The Senate Explained

<!DOCTYPE html> <html class="lang-en" lang="en"> <head> <title>The Senate Explained</title> <meta charset="utf-8" /> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge" /> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /> <meta name="author" content="Senate of Canada" /> <meta name="description" content="Senate procedure can sometimes seem a little bit intimidating, but fear not — the videos below provide a parliamentary primer on the Red Chamber so you can" /> <meta property="og:title" content="The Senate Explained" /> <meta property="og:type" content="website" /> <meta property="og:image" content="/Assets/Images/SenateBuilding.jpg" /> <meta property="og:url" content="/en/about/senate-explained/" /> <meta property="og:locale" content="en" /> <meta property="og:locale:alternate" content="fr" /> <meta property="og:site_name" content="SenCanada" />  <script>(function (w, d, s, l, i) { w[l] = w[l] || []; w[l].push({ 'gtm.start': new Date().getTime(), event: 'gtm.js' }); var f = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], j = d.createElement(s), dl = l != 'dataLayer' ? 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aria-haspopup=true aria-expanded=false role="button">In the Chamber <i class="fas fa-chevron-down fa-xs chevron-down" style="text-decoration:none;color:#444;" aria-hidden="true"></i><i class="fas fa-chevron-up fa-xs chevron-up" style="text-decoration:none;color:#444;" aria-hidden="true"></i></span> <a href="/en/in-the-chamber/" target="" class="sc-header-menu-heading-link" >In the Chamber <span class="d-lg-none">- Home</span> </a> <div class="dropdown-menu sc-header-menu-dropdown" style=width:650px> <div class="sc-header-menu-dropdown-item"> <a href="/en/in-the-chamber/order-papers-notice-papers/" target="" class="sc-header-menu-dropdown-item-link" rel=""> <em>Order Paper and Notice Paper</em> </a> <a href="/en/in-the-chamber/journals/" target="" class="sc-header-menu-dropdown-item-link" rel=""> <em>Journals of the Senate</em> </a> <a href="/en/in-the-chamber/debates/" target="" class="sc-header-menu-dropdown-item-link" rel=""> <em>Debates of the Senate</em> (Hansard) </a> <a 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1200px) 1200px, (min-width: 992px) 992px, (min-width: 768px) 768px, (min-width: 576px) 576px, 1200px" srcset="/media/ef0dfr4p/com_hdr_senate-explained-web_top-banner_2024.png?width=576&format=webp&quality=90 576w, /media/ef0dfr4p/com_hdr_senate-explained-web_top-banner_2024.png?width=768&format=webp&quality=90 768w, /media/ef0dfr4p/com_hdr_senate-explained-web_top-banner_2024.png?width=992&format=webp&quality=90 992w, /media/ef0dfr4p/com_hdr_senate-explained-web_top-banner_2024.png?width=1920&format=webp&quality=90 1200w" type="image/webp"><source sizes="(min-width: 1200px) 1200px, (min-width: 992px) 992px, (min-width: 768px) 768px, (min-width: 576px) 576px, 1200px" srcset="/media/ef0dfr4p/com_hdr_senate-explained-web_top-banner_2024.png?width=576&&quality=90 576w, /media/ef0dfr4p/com_hdr_senate-explained-web_top-banner_2024.png?width=768&&quality=90 768w, /media/ef0dfr4p/com_hdr_senate-explained-web_top-banner_2024.png?width=992&&quality=90 992w, /media/ef0dfr4p/com_hdr_senate-explained-web_top-banner_2024.png?width=1920&&quality=90 1200w"><img src="/media/ef0dfr4p/com_hdr_senate-explained-web_top-banner_2024.png?&quality=90&width=1920" alt="" loading="eager" class="sc-picture-banner"/></picture></div> <div class="container"> <h1 class="sc-page-banner-text">The Senate Explained</h1> </div> </div> <div class="sen-umbraco-grid-wrapper"> <div class="sen-grid-section"> <div style="margin:1rem 0 0 0;"> <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-12"> <div > <p style="margin-top: 30px; text-align: left;">What’s so special about a standing vote? Have you ever heard of a Senate public bill? Why is the word “stand” called out during Senate sittings?</p> <p>Senate procedure can sometimes seem a little bit intimidating, but fear not — the videos below provide a parliamentary primer on the Red Chamber so you can understand exactly what’s going on.