legislation

In my role as CEO of Dying With Dignity, I take pride in advocating for end-of-life rights and have learned that Canadians overwhelmingly back MAID

A ban on plastic bags, Inuktut language classes, edible marijuana rules and more

How to properly convey the greatness of your own legislation

Conservative MP Peter Goldring has resigned from the Conservative caucus after being charged for refusing a breathalyzer test this weekend.

The omnibus crime bill is apparently being rushed through the House too fast for the Public Safety Minister.

Peter Van Loan complains that the opposition parties continue to oppose the Harper government’s agenda and explains his general approach to House debate.

The Conservatives have invoked time allocation on C-19, the bill that eliminates the long-gun registry. Of the ten government bills debated in the House since Parliament reconvened in June, the Harper government has now invoked time allocation on five of them: C-3 (budget implementation), C-10 (the omnibus crime bill), C-13 (budget implementation), C-18 (Canadian Wheat Board) and C-19.

On the occasion of the government’s decision to limit debate on its omnibus crime legislation, astute commenter Thwim digs up a point of order raised by a young Stephen Harper in response to an omnibus bill proposed by the Liberal government of the day in 1994.

The Canadian Press, CBC and CTV preview the fall sitting. I’ll have my own scene-setter in the next print edition. In short, it promises to be a busy few months.

Welcome to the Bull Meter, where we fact-check dubious claims

As Ned Franks notes, Parliament’s 119-day sitting last year was in line with a steady decline that goes back decades—see my numbers here and Prof. Franks’ numbers here. At the time of the last prorogation, Parliament was due to sit for 136 days in 2010. If the government sticks to the current schedule for 2011, it will sit for 134 days.

Our web team helpfully translates Le Devoir’s review of the legislative year.