted for teachers to reproduce the materials for classroom use. For information on this resource, please contact the Page 2 of 2

32 Model Unit Senate Pre-Simulation Activities Presentation of Petitions Who's Involved Government in the Senate, Opposition Party in the Senate, Independent Senators What It Is A petition is a document signed by many people that asks the Government to do something about a specific problem. During Routine Proceedings, the Speaker asks Senators to present petitions they have received from citizens. Senators with petitions take the floor, in turn. They state briefly what the petition is about, where it is from, and how many signatures it contains. The petition is recorded in the Journals of the Senate for that day. A Senator who presents a petition does not necessarily have to agree with the opinions it expresses. Why It's Important Petitions enable ordinary Canadians to communicate with. Citizens develop petitions to bring public concerns to the Government's attention and to influence policy making and legislation. What You Need To Do 1. In your group, discuss what kinds of issues citizens of your province might want to petition about. 2. Choose an issue. 3. Develop a petition to submit to the Senate using the handout "Petitioning the House of Commons" for information about format and content. 4. As a group, read through the Senate Simulation Script "Presentation of Petitions." This page is from the Model Unit teaching resource. Permission is granted for teachers to reproduce the materials for classroom use. For information on this resource, please contact the Page 1 of 2

33 Model Unit 5. Choose one member of your group to present the petition in the simulation. Using the Senate Simulation "Presentation of Petitions," prepare what that Senator will say. 6. Have your Senator endorse the petition (sign the reverse side of it). 7. Record today's observations in your learning log. This page is from the Model Unit teaching resource. Permission is granted for teachers to reproduce the materials for classroom use. For information on this resource, please contact the Page 2 of 2

34 Model Unit Senate Pre-Simulation Activities Question Period Who's Involved Government in the Senate, Opposition Party in the Senate, Independent Senators What It Is When the Senate sits, Question Period is the time when Senators may ask questions. The questions can cover any area within the Government's responsibility. Senators do not have to give notice before asking the questions. They may also ask questions to the chair of a committee, if it is a question relating to the activities of that committee. Why It's Important By asking questions during Question Period, Senators are seeking information for their constituents, and for all Canadians. Equally important, Senators are holding the Government accountable for its actions on a daily basis. The right to seek information from the Government and the right to hold Government accountable for its administrative policies and the conduct of its Ministers are recognized as two of the fundamental principles of parliamentary democracy. Question Period, or Oral Questions as it is more formally called, often dramatically highlights these principles. In the Senate, time is provided each day for Senators to ask the Leader of the Government in the Senate, or a Minister of the Crown who sits in the Senate, about Government actions and policies. Since almost all Ministers sit in the Lower Chamber, Question Period in the Senate tends to be less dramatic than in the House of Commons. What You Need To Do 1. As a group, review actual Question Periods in the printed or on-line versions of the debates. Visit Go to "Chamber Business" and choose "Debates" from the Senate to view the most recent debate transcript. Choose the latest date then click on "Question Period." Pay close attention to the ways in which the questions are worded and answered. 2. Review newspaper, radio and TV news coverage for a few days to learn about important national and local issues. Make a list of these issues to use as the basis for questions. Share the issues you have identified with your group. This page is from the Model Unit teaching resource. Permission is granted for teachers to reproduce the materials for classroom use. For information on this resource, please contact the Page 1 of 2