1. How a Bill Becomes a Law By Kungpowcow Image Courtesy: http://library.law.emory.edu/uploads/pics/bill_cartoon.jpg

2. House of Commons

3. First Reading Printed copies of bill are made available for the first time. There is no debate or vote.

4. Second Reading Debate and vote on the principle of the bill. Does the bill serve the interests of Canadians?

5. Committee Stage Detailed study of the bill. The committee issues a report with a recommendation that the House or Senate usually accepts.

6. Report Stage Debate and vote on amendments (changes) to bill.

7. Third Reading Debate and vote on the final form of the bill.

8. Senate Bill goes through the same steps in the Senate. If the bill makes it through the Senate it goes through to the House of Commons. Image Courtesy: http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrio/3242782132/

9. The House of Commons and Senate The House of Commons and the Senate send the bill to the Royal Assent. Image courtesy: http://www.flickr.com/photos/loneprimate/862704772/

10. Royal assent Bill becomes law after the Governor General gives Royal assent. This is a formality.