Manitoba Stronger Together
Monitoring Government Bills (Federal)
Follow Federal Laws Before They Become Reality
Every session of Canada’s Parliament introduces dozens — sometimes hundreds — of bills. Many of these have the power to reshape your finances, freedoms, and future. By tracking federal legislation in real time, you can respond early, speak out when it counts, and help others do the same.
Section One
What Is a Federal Bill?
A bill is a proposal for a new law or a change to an existing one. At the federal level, these are introduced and debated in the House of Commons and Senate in Ottawa.
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There are several types:
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Government bills (introduced by Cabinet ministers)
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Private Members’ bills (introduced by individual MPs)
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Senate bills (less common but influential)
Once passed, a bill becomes binding law across all provinces and territories.
Section Two
Where to Track Federal Legislation
The Canadian government provides tools to monitor bills in real time:
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OurCommons.ca — Track House of Commons business
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LEGIInfo — View bill summaries, status, votes, and sponsor details
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OpenParliament.ca — A user-friendly third-party tracker with MP voting history
You can:
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Search bills by topic (e.g., firearms, health, censorship)
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View progress (1st Reading → Royal Assent)
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Read full texts and summaries
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See who supports or opposes the bill
Section Three
When to Get Involved
Early involvement = maximum impact.
Key moments to take action:
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Before Second Reading: Voice your concerns or support to your MP
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Committee Stage: Submit written input or support expert testimony
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Public Debate: Raise awareness through blog posts, town halls, or advocacy
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Final Votes: Pressure MPs for accountability
Section Four
How to Take Action
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Once you’re tracking a bill:
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Email or call your MP with clear concerns
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Ask for a town hall or local discussion
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Work with others to coordinate responses
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Share simplified bill summaries with your network
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Encourage respectful civic engagement, not reactionary panic
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Many MPs report that 10–15 well-written letters from constituents are enough to raise an internal party conversation.
Section Five
Final Takeaway
Federal laws often pass with minimal public awareness — until it's too late. When you monitor what’s coming down the pipeline, you don’t just react. You influence. Stay alert. Stay engaged. Stay ahead.