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a style="text-align: center;"></a><strong><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLccp5oJ9uz4j421vRdS0_ErDnYZEi0IQ3&si=SKWV8P05TbSgJSRl" target="_blank" title="The Senate Explained Playlist" data-anchor="?list=PLccp5oJ9uz4j421vRdS0_ErDnYZEi0IQ3&si=SKWV8P05TbSgJSRl"><span class="width-100 img"><picture data-img-index="0"><source sizes="(min-width: 1200px) 1200px, (min-width: 992px) 992px, (min-width: 768px) 768px, (min-width: 576px) 576px, 1200px" srcset="/media/txqeb52h/com_hdr_senate-explained-web_mid-banner_2024_e.png?format=webp&quality=90 576w, /media/txqeb52h/com_hdr_senate-explained-web_mid-banner_2024_e.png?format=webp&quality=90 768w, /media/txqeb52h/com_hdr_senate-explained-web_mid-banner_2024_e.png?format=webp&quality=90 992w, /media/txqeb52h/com_hdr_senate-explained-web_mid-banner_2024_e.png?format=webp&quality=90 1200w" type="image/webp"><source sizes="(min-width: 1200px) 1200px, (min-width: 992px) 992px, (min-width: 768px) 768px, (min-width: 576px) 576px, 1200px" srcset="/media/txqeb52h/com_hdr_senate-explained-web_mid-banner_2024_e.png?&quality=90 576w, /media/txqeb52h/com_hdr_senate-explained-web_mid-banner_2024_e.png?&quality=90 768w, /media/txqeb52h/com_hdr_senate-explained-web_mid-banner_2024_e.png?&quality=90 992w, /media/txqeb52h/com_hdr_senate-explained-web_mid-banner_2024_e.png?&quality=90 1200w"><img src="/media/txqeb52h/com_hdr_senate-explained-web_mid-banner_2024_e.png?&quality=90" alt="" loading="lazy" class=""/></picture></span></a></em></strong></p> <p>Choose a specific video:</p> <ul style="columns: 2;"> <li><a href="#committee-whole">Committee of the Whole</a></li> <li><a href="#emergency-debates" data-anchor="#emergency-debates">Emergency Debates</a></li> <li><a href="#first-reading" data-anchor="#first-reading">First Reading</a></li> <li><a href="#government-business" data-anchor="#government-business">Government Business</a></li> <li><a href="#leave-of-the-senate" data-anchor="#leave-of-the-senate">Leave of the Senate</a></li> <li><a href="#not-seeing-the-clock" data-anchor="#not-seeing-the-clock">Not Seeing the Clock</a></li> <li><a href="#on-division" data-anchor="#on-division">On Division</a></li> <li><a href="#other-business" data-anchor="#other-business">Other Business</a></li> <li><a href="#point-of-order" data-anchor="#point-of-order">Point of Order</a></li> <li><a href="#prorogation" data-anchor="#prorogation">Prorogation</a></li> <li><a href="#question" data-anchor="#question">Question</a></li> <li><a href="#question-period" data-anchor="#question-period">Question Period</a></li> <li><a href="#royal-assent" data-anchor="#royal-assent">Royal-Assent</a></li> <li><a href="#second-reading" data-anchor="#second-reading">Second Reading</a></li> <li><a href="#senate-public-bills" data-anchor="#senate-public-bills">Senate Public Bills</a></li> <li><a href="#senators-statements" data-anchor="#senators-statements">Senators' Statements</a></li> <li><a href="#stand" data-anchor="#stand">Stand</a></li> <li><a href="#standing-votes" data-anchor="#standing-votes">Standing Votes</a></li> <li><a href="#the-speaker-of-the-senate" data-anchor="#the-speaker-of-the-senate">The Speaker of the Senate</a></li> <li><a href="#third-reading" data-anchor="#third-reading">Third Reading</a></li> <li><a href="#time-allocation" data-anchor="#time-allocation">Time allocation</a></li> <li><a href="#voice-votes" data-anchor="#voice-votes">Voice Votes</a></li> <li><a href="#bill-committee" data-anchor="#bill-committee">What happens when a bill goes to committee?</a></li> </ul> <hr /> <script> sen.imagesInGrid = sen.imagesInGrid || []; sen.imagesInGrid = sen.imagesInGrid .concat([{"src":"/media/txqeb52h/com_hdr_senate-explained-web_mid-banner_2024_e.png","w":1280,"h":400,"title":""}]); </script> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-3"> <div > <h4 id="committee-whole" style="text-align: left;"><strong>Committee of the Whole</strong></h4> </div> </div> <div class="col-md-9"> <div > <p>The entire Senate sits as a committee so that all senators can participate in the study of urgent legislation, hear from people nominated for senior public positions (like the Commissioner of Official Languages) or hear testimony from a minister or expert witness.</p> <p><a rel="noopener" href="https://youtu.be/Qxpm46nxcWk?si=a3QGTksFrP6lz7xv" target="_blank" data-anchor="?si=a3QGTksFrP6lz7xv">Video</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-12"> <div > <hr /> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-3"> <div > <h4 id="emergency-debates" style="text-align: left;"><strong>Emergency Debates</strong></h4> </div> </div> <div class="col-md-9"> <div > <p style="text-align: left;">Any senator may raise a<strong> matter of urgent public interest</strong> by requesting an emergency debate.</p> <p style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 30px;">If the Speaker of the Senate determines that certain criteria have been met, the debate takes place later in the sitting. It can last a<strong> maximum of four hours</strong> and senators may <strong>speak only once</strong>.</p> <p style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 30px;"><a rel="noopener" href="https://youtu.be/vIgmHkzp90Q?si=VSuZpAQJAnwGVl_q" target="_blank" data-anchor="?si=VSuZpAQJAnwGVl_q">Video</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-12"> <div > <hr /> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-3"> <div > <h4 id="first-reading"><strong>First Reading</strong></h4> </div> </div> <div class="col-md-9"> <div > <p style="text-align: left;">Bills must be <strong>read three times in the Senate</strong> to become <strong>law</strong>.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">At first reading, the Senate <strong>receives a bill</strong> without any debate. It’s an <strong>official FYI </strong>that a bill has been proposed and that <strong>senators should prepare to study it</strong>.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a rel="noopener" href="https://youtu.be/J0_QBgyX6fQ?si=fZeoKzxIXMguBdx8" target="_blank" data-anchor="?si=fZeoKzxIXMguBdx8">Video</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-12"> <div > <hr /> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-3"> <div > <h4 id="government-business"><strong>Government Business</strong></h4> </div> </div> <div class="col-md-9"> <div > <p style="text-align: left;">Government Business includes bills, motions and inquiries <strong>initiated by the government</strong>. Government business has <strong>priority</strong> in the Senate.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Government business generally originates in the House of Commons but most government legislation can start in the Senate as well.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a rel="noopener" href="https://youtu.be/zpOIQkQlTcI?si=lF4okbTyQs5TFcNV" target="_blank" data-anchor="?si=lF4okbTyQs5TFcNV">Video</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-12"> <div > <hr /> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-3"> <div > <h4 id="leave-of-the-senate"><strong>Leave of the Senate</strong></h4> </div> </div> <div class="col-md-9"> <div > <p>The Senate sometimes chooses to suspend or modify provisions of its Rules to allow something that would otherwise not be permissible. For instance, the Senate may agree to waive the usual notice period in order to expedite an item of business or extend the speaking time granted to a senator during debate. Such actions can occur without notice if no senator raises an objection when the request is made. This agreement is referred to as “leave of the Senate.”</p> <p>When a request for leave is made, the Speaker asks all senators present if leave is granted. If even one senator is heard to object, leave is not granted and the Rules and normal practices must be observed. If no senator is heard to object, leave is granted.</p> <p>Source: <a href="https://sencanada.ca/en/about/procedural-references/notes/n14/">Procedural Note No. 14</a></p> <p><a rel="noopener" href="https://youtu.be/agNMGC0aOwk?si=X5m0OxRJ3BYVb0MC" target="_blank" data-anchor="?si=X5m0OxRJ3BYVb0MC">Video</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-12"> <div > <hr /> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-3"> <div > <h4 id="not-seeing-the-clock"><strong>Not seeing the clock</strong></h4> </div> </div> <div class="col-md-9"> <div > <p style="text-align: left;">If the Senate is <strong>still sitting at 7 p.m</strong>., the Speaker may say: “Honourable Senators, is it agreed that we not see the clock?”</p> <p style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 30px;">That’s because the <em>Rules of the Senate</em> in most cases require the Senate to suspend between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. — but if senators <strong>unanimously agree not to see the clock</strong>, then the sitting <strong>continues without interruption</strong>.<a rel="noopener" href="https://youtu.be/hDqR6q_CXgw?si=WerQHKZFUHY9Q5oj" target="_blank" data-anchor="?si=WerQHKZFUHY9Q5oj"></a></p> <p style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 30px;"><a rel="noopener" href="https://youtu.be/hDqR6q_CXgw?si=WerQHKZFUHY9Q5oj" target="_blank" data-anchor="?si=WerQHKZFUHY9Q5oj">Video</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-12"> <div > <hr /> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-3"> <div > <h4 id="on-division"><strong>On Division</strong></h4> </div> </div> <div class="col-md-9"> <div > <p>Sometimes senators want to show a Senate decision is not unanimous without holding a <strong>voice vote</strong> or a <strong>standing vote</strong>. In these cases, they can call out <strong>“on division”</strong> when the Speaker puts the question.</p> <p>When this occurs, the question is recorded in the <em>Journals of the Senate</em> as being adopted or defeated “on division,” i.e., <strong>without unanimous support</strong>. The <em>Journals</em> do not record which senators were for or against the question.</p> <p><a rel="noopener" href="https://youtu.be/YrS9rjemiag?si=hbixAl5SlalkEDVV" target="_blank" data-anchor="?si=hbixAl5SlalkEDVV">Video</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-12"> <div > <hr /> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-3"> <div > <h4 id="other-business" style="text-align: left;"><strong>Other Business</strong></h4> </div> </div> <div class="col-md-9"> <div > <p>All items before the Senate that are <strong>not government business</strong> are considered “other business.”</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 30px;">This includes legislation proposed by individual senators (<strong>Senate public bills</strong>) and legislation proposed by individual members of the House of Commons (<strong>private members’ bills</strong>).</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 30px;"><a rel="noopener" href="https://youtu.be/p0dSb1utBmg?si=HQfFo-IgTTct0Ea_" target="_blank" data-anchor="?si=HQfFo-IgTTct0Ea_">Video</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-12"> <div > <hr /> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-3"> <div > <h4 id="point-of-order"><strong>Point of Order</strong></h4> </div> </div> <div class="col-md-9"> <div > <p>A point of order is a complaint or question raised by a senator who believes the rules, practices or procedures of the Senate have been incorrectly applied or overlooked during the proceedings, either in the chamber or in committee. Any senator is entitled to raise a point of order to ensure that the <em>Rules of the Senate</em> and accepted Senate procedures are followed.</p> <p>To do so, a senator rises while saying “Point of order” to attract the Speaker’s attention and, once recognized by the Speaker, explains how proper procedure has not been followed. The senator may also suggest a remedy. The Speaker will usually allow other senators to express their views before making a ruling on whether the point of order is valid or not.</p> <p>Source: <a href="https://sencanada.ca/en/about/procedural-references/notes/n11/">Procedural Note No. 11</a></p> <p><a rel="noopener" href="https://youtu.be/PLvi2ZreMSo?si=V7xqqLSD49YWCJ-T" target="_blank" data-anchor="?si=V7xqqLSD49YWCJ-T">Video</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-12"> <div > <hr /> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-3"> <div > <h4 id="prorogation" style="text-align: left;"><strong>Prorogation</strong></h4> </div> </div> <div class="col-md-9"> <div > <p style="text-align: left;">Prorogation <strong>ends a session of Parliament</strong>.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Upon prorogation, all bills that were before the Senate and the House of Commons <strong>cease to exist</strong>, although they can be <strong>reintroduced during future sessions</strong> of Parliament. Most committees are also dissolved; a special few may continue to operate under what is called “intersessional authority.”</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Parliament is prorogued by the <strong>governor general</strong>, acting on the advice of the prime minister.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a rel="noopener" href="https://youtu.be/e6P90LBcNqQ?si=kQ19TTX9yTGABCJm" target="_blank" data-anchor="?si=kQ19TTX9yTGABCJm">Video</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-12"> <div > <hr /> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-3"> <div > <h4 id="question" style="text-align: left;"><strong>Question</strong></h4> </div> </div> <div class="col-md-9"> <div > <p style="text-align: left;">In most situations, a question is a proposal made by a senator that requires the Senate to <strong>make a decision</strong> — for example, that a bill be adopted.</p> <p style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 30px;">A question can be <strong>adopted</strong> or <strong>defeated</strong>.</p> <p style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 30px;"><a rel="noopener" href="https://youtu.be/qbdqUpFDwiI?si=uAkwaBMJzSV1q2MD" target="_blank" data-anchor="?si=uAkwaBMJzSV1q2MD">Video</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-12"> <div > <hr /> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-3"> <div > <h4 id="question-period" style="text-align: left;"><strong>Question Period</strong></h4> </div> </div> <div class="col-md-9"> <div > <p style="text-align: left;">Senators may ask the <strong>Leader of the Government in the Senate (Government Representative)</strong> about matters relating to public affairs, or <strong>committee chairs</strong> about committee activities.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Federal government cabinet ministers may also be invited to answer questions related to their ministerial responsibilities.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a rel="noopener" href="https://youtu.be/fpU0pjGEp1M?si=56lR-rM8zwIlgREE" target="_blank" data-anchor="?si=56lR-rM8zwIlgREE">Video</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-12"> <div > <hr /> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-3"> <div > <h4 id="royal-assent" style="text-align: left;"><strong>Royal Assent</strong></h4> </div> </div> <div class="col-md-9"> <div > <p style="text-align: left;">Once passed by the Senate and the House of Commons in identical form, <strong>a bill becomes law</strong> when the King or a deputy <strong>gives royal assent</strong> in the King’s name.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">This takes place during a <strong>ceremony</strong> in the Senate Chamber, or through a <strong>written declaration</strong> that is communicated to both Houses of Parliament.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a rel="noopener" href="https://youtu.be/6oE4Wgm4rDQ?si=mx9Iz-cx4Pt8oXwl" target="_blank" data-anchor="?si=mx9Iz-cx4Pt8oXwl">Video</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-12"> <div > <hr /> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-3"> <div > <h4 id="second-reading" style="text-align: left;"><strong>Second Reading</strong></h4> </div> </div> <div class="col-md-9"> <div > <p style="text-align: left;">Bills must be <strong>read three times in the Senate</strong> to become<strong> law</strong>.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">At second reading, senators <strong>debate the principle</strong> of the bill, but <strong>no amendments</strong> can be proposed. If a bill passes second reading, it usually <strong>goes to committee for further study</strong>.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a rel="noopener" href="https://youtu.be/HqJUfs3XDT4?si=P4JtiLnwmU3FAYS6" target="_blank" data-anchor="?si=P4JtiLnwmU3FAYS6">Video</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-12"> <div > <hr /> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-3"> <div > <h4 id="senate-public-bills" style="text-align: left;"><strong>Senate Public Bills</strong></h4> </div> </div> <div class="col-md-9"> <div > <p style="text-align: left;">Senators can <strong>introduce their own bills</strong> on subjects that are important to the people they represent.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Senate public bills can have an <strong>easier time</strong> going through the legislative process than House of Commons private member’s bills. This makes it simpler for individual senators to introduce laws to <strong>help improve Canadians’ lives</strong>.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a rel="noopener" href="https://youtu.be/k6GEiq--zac?si=49PFwx15gG8ReEL_" target="_blank" data-anchor="?si=49PFwx15gG8ReEL_">Video</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-12"> <div > <hr /> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-3"> <div > <h4 id="senators-statements" style="text-align: left;"><strong>Senators’ Statements</strong></h4> </div> </div> <div class="col-md-9"> <div > <p style="text-align: left;">For 15 minutes at the beginning of each sitting day, senators make <strong>remarks on matters of public interest</strong> that are <strong>not on the current Senate agenda</strong>.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">These statements can highlight community events, the accomplishments of someone in the senator’s region or an issue that is important to them.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a rel="noopener" href="https://youtu.be/uXZPtvdW1BI?si=imG36UjGxOmiDrxh" target="_blank" data-anchor="?si=imG36UjGxOmiDrxh">Video</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-12"> <div > <hr /> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-3"> <div > <h4 id="stand" style="text-align: left;"><strong>Stand</strong></h4> </div> </div> <div class="col-md-9"> <div > <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Every item </strong>on the <em>Order Paper</em> and <em>Notice Paper</em> is called during a typical sitting of the Senate; generally, any senator can engage in debate without notice when the item is called.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>If no senator wishes to speak</strong> about a given item, the word “stand” is called out. If there is no objection, the next item of business is then called.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a rel="noopener" href="https://youtu.be/4Ll2pfG8fUA?si=MxhS6-zUwIeVXuIs" target="_blank" data-anchor="?si=MxhS6-zUwIeVXuIs">Video</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-12"> <div > <hr /> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-3"> <div > <h4 id="standing-votes" style="text-align: left;"><strong>Standing Votes</strong></h4> </div> </div> <div class="col-md-9"> <div > <p style="text-align: left;">At the start of a standing vote, senators who are voting <strong>yes</strong> stand to show their support and their names are read out.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Senators voting <strong>no </strong>then rise, followed by senators who wish to <strong>abstain</strong>.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">The Speaker then announces whether the question has been <strong>adopted</strong> or <strong>defeated</strong>. A tie vote means the question is defeated.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a rel="noopener" href="https://youtu.be/Hrl9Q7v4ogo?si=6JMdkWnJ-qlW1DXI" target="_blank" data-anchor="?si=6JMdkWnJ-qlW1DXI">Video</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-12"> <div > <hr /> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-3"> <div > <h4 id="the-speaker-oof-the-senate" style="text-align: left;"><strong>The Speaker of the Senate</strong></h4> </div> </div> <div class="col-md-9"> <div > <p>In any legislative chamber, a presiding officer is required to facilitate the conduct of business and maintain order. This is done through the administration of the chamber’s rules and practices. In the Senate, the Speaker is responsible for guiding proceedings and preserving order and decorum during sittings.</p> <p>One of the Speaker’s key responsibilities is presiding over debate in the Senate. A senator wishing to speak must be recognized by the Speaker. The Speaker also has the duty to ensure that every senator who wishes to speak in a debate or adjourn the debate has the opportunity to do so before the right of final reply is exercised or the question put.</p> <p>The Speaker has a deliberative vote and may vote on all questions before the Senate. When the Speaker chooses to vote in favour or against a motion, he or she does so before the names of the other senators voting the same way are called out. In no case can the Speaker break a tie vote.</p> <p>The Speaker of the Senate is appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister.</p> <p>Source: <a href="https://sencanada.ca/en/about/procedural-references/notes/n9/">Procedural Note No. 9</a></p> <p><a rel="noopener" href="https://youtu.be/G4zEwOXRkyA?si=cC_XFYwl-TT5EV6Q" target="_blank" data-anchor="?si=cC_XFYwl-TT5EV6Q">Video</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-12"> <div > <hr /> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-3"> <div > <h4 id="third-reading" style="text-align: left;"><strong>Third Reading</strong></h4> </div> </div> <div class="col-md-9"> <div > <p style="text-align: left;">Bills must be <strong>read three times in the Senate</strong> to become<strong> law</strong>.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">At third reading, senators <strong>debate the bill</strong> and <strong>propose amendments</strong>. Once adopted, it goes to the House of Commons. If the House has already passed the bill, it can receive Royal Assent and become law.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a rel="noopener" href="https://youtu.be/ue8h1H3_G_0?si=a5402ZKuy8vUmbtG" target="_blank" data-anchor="?si=a5402ZKuy8vUmbtG">Video</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-12"> <div > <hr /> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-3"> <div > <h4 id="time-allocation" style="text-align: left;"><strong>Time allocation</strong></h4> </div> </div> <div class="col-md-9"> <div > <p>Time allocation establishes a limit on the time for debate on an item of Government Business. <strong>Only the government can propose time allocation, and only for its own business.</strong></p> <p><strong>Time allocation does not bring debate to an immediate close</strong>; rather it provides a means for the government to propose to the Senate that a decision be taken on a particular stage of an item of its business within a determined period of time. <strong>Time allocation is primarily used to limit time spent on government bills</strong>, although it can also be applied to motions and other items of Government Business on the Order Paper.</p> <p>Source: <a href="https://sencanada.ca/en/about/procedural-references/notes/n7/">Procedural Note No. 7</a></p> <p><a rel="noopener" href="https://youtu.be/GAaCiFS-Wkw?si=-NkaBMoKBazPO-RN" target="_blank" data-anchor="?si=-NkaBMoKBazPO-RN">Video</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-12"> <div > <hr /> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-3"> <div > <h4 id="voice-votes" style="text-align: left;"><strong>Voice Votes</strong></h4> </div> </div> <div class="col-md-9"> <div > <p style="text-align: left;">When senators are ready to vote on a question, the Speaker asks those in favour to say <strong>“Yea!”</strong> and those opposed to say <strong>“Nay!” </strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;">The Speaker decides which side has the <strong>most support</strong>. But if two senators <strong>rise</strong>, a standing vote will take place, where senators vote <strong>one by one</strong>.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a rel="noopener" href="https://youtu.be/VFs1Y_AfUM8?si=USNu6iCuhIIvMRf0" target="_blank" data-anchor="?si=USNu6iCuhIIvMRf0">Video</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-12"> <div > <hr /> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-3"> <div > <h4 id="bill-committee" style="text-align: left;"><strong>What happens when a bill goes to committee?</strong></h4> </div> </div> <div class="col-md-9"> <div > <p>A bill goes to committee so it can be <strong>carefully studied by a small group of senators</strong> who make sure they understand exactly what the bill will do.</p> <p>If they think it can be improved — or if they find mistakes — <strong>they can propose amendments to change the bill.</strong></p> <p>As people of accomplishment, senators use their own expertise to assess bills. But they also have help from people called <strong>witnesses, who are generally experts or people who stand to be affected by the bill.</strong></p> <p><strong>What are witnesses doing?</strong></p> <p><strong>Witnesses attend committee meetings, make presentations and answer senators’ questions.</strong> Witnesses can also submit written materials, called briefs.</p> <p>Once the committee has gathered its evidence, <strong>it reviews every line of the bill in what’s called clause-by-clause study.</strong> Committee members can propose amendments at this stage.</p> <p>The committee then prepares a report on the bill that sets out any amendments it has made, <strong>any observations the committee might want to include, or that simply says the committee is making no changes to the bill.</strong></p> <p>(The committee can also recommend that the bill not be proceeded with, <strong>but this is rare</strong>.)</p> <p>Finally, the report goes to the Senate for a vote. <strong>If it is adopted, debate at third reading can begin. If it is rejected, the bill is defeated.</strong> But if the report contains amendments and is voted down in the Senate, the bill simply proceeds to debate at third reading without the committee’s amendments.</p> <p><a rel="noopener" href="https://youtu.be/V0XBl8VAJHg?si=md_undqU09Qmb4xy" target="_blank" data-anchor="?si=md_undqU09Qmb4xy">Video</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div > <div class="container"> <div class="row clearfix"> <div class="col-md-12"> <div > <hr /> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <a href="#top" id="backtotop" class="hide"> <i class="far fa-arrow-alt-circle-up" style="text-decoration:none;" aria-hidden="true"></i> <span class="sr-only">Back to top</span> </a> </main> <footer class="sc-footer"> <div class="sc-footer-banner" style="background-image: url('/media/1exjpeuy/senate-footer.jpg?width=1080&quality=95'); background-image: -webkit-image-set(url('/media/1exjpeuy/senate-footer.jpg?width=1080&quality=95') 1x); "> <div 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The Senate Explained