COVID-19 Response Act Receives Royal Assent

Summary#

On Wednesday, March 25, 2020, An Act respecting certain measures in response to COVID-19 (Bill C-13, chapter 5, 2020) received Royal Assent. The Canada Gazette notice records that assent was given by written declaration and that both Houses of Parliament were informed the same day.

What it does#

• Records that An Act respecting certain measures in response to COVID-19 (Bill C-13, chapter 5, 2020) received Royal Assent by written declaration under the Royal Assent Act, S.C. 2002, c. 15.
• States that the Senate and the House of Commons were notified of the written declaration on Wednesday, March 25, 2020.
• Notes, separately, that Standing Order 130 (about notices for intended private bills) was published earlier on November 30, 2019.

Who's affected#

• People, businesses, organizations, and governments covered by the provisions of An Act respecting certain measures in response to COVID-19 (Bill C-13, chapter 5, 2020). The Gazette notice does not list the Act’s specific measures.
• The Senate and the House of Commons are named because they were formally notified of the assent.
• If you want to know exactly which programs, payments, or rules changed, you will need to read the full text of the Act or follow departmental announcements.

Why it matters#

• Royal Assent is the final formal step for a federal bill to become an Act. This notice shows the federal government enacted a law aimed at measures linked to COVID‑19 on March 25, 2020.
• That law may change supports, rules, or procedures that affect people and businesses during the pandemic. The Gazette entry itself does not describe those changes, so check the Act’s text or government summaries to see how it might affect you.