Reading Time: 4 minutes Disponible en français. In today’s complex world, the blurred lines between domestic and foreign policy regularly draw Canadian parliamentarians onto the world stage. Increasingly, they speak directly with their international counterparts on issues of global and national importance. In Canada,… Read More ›
Reading Time: 3 minutes Disponible en français. One of Parliament’s fundamental roles is to review and approve the government’s taxation and spending plans. To fulfill this role, parliamentarians follow the parliamentary financial cycle, which consists of a continuous loop of activities that take place… Read More ›
Reading Time: < 1 minute Disponible en français. Officers of Parliament support both houses in their accountability and scrutiny functions by carrying out independent oversight responsibilities assigned to them by statute. These officers are responsible directly to Parliament rather than to the government or a… Read More ›
Reading Time: < 1 minute Disponible en français. Canada’s founding document, the Constitution Act, 1867, established the country as a parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy. Executive authority resides with the Sovereign or that person’s representative (i.e., the Governor General of Canada). The Constitution assigns the Governor General a wide range… Read More ›
Reading Time: 2 minutes (Disponible en français : Résumé – Les langues officielles et le Parlement) In the Canadian parliamentary context, English and French enjoy equality of status and use. In fact, there are a number of constitutional and legislative provisions governing the use… Read More ›
Reading Time: 4 minutes 14 July 2020, 9:30 a.m. (Disponible en français : La diplomatie parlementaire pendant la pandémie de COVID-19) The COVID-19 pandemic is posing challenges for dialogue and cooperation among the world’s legislators. Nevertheless, Canada’s federal parliamentarians are continuing with their parliamentary… Read More ›
Reading Time: 5 minutes Revised on 5 June 2020, 9:35 a.m. Any substantive changes in this HillNote that have been made since the preceding issue are indicated in bold print. (Disponible en français : Continuité du système de gouvernement du Canada en temps de… Read More ›
Reading Time: 4 minutes (Disponible en français : Vous sentez-vous prêts à légiférer?) Government legislation often overshadows the important role played by individual members of Parliament and senators in proposing laws. Since 1910, 278 bills sponsored by MPs and senators have been passed by… Read More ›
Reading Time: 4 minutes (Disponible en français : Le Parlement et les tribunaux : l’équilibre des rôles) The role of judges and the courts in the evolution of Canadian law must be examined in the Canadian federal and constitutional context. It is closely linked… Read More ›