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Plain-language definitions of the terms used across PolitiKit.

First reading
The formal introduction of a bill. There is no debate on its content. The bill is simply put before the chamber and printed.
Second reading
Members debate the bill's main idea (its principle) and vote on whether it should go further. If it passes, the bill goes to committee.
Committee stage
A smaller group of MPs or senators studies the bill in detail, often hears from experts and the public, and can propose changes clause by clause.
Report stage
After committee, the whole chamber looks at any changes the committee made, and members can propose more amendments.
Third reading
The final debate and vote on the bill, as amended, in a chamber. If it passes, the bill moves to the other chamber or to royal assent.
Royal assent
The final step. The Governor General, or a deputy, signs a bill that has passed both chambers, and it becomes law. It may take effect right away or on a later date set in the bill.
Coming into force
The date a law actually takes effect. It can be the day of royal assent, a fixed date, or a date the government sets later by order.
Government bill
A bill introduced by a cabinet minister, usually to carry out the government's policy. Government bills get priority in House time.
Private member's bill
A bill introduced by an MP who isn't a cabinet minister. Few become law, because government bills take most of the House's time.
Order of Precedence
The ranked list of private members' bills eligible for debate in the House. Bills get a place by random draw. Bills outside the Order of Precedence are still waiting for a spot.
Senate public bill
A bill introduced in the Senate by a senator who isn't representing the government.
Pro forma bill
A placeholder bill (such as C-1 and S-1) introduced at the start of a session to assert Parliament's right to run its own business before it deals with the Speech from the Throne. It is never debated.
Omnibus bill
A very large bill that changes many laws at once, often on different subjects.
Recorded vote (division)
A vote where each member's yes or no is counted and published. Paired members agree not to vote so that their absences cancel each other out.
Confidence vote
A vote the government must win to stay in power. Losing one can lead to an election.
Prorogation
The end of a session of Parliament without an election. Bills that haven't passed generally die and must be reintroduced.
Dissolution
The formal end of a Parliament, which triggers a federal election.
Died on the Order Paper
A bill that never finished before the session ended, so it stopped moving